How to Diversify your Board By Ben Echevarria

Why do you want to diversify? Add new blood Adds specialize talents Ensures mission continues Helps fill gaps

Our Story What the Board looked like 8 years ago 5 out of 12 Directors were minorities (Maude is included here) Out of those 5 only 2 were active on the board 7 members were white 4 were college professors 1 was a founder of the organization

Today At the start of the board year in Nov. 2014 we had 12 directors 6 are minorities and 6 whites In January 1 Director passed away 1 retired 1 inactive 3 people have 7 or more years on the board

We realized we needed things to change

Steps we took Made a Commitment to Diversify Evaluated the board Came up with a plan for recruitment Made a commitment to have people from various experiences Made a commitment to training Reassess the board to make changes, and recommendations.

Made a Commitment to Diversify Strategic plan Strategic Direction #1. Create an immigrant-led organization (ED, BP,BDC) Strategic Direction #2. Incorporate leadership development and civic engagement/organizing into all programs and activities. (ED) Strategic Direction #3. Take the lead in building and strengthening partnerships with other immigrant involved organizations (ED)

Strategic plan Strategic Direction #4. Promote the academic success of youth from immigrant families (ED & Youth Coordinator) Strategic Direction #5. Continue to develop an infrastructure and resources to further build the capacity of The Welcome Project (ED, FC, EC, BP)

Commitment to Diversity Strategic goals 1 & 5 drives us to make changes We made people responsible for our directions BP= Board President ED= Executive Director BDC= Board Development Committee FC= Fundraising Committee

Evaluate the Board Define board diversity What is important to your organization (values) What specific skills and expertise do you think donors and grantors want on your board? What specific expertise and skills does the board want to have? Make a list of them all

Evaluate the Board What are the areas you currently have by: Occupation Race Skills Expertise How do you figure out needs? Voting process Top ones win top priorities

Recruitment strategies Where do you find people? Ask Board members Volunteers? Websites Community leaders Colleges and Universities Social Networks