Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, A few things to think about: There are currently around 1,600,000 nonprofits The IRS estimates another 40,000 nonprofits are emerging each year Which means you’ve got some competition.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, According to the consulting firm, Boose Allen, there are approximately 1.3 million unfilled board positions at any one time in the US.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, What is keeping your board and staff up at night? You will need to recruit your members accordingly.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Why would someone want to serve on your board if they did not have a child in your center?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Do you need or want a diverse board? Pros:________________ ___________________ Cons:_______________ ____________________

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, How are you going to define diversity?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, What would a truly diverse board look like?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Write out a board grid

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Name Area of Expertise Parent Educator Psychology/MSW Pediatrician Accounting Investments Fundraising Govt. Regulations Law Marketing Personnel Strategic Planning Public Relations Real Estate Entrepreneur Digital technology relative Full time volunteer Other Age: Under 35 From From Over 65 Gender Male Female Race/Ethnic Asian African American Hispanic Caucasian Native American Other

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Board Commitment Letter Attendance policy Financial expectations (donation, meals, travel etc. Who pays?) Committee assignment Role in special events Educational opportunities and expectations Send two copies, one for board member, one for office

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, The Generational Divide: Greatest Generation: Born Silent Generation: Born Baby Boomers: Born Gen X: Born Born

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Recruiting the Under 35 Board Member: What do they need to say yes? (These are the parents of your kidos)

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Brain storm to create a strategy to find folks who are different than you. Do your research!

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, What is the gender and ethnic split of you organization? Do you have a variety of life stages represented? What would this look like?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, A few places to look for great board members … The society pages The Business Journal Human resource directors The Army Times At special events In your news letter on on-line with very specific requirements

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, More places to look for folks Focus groups Children of current members Internal publications Organizational websites Social networking tools

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Possible Routes onto the Board Serve as an advisor Work on a special project Join a board committee Remember, some folks are happier staying on committees

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Do Not tell the “Big Lie” Hint: It is not the check is in the mail or you can wear this bridesmaid’ s dress again!

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, When you interview a potential board member, lead with their skills and your opportunities.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Be honest about the state of your organization. If you’ve had problems, remember, some people actually like to do turnarounds!

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, The purpose of orientation: For the new member to know the organization For the organization to know the new member To discover how to work effectively together To clarify roles and responsibilities

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, A Lofty Goal: I challenge you to develop an orientation program that is so interesting, so engaging and so powerful that current board members want to come and that once someone has been through it, wants to bring their family and friends!

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Board Orientation Should Include: A warm welcome A mission moment the leads to a story to tell Good food (even if just a snack) A sincere interest in getting to know the new members A glossary of terms (nobody loves acronyms more than credit unions with the possible exception of the Army.) An introduction to key leaders

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Questions to ask new members (even if asked during the interview process) What boards have you served on before? What did you like about your previous service? Dislike? What experience do you have with arthritis? Tell us about your time challenges/availability. What skills would you like to share with our organization?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Board manual for the the board should include (if available): By-lawsOrganization Chart Strategic planBoard job descriptions Annual calendarGlossary of terms Certified auditFundraising Plan Annual report List of board members Newsletters (highlight how people prefer to be contacted i.e. which , phone etc)

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Many people do not perceive a room full of strangers as a great social opportunity

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Assign a Board Mentor Call in advance of meeting to welcome Offer ride to meeting Introduce new member Sit together in meeting

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Additional Mentor Responsibilities: 1. Call after second meeting to ask if the organization is a good fit and if the new trustee has any questions. 2. Call at 6 months to ask if the new person is being used effectively. 3. Call at 10 months to ask what the new board member would like to tackle the next year.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, What happens if someone does something she promised to do? What happens if she doesn’t?

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, Find ways to model caring behavior at the board level, or as we said in the sixties, walk your talk.

Carol Weisman, MSW, CSP, You can sign up for Carol’s free e-zine that includes tips on: Governance, Fundraising Philanthropy Volunteerism And marketing your nonprofit at