Is your organization having trouble attracting volunteers to your board?
Volunteering in the United States dates back to the early 1700s. During the 1960s, the country saw a significant increase in volunteering, mainly due to the rise in people’s ability to travel and John F. Kennedy’s introduction of the Peace Corps. By 2023, studies show nearly 63 million Americans formerly volunteer. According to the CreativeVolunteer website, “… in recent years, volunteering has essentially become a national pastime.” But attracting those volunteers isn’t always straightforward.
Where are they, and how do we engage them at the Board level?
The first step in attracting members to your board is comprehending HOW individuals wish to contribute. For instance, most Baby Boomers, born in the mid-1940s to 1960s, grew up, started their careers, and volunteered. This generation seemed to be in it for the long term. They became board members and dedicated themselves to making long-lasting and significant changes. Now, they are approaching or have retired, and research shows that to recruit this group, they must value your mission and purpose. On the flip side, millennials, born from 1981 to 1996, are more inclined toward helping people and peer-driven issues rather than organizations or institutions, notes the volunteer technology company Volgistics. They prefer hands-on projects, wanting to see their contributions making an immediate difference. This generation is more likely to participate if their employers offer paid time off for volunteering or pro-bono services.
The saying goes: “A little effort goes a long way,” which rings true for building a board of directors for your nonprofit organization. Tips for securing strong board members:
- Have a solid “Before Recruitment” Action plan:
Your “before recruitment” is critical to securing an effective board. Your plan should include a clearly defined purpose for the organization and the role of board members. We also highly recommend that organizations take the time to identify their board’s current strengths and skills or knowledge that are needed. Another critical factor today is recruiting members of diverse backgrounds, including those you serve.
- During the Recruitment Period:
Know who your candidates are, what their interests and abilities are, and what their available time is. Have them meet with your Executive Director, visit the facility, and meet the staff. Interview your candidates to learn more about their experiences, commitment, and alignment with your mission.
- Onboarding and Orientation:
Building a strong, effective, and sustainable board takes time and energy. An onboarding plan and orientation manual clearly define expectations critical to recruiting and maintaining board members.
We also encourage you to explore new and innovative ways to engage board members by thinking creatively. Could you offer shorter board terms? Are there systems that your organization could adopt to streamline communication? Are you taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of your volunteer board members?
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Creative Solutions for Nonprofits can help your organization develop a system for attracting and retaining new board members so you can get back to work on delivering your mission.