I was recently asked by a young attorney, age 25, to meet and talk with him about first-time volunteerism. His law firm encourages nonprofit board participation. As he was someone who has never served on a board, I was expecting a variety of questions from him. I love to mentor and especially enjoy talking to a different generation about serving institutions. It is very important that all of us share our ideas and experiences with others.
The attorney asked several important questions, including:
- Do I have to make a mandatory $5,000 or more annual gift?
- What is expected of me with respect to time of service per month?
- What are the functions expected of me as a board member?
- What type of board should I serve on at first?
- Should I expect to serve on a board that doesn’t have term limits?
It was apparent to me that I had to start at Board Service 101. I asked him what his personal passion was in life. While I knew he understood the concept of time, talent and treasure, he needed to focus on service where he would maximize his engagement. I knew he loved sports — especially iron man races. He worked out all of the time. We talked about organizations that were sports-related and served younger populations of those in need.
I connected him with a community leader in the sports arena. He and I previously served on a new foundation as volunteers. No one knows more about board opportunities in the sports realm than my connection.
As the attorney also asked how many boards he should serve on, I told him less is more. I know his wonderful parents, and I am certain he will have a long and positive career as a community volunteer.
The moral of this story is simple. We need younger and engaged volunteers on nonprofit organization boards. Many boards do not have or enforce term limits, and the average age of many board members is over 50. It is important that boards have volunteers with a balance of various attributes in order for the board to be dynamic in scope. Nonprofits serve a wide range of constituents.
Every board member has a responsibility to own total engagement in the organization he or she serves. I am certain positive board involvement is a product of proper recruitment, orientation, training, clear expectations and written job descriptions. Each new member should also have a board mentor for at least the first year of service.
I wish my young attorney friend well in his quest to serve on his first board. His desire for service truly sets an example for others to follow. I challenge other young professionals to do the same. Speaking on behalf of nonprofits everywhere, we need you and others like you!
