Three years ago, I
yearned to be involved with an organization that helped homeless children.
After attending a local non-profit fundraising event I was approached by a
friend involved with the program at Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids). She asked if I had ever considered being a
board member at a non-profit. Her invitation initiated some questions,
including: what was involved, what time requirements were needed, and most of
all, was it something I would be interested in?
With those questions
in mind, I was clued into the roles and responsibilities of board membership
during an informal interview disguised as a discussion. As we talked, I learned
that board members work towards the mission of the non-profit and focus on tasks
to keep the non-profit running smoothly. They usually establish fundraising
goals and work to communicate the mission of the non-profit while using
networking connections within the community to help the non-profit flourish.
So what makes
someone a good board member? The basic tenant is to have a true commitment to
the non-profit you are considering. Being involved with an organization whose
mission is allied with your own beliefs and inspires you should be a priority.
Additionally, are you willing to roll up your sleeves and do some work? Think
quality over quantity. My friend did not specify devoting 40 hours a week, but
instead mentioned smaller chunks of time: ten minutes typing a letter, an hour
conversing with a sponsor, an evening attending an event and advocating for
your non-profit. All of these actions
would benefit the non-profit in various ways, yet would require little amounts
of time.
That initial
discussion led to a formal invitation, and I decided to become a board member
for CLNKids. It has brought amazing gifts into my life. CLNkids is a non-profit
dedicated to end childhood homelessness for children aged 5 weeks to 5 years
and their families. It inspires me daily to be active within my community. Some of my board member events have included
Christmas events where families and children who normally would not have a
Christmas would have an opportunity to celebrate. I have also had an
opportunity to speak at a national level about homelessness and its
far-reaching effects. I have helped
families off the streets and into sustainable housing. With that effort,
greater responsibility and opportunities have been presented to me. After gaining experience and learning various
board roles and responsibilities I am now the Board President. Together with
the board, I created a strategic plan, and have helped to revise the board
membership recruiting process, roles, and responsibilities in order to connect
with the kind of leaders that CLNKids needs to be continue to be
effective. We strive to build key
partnerships within the community.
At the end of the
day, joining a board and being an active participant is an amazing life
changer. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take one more step to
being involved in their community. So
seize the opportunity! Reach out to your
favorite non-profit or ask a friend. Be the positive change within your
community today.
