board members at a meetingIn general, most board members of not-for-profit organisations are volunteers. They come from different backgrounds and all walks of life. So each new board member brings a very diverse set of experiences and skills to the table. While each individual has enthusiasm and unique talents to offer the board, many times these benefits go unused because most members have no idea what is expected of them when they join the board.

You can unlock the full potential of what each of your new members has to offer your board by making it easy for them to understand what it required of those that serve on the board. A simple presentation of what is expected of board members can help increase the effectiveness of your board by bringing new members up to speed and ensuring that everyone on the board is on the same page.

Offer a short training at the start of each new member’s term or during your board’s annual planning session. This way you will eliminate any confusion or potential misunderstandings as each board member will have a better understanding of their role and the expectations that come with it.

Basic Expectations for Board Members

Each non-profit will have specific needs and requirements based on the needs of the organisation. Some have additional legal and regulatory requirements for their board members as well.

Despite differences in needs and guidelines, most boards share at least a few of the following requirements for their members:

  • Members should act as an advocate for the board as well as for the non-profit’s service mission and goals. Board members should be willing to assist the non-profit in its efforts to recruit volunteers, as well as donors, via their personal contacts, and they should work to strengthen the organisation’s ties to its community.
  • Members should stay up-to-date on their non-profit’s mission and goals. They should regularly attend board and committee meetings and prepare for them in advance by reviewing materials such as handouts, reports and records.
  • Each member should strive to be an active participant at meetings and be willing to donate time to specific tasks. This is especially true for areas where the member has practical experience and special expertise that could benefit the board and help them achieve their objectives. Members should also be willing to serve on committees and assume leadership roles.
  • Members should show respect for other members of the board. They should cooperate with one another and respect the board’s leadership so that they can complete their work and achieve the board’s goals and obligations.
  • Board members should also be available to take an active role and assist with donations and fundraising drives as well as other activities that benefit the non-profit. 

While serving on a board is a wonderful opportunity to help others, learn new skills, and network with others who share the same interests, it can also be challenging and demanding as well as rewarding. If a board member doesn’t feel that they can fulfil their duties and responsibilities then of course they should be willing to step down for both their own sake as well as the sake of the board and the organisation which it leads.