Serving on a non-profit board?

Question

I'm interested in serving on non-profit boards. I have a great deal of volunteer experience, but I just started working full-time. I have a post-graduate degree. It's a great way to use the skills I have while networking and gaining new experience. The organizations I volunteer for already are... bureaucratic and their board members are all significantly older with more experience and major donors. They include health and advocacy groups. I know they value my time and effort, but they've brushed off my inquiries.

How do I go about achieving this goal?

Answer 1

Seek out organizations that are looking to diversify their boards. When I was a volunteer in high school, I was asked to join a the board of a local chapter of a national organization.
Then, as a college student I was asked to remain on the board as a consensus grew that "Youth on Board" was a positive thing.
If you have contributed to these organizations, and have a good rapport with the directors and other board members, continue to ask how you can become a part of the board.
You don't need to be a huge donor or a big businessperson- but you do need to bring something to the table. As a student both in high school and college, I was the board's connection to an otherwise disconnected volunteer base. I was active in the student organizations of both my high school and college and was able to mobilize student volunteers when needed.
Realize that a board serves a vital function for non-profits and it's not always easy to add or replace people, so be patient.

Answer 2

Volunteer in some other capacity for an organization first. Make sure before you join a Board that you fully understand what is expected of you-- a lot of people aren't prepared for the time and financial costs of being on a board, not to mention unforseen politics. I don't discourage you from getting involved, just don't let yourself get blindsided.

In terms of "selling yourself" to a Board, you need to think about and be able to communicate what you uniquely can offer to them. Think of it as applying for any other job-- you have to convince them that you can provide a service towards a need that no one else is currently fulfilling.

Answer 3

Sorry, but do you want to be on the board to help the organization advance its mission, or to benefit yourself? Most nonprofits want board members who can contribute financially to the organization as well as work to advance the organization through social and personal networking.

However, many nonprofits are actively seeking younger board members to diversify and energize their board, so if you are still motivated to join one, the best way to get on a board is to be recommended by another board member.

Answer 4

You need to apply to non-profit boards that may be outside of your area but not as competitive. Once you have the experience it will be easier to obtain your goal.