Identifying and engaging board members that are a strong match for your organization's needs is a continuous process and not at all like engaging any other type of volunteer. Recruitment is only the first step and must be followed by solid orientation in order to retain those board members for the long term.
Find & Keep Great Board Members
Recruitment
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Joining A Board
This is a checklist of some of the questions you can ask yourself and the prospective organization to guide you as you assess whether a particular board role is right for you.
Board Member Recruitment
This handout outlines a sample board recruitment process that you can adapt for your needs.
Questions for Recruiting the Right Board Members
Utilize this cheat sheet of pertinent questions to ask when talking with potential board members.
Board Member Referral Sheet
Make it easy for your board members to suggest new board members with this simple form.
Board Member Profile Worksheet
Use this grid to give you a visual picture of the current composition of your board, and identify the skill sets you already have prior to beginning your recruitment
How Can I Find Good Board Members
This handout provides some ideas for developing your board recruitment program.
Orientation
Board Orientation Plan
Develop your own written strategy for what information will be delivered to new board members, using what method and who will be responsible.
Board Member Agreement Template
Outline the responsibilities of new board members and what they can expect from the organization.
Conflict of Interest Sample Policy
This sample conflict of interest policy can be adapted to create your own.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
Use this form yearly to remind board and staff to disclose any possible conflicts of interest.
Board Member Expectations Form
Board Member expectations should be reviewed at orientation by having a clear list.
Retention
Exit Questions for Outgoing Board Members
The opportunity to learn and improve is just as present when interviewing an outgoing board member as it is for an employee, with an additional added benefit – the chance to keep this individual connected to the organization as a supporter and donor.
Recognizing Board Engagement
Often the greatest motivator of future accomplishments is recognition of recent ones. You can use this knowledge as a behavioral tool to increase engagement from your volunteer board members.
