Bringing new people on to a nonprofit organization’s board is, if done well, a lot of work. Identifying people with the right skills who have a passion for your mission can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Once a potential new board member has been identified, most organizations then struggle with the delicate and often awkward process of actually talking with the candidate. It can feel a little bit like a blind date.
Step-by-Step Plan to Recruit Potential Board Members
Below you will find a step-by-step process that can make this final leg of recruiting new board members a clear, confusion-free, and dare-I-say, relaxed conversation.
1. Invite potential board members to lunch.
Once a potential new board member has been identified, two representatives of your organization should invite them to coffee or lunch to discuss their candidacy. The two representatives of your organization should be either a member of the Nominating Committee and the CEO or the Director of Development OR two members of the Nominating Committee.
2. Exchange information with the potential board member.
During the meeting, your organization’s representatives should:
- Ask about the person’s interest in/knowledge of your organization.
- Ask about the candidate’s previous or current nonprofit board work.
- Review the board member job description (yes, you should have one!). Emphasize board meeting attendance, committee work and personal generosity.
3. Ensure the candidate can ask questions discreetly.
If a staff member attends, it might be advisable for this person to discretely leave the table (a quick trip to the bathroom) at some point so that the candidate has the opportunity to ask any questions that they might not want to ask with staff present.
4. Ask the candidate’s thoughts on moving further.
Assuming all goes well, ask the person if they would like to continue the process and if you might forward their nomination to the Nominating Committee/full board for their consideration.
Do not ask or imply that you are asking them to join the board. Only a vote of the board can make them a board member.
5. Review the term and next steps.
Again assuming all goes well, your organization’s representatives should review when the term of board membership will begin and what the next steps will be (contact from the staff, new board member orientation, etc.)
6. When in doubt, consider them for committee work.
If the candidate presents a red flag, consider asking them if you might mention their name to the Board President for membership on a committee. Committee work will give the board the opportunity to determine if the candidate is suitable for full board service and vice versa.
7. Thank the board member candidate.
Thank the candidate for their time and their interest in your organization.
Follow this simple process when talking with potential new board member candidates and you will have a conversation that is friendly and informative, and perhaps even fun.
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