Community Foundation Toolkit: The Basics of Being an Effective Board Member

Jun. 27, 2019

The Basics of Being an Effective Board Member

By Brianne Sanchez, Director of Nonprofit Relations

Building a board of engaged volunteer leaders is critical for nonprofit organizations. And great boards are composed of individuals who understand – and embrace – their roles and responsibilities.

As nonprofit boards diversify with a new generation and a broader representation of the people they serve, and as corporations encourage community leadership experiences for promising employees, we are presented fresh opportunities to reach and equip more rising leaders with the tools they need.

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is excited to announce a NEW four-part video series that offers an overview of the learning, commitment, fiduciary and governance responsibilities of board service. Each segment, animated by Des Moines-based illustrator Nathan T. Wright, runs around two minutes and includes a downloadable worksheet to accompany the content. Access the toolkit at: desmoinesfoundation.org/nonprofit-resources/trainings

These videos and worksheets were designed to expand the reach of our popular training series “The Basics of Being an Effective Board Member,” a more in-depth workshop that offers participants the opportunity to explore volunteer leadership within the nonprofit sector. Our next OnBoard session, scheduled for Sept. 12, will use the videos to launch a robust discussion of how individual board members can work to advance their organization’s mission. Register here.

Ready to put your passion for a charitable cause into practice? You can search for open positions via Leadership Link, a portal that connects individuals in Central Iowa seeking leadership roles to nonprofit organizations that have opportunities.  Posted volunteer leadership positions include members of Board of Directors, Committees, Task Forces, Councils or Ad Hoc Steering Committees and more.

Use our toolkit as an entry point to personally reflect on how you can enhance your community leadership. The videos also serve as an excellent orientation activity for nonprofit organizations seeking to prepare engaged leaders.