When board members wear their official "Governance Hats," they govern — the main reason they are on the board.  But they also bring a great deal more to the nonprofit organizations they serve, particularly as they wear their "Volunteer Hat" while outside of board meetings. Some of these valuable contributions are listed below.

1. Reflect the primary stakeholders' values, faith, traditions, etc.
2. Bring wisdom, spiritual insights and judgment to the organization
3. Provide accountability and good stewardship
4. Add credibility to the organization
5. Give visibility to the work of the organization
6. Have donor, government, etc. contacts who can help achieve the mission
7. Bring experience to policy setting that would be hard to buy
8. Give encouragement to the CEO, staff and volunteers
9. Provide personal financial contributions
10. Apply special expertise to specific needs of the organization
11. Provide an informed source of new ideas
12. Act as a volunteer sounding board for the CEO
13. Give continuity over time
14. Volunteer significant hours of help to staff
15. Bring balance to decision-making
16. Insure integrity of operations
17. Connect the organization with new networks
18. Add perspective from a variety of vantage points
19. Often become mentors to staff
20. Broker grants or gifts
21. Pray for the organization's board, staff, donors and others

Key Questions:

1. As CEO or board chair, are you challenging board members to see their roles in this light? 



2. Which of the above "contributions" could also come from non-board members serving on advisory groups, key volunteers, former board members, spouses, etc.?



3. As you seek to fill board positions, what "contributions" from this list would be beneficial to your organization and advancing its mission? This might help you identify potential board members whose reach would extend significantly beyond board meetings.



4. Are you remembering to express appreciation to your board members and thank God for their many contributions to your organization and its mission?

This article reprinted with permission from the Engstrom Institute; © 2009 Christian Leadership Alliance - 800.727.4CLA. Visit CLA's website to see what they offer your organization to help build leaders and enhance organizational effectiveness!

Article written by The Andringa Group, senior consultants who share a passion for helping nonprofit leaders, their management teams, and their boards. For more information, visit www.TheAndringaGroup.com.