Whats it like being a board member for a nonprofit?

[ProspectiveKidd]

I volunteer at a small hospital that is driven entirely off of donations, mainly from sports teams and other large organizations in the area. They do lots of events and fundraising on their own as well.

I am not entirely sure what I would be doing as a board member, but id like to get more involved with the organization and potentially work up to some form of leadership. This board is for 21-40 year olds. There are junior boards as well. There are descriptions of the things board members are responsible for within the different departments, but if anyone has been a board member or can contribute to the discussion id love to hear about it. All I really know is that I have to attend quarterlies and support/attend a few events throughout the year.

Thanks.

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[KeepWRK]

can I ask how you got this position? that is interesting.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

can I ask how you got this position? that is interesting.

It is. Someone suggested that I look into it, thats all. Im not currently serving on the board.

 

[deleted407021]

I've known board members for a clinic I work for and they appear to mostly deal with funding issues. They also keep up to date with how the non-profit is doing.

Board members tend to be people with full time jobs, so I'm thinking it won't be too huge a commitment.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

Thanks. I understand it has much to do with fundraising and event planning as well as marketing and advertising. I haven't been involved in any of those things in the past so I'm hoping there are some people who have served on boards here on the site. I don't have any qualms about helping with those things, but I just don't want to apply for the position and find out its not something I really want to spend my time doing.

 

[Lost in Translation]

One of the easiest things you can do to help with those 4 things you mentioned is get a Facebook page set up, and create an "official" Twitter account (with board approval).

Ask your friends to support/shout out, tell them your mission, spread the word, etc.

 

[gyrfalcon]

I did something similar for a year. It probably won't be much work, likely 2-6 hours a month. I thought it was a good experience to see the behind-the-scenes activity and I learned a lot, but you have to be interested in management and (perhaps, depending on the organization) politics. Things you might end up seeing: budget details and tradeoffs, hour-long meetings to agree on the specific wording of new policies, deciding on advertising strategies, discussing individuals for promotions within the organization.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

I did something similar for a year. It probably won't be much work, likely 2-6 hours a month. I thought it was a good experience to see the behind-the-scenes activity and I learned a lot, but you have to be interested in management and (perhaps, depending on the organization) politics. Things you might end up seeing: budget details and tradeoffs, hour-long meetings to agree on the specific wording of new policies, deciding on advertising strategies, discussing individuals for promotions within the organization.

Do you feel as though you were able to make a substantial contribution in those areas? Do you present the ideas or do you decide on someone else's proposals for these things?

 

[gyrfalcon]

Do you feel as though you were able to make a substantial contribution in those areas? Do you present the ideas or do you decide on someone else's proposals for these things?

In the beginning I wanted to learn the existing way the organization was run, so I mainly listened to discussions and voted on proposals. Once I felt that I had a good idea of why things were the way they were, I felt more comfortable with making suggestions or entire proposals. You just have to play that by ear. You would not be asked to be on the board if others did not believe that you are a responsible person with good ideas. Good luck!

 

[Bones 2020]

I was on a board in college for alleviating poverty, homelessness, and hunger for students for 2.5 years. The majority of my work was drafting strategic plans, organizing fundraisers and other awareness events, drafting the yearly budget, attending/working with the student government and the university to obtain funding and such. I imagine your board would have many of the same responsibilities, though on a much bigger scale (our board ran on about $350,000 per year)

 

[bc65]

For large organizations, board members are often expected to raise and donate large sums of money.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

For large organizations, board members are often expected to raise and donate large sums of money.

I saw that it mentioned donations 'based on your individual giving level', whatever that means. Maybe members do contribute large amounts, Im not really sure in this instance. There are only two of these hospitals and they are <30 beds; primarily subacute care.

In the application it just asks what previous exp I have, what I bring to the group, and why I want to be on the board. It does ask about work as well. I spoke with coordinator briefly and I can serve on a committee first to see what its all about.

 

[LizzyM]

This sounds like a "Junior League" type activity where you will organize and help to host social events that will raise money for the facility. You bring your enthusiasm for "the cause" as well as whatever experience and sensibility you have about event planning and marketing and your contacts in the community who might attend an event you're involved in.

The cause is noble but the skills you may be bringing don't transfer much to medical school or the practice of medicine.

 

[ProspectiveKidd]

This sounds like a "Junior League" type activity where you will organize and help to host social events that will raise money for the facility. You bring your enthusiasm for "the cause" as well as whatever experience and sensibility you have about event planning and marketing and your contacts in the community who might attend an event you're involved in.

The cause is noble but the skills you may be bringing don't transfer much to medical school or the practice of medicine.

I surmise that you are probably correct about the overall scope of the board. Would you consider this a worthwhile investment in terms of ECs? My inclination was that it would show initiative and dedication; I am willing to get involved and raise money for the organization I'm volunteering for already.

 

[LizzyM]

I surmise that you are probably correct about the overall scope of the board. Would you consider this a worthwhile investment in terms of ECs? My inclination was that it would show initiative and dedication; I am willing to get involved and raise money for the organization I'm volunteering for already.

It won't hurt but it won't help. I've not seen fund raising prioritized by adcom members.