It seems like I’ve been on the road a lot this month, and this allows me to interact with all sorts of talented and amazing non-profit professionals. In fact, just last night I was at dinner with another non-profit consultant who shared with me his “formula” for a successful board volunteer.
Just so you don’t think that I am stealing, I told this person that I planned to share his formula with the world this morning via the DonorDreams blog. Needless to say, I have his blessing. 😉
Here is his secret recipe that he shares in his board development and governance trainings with board volunteers on how to be good at their job:
12 + (3+1) + 3 + 1 + 1 + 70% + 100%
Let me decipher this formula for you:
- Make 12 thank you (stewardship) calls per year
- Take three donors on a tour of your facility and also invite a prospective new donor on a tour
- Make three in-person solicitation calls as part of your agency’s fundraising program (preferably the annual campaign pledge drive, but it can be a major gift solicitation or special event sponsorship call)
- Spend one hour per year volunteering on the front line in a program (so that you can be credible when talking to others about your agency)
- Participate in one standing committee or task force of the board
- Attend at least 70% of board meetings
- Be an advocate of 100% of the board making a personal financial contribution to the agency
There you go . . . pretty simple. Of course, this is one person’s opinion about what it takes to be a good board volunteer.
In your opinion, is there anything missing? Would you modify this equation? If so, then how would you do it? Do you have an easily digestible equation like this that you like to share with new board prospects? Please use the comment box below to share your thoughts and experiences. We can all learn from each other.
Here’s to your health!
Erik Anderson
Founder & President, The Healthy Non-Profit LLC
www.thehealthynonprofit.com
erik@thehealthynonprofit.com
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