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How to be an Effective Nonprofit Board Member


Introduction

Perhaps you have just joined the board of directors of a nonprofit organization, and are wondering how to best contribute to the organization’s success as a new board member. Or maybe you have been serving on a board for a while and are feeling dissatisfied with the progress you and your colleagues are making in leading the organization. How can you ensure you are being an effective board member?

In our earlier publication entitled “Joining a Nonprofit Board of Directors,” we discussed many of the key questions you should consider leading up to a decision to join a nonprofit board of directors. These questions include addressing your motivations for joining a board, understanding the responsibilities of a nonprofit board member, finding the right nonprofit board opportunity, and asking the right questions before you say “yes” to joining a board.

This publication picks up where our earlier publication leaves off. In this publication, we address seven key questions related to the role of an effective nonprofit board member:

  1. What are the basic responsibilities of an effective nonprofit board member?
  2. How can I effectively transition onto the board as a new board member?
  3. How can I be an effective champion for the nonprofit organization?
  4. How can I exercise fiscal responsibility as a board member?
  5. How can I fulfill my legal responsibilities as a board member?
  6. How can I effectively support the nonprofit CEO and staff?
  7. How can I assess when it is time for me to complete my service as a board member?

While these questions and accompanying answers are targeted to a first-time board member, they can also be useful and valuable for individuals who are assessing their previous or current board service, or contemplating how to have a greater impact as they prepare to serve on their next nonprofit board of directors. 

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