Making a difference: From performing to policy

Have you ever wondered how to take your community involvement to the next level? Do you want to help better your community? You might think serving on a nonprofit board is for an exclusive club, but anyone who cares about helping others can do it! Let's talk about how you can grow from someone who wants to help into someone who helps guide an entire nonprofit organization.

Most people who end up leading nonprofits begin by volunteering first. When you volunteer, you get to see how the organization really works and what it stands for. The best way to start is to think about what issues you care about most. Maybe you want to help students learn, make sure people have enough food, protect animals, or keep the environment clean. There's probably a nonprofit near you working on the exact things you care about.

Get in touch with the person who manages their volunteers. An organization's website often lists ways you can help, or you can call or email them to ask about opportunities. It's good to start with smaller tasks, such as helping at a food drive, working at an adoption event, or doing office work. Remember, what matters most is showing up when you say you will and being eager about helping.

While you're volunteering, you're spending time understanding what the organization does and what problems they face. Go to their events, look at their yearly reports, and get to know both the people who work there and other volunteers. Learning all of this will really help if you want to become a board member later on. Plus, it shows everyone that you truly care about the organization's success.

After spending time as a helpful volunteer, let your nonprofit know you'd like to do more. Many nonprofits have small groups called committees that help the board get work done. These committees focus on different tasks, like raising money, planning events, or creating new programs. When you join a committee, you can learn how the nonprofit runs while showing you're ready to become a board member. And the leaders get to know you.

Nonprofits look for certain qualities when choosing new board members. They often want people who are good with money, understand laws, know how to raise funds, or have connections in the community. Nonprofits also want board members who truly care about their cause and will work hard to help the organization succeed. Your genuine interest in their mission and your dedication to helping it grow are just as important as any professional skills you bring.

People who serve on nonprofit boards have important jobs they must do. They watch over the organization's money and make sure everything follows the law. Board members also help plan for the future and raise money for the organization. Before joining a board, understand your expected duties and make sure you can do them.

Once you feel prepared to move forward, tell the organization that you want to join their board. Just like applying for a job, you might need to send them your resume and a letter explaining why you want to serve. The organization may want to meet with you for interviews where current board members can get to know you better. Each organization has its own way of choosing new board members. Think of each step like a job application - you need to show them why you would be a good fit for their team.

Being on a board takes a lot of time and effort. Board members usually meet every month or every few months. They also need to help with committee work, go to special events, and speak up for their organization in the community. Before you say yes to joining a board, think hard about whether you have enough time and energy for these duties.

It can take a few years to move from being a fresh volunteer to serving on a board, but it's worth the wait. You'll learn how to be a better leader, meet new people who can help your career, and do something good for your community. Many people who serve on boards say it's one of the best things they've ever done.

If you want to join a nonprofit board, the best way to start is by volunteering. Get to know people, show them you care about the cause, and don't rush things. Everything you learn while volunteering will help you later, whether you end up on the board or find other ways to help. Your community needs people like you who want to make things better.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.