Opportunity to Lead Joining a Nonprofit Board of Directors presented by

Presenters Suzanne Swift Steve Cable Nonprofit Board Training Committee Steve Cable Board Member – Care WI Kathy Martinson United Way of Dane County Opportunity to Lead

Reasons to Join a Board Make difference Learn new things and develop new skills Develop a stronger network Big need 5000 board members needed just for UW & City/County Nonprofits are important to our region ~5000 just in Dane County, 5.5% of Wisconsin’s GDP Opportunity to Lead

Assumptions

Role of the Board Vision Planning & Oversight Strengthen programs and services Hire & evaluate executive director Ensure adequate financial resources Enhance the organization’s public standing Lead with legal and ethical integrity Governance

Board Duties Duty of Care Duty of Loyalty Duty of Obedience

Duty of Care Be present and prepared Participate Vote independently Use diligence, care and skill Exercise the same level of care as an “ordinary prudent” person in a like position in similar situation

Duty of Loyalty Board members must… Give undivided allegiance when making decisions which affect the organization Be aware of conflicts of interest Act in the interest of the organization, not personal or professional gain

Duty of Obedience Ensure the organization remains true to its purpose Mission Statement, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, Complies with laws, bylaws, and policies Ensures a prudent use of resources Facilitate thoughtful change

Things to Consider Maturity/Type of Board Organizing, governing, institutional Size Drives the structure and type of work Committee Structure Task force/ Ad hoc committees Standing Committees (Finance, HR, Governance) Engages Community Members

Committees Great starting point Hands-on experience Mentorship Try it before you buy it Common Committees Personnel, Finance, Fund Development

Before Saying “Yes”… Ask yourself… Job description Do I have time? Any conflict of interests? Am I committed to the cause, to the vision? Job description Term length Board vs. Staff duties Fundraising and/or personal donation requirement Do your research Talk to current and former board members Annual Reports 990 tax forms Protection for Liability/Risk Directors and Officers Insurance

What Nonprofits are Looking For Committed people who prepare and show up Knowledge Professional skills Experiences Diversity Contacts & Networks People who follow through

What’s In It For You? Support a cause you care about Develop professional and personal connections Learn about inner-workings of a nonprofit Professional Development Build your skill set Leadership opportunities you may not otherwise have in your career

Words from a Board Member Steve Cable Board Member - Care WI

Next Steps Do your homework Build on current contacts and interests website, attend an event, talk to people Build on current contacts and interests Be sure you have the time (mtgs, prep, etc) What do you have to bring to the table? Committees VolunteerYourTime.org

A resource to explore potential board/committee opportunities VolunteerYourTime.org A resource to explore potential board/committee opportunities

Getting Connected CLICK HERE United Way person picks up here. Check with Kathy about who will cover this? CLICK HERE

Search By: Interest using the dropdown menu CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE

Listing of opportunities

CLICK HERE

Other Resources www.Boardsource.org www.unitedwaydanecounty.org www.countyofdane.com/exec/boards.aspx www.cityofmadison.com/CityHall/legislativeInformation/apply.cfm Kathy Martinson United Way of Dane County - Senior Director, Community Engagement - kathy.martinson@uwdc.org

Questions?