Adopted from MACD.org By Judith Lindenau, CAE September 2008

 Ideas and methods to recruit District board members.  How the District decides what it needs in a new board member.  Why stronger boards strive for maximum diversity to achieve successful program development.

 Programs Reflect Participants: Effective Conservation District programs are built with outstanding, and qualified District board members.  Diverse Skills Produce Credible Programs: A District board whose members exhibit a diverse combination of skills will be better able to gain community support for District and local conservation efforts.  Diversity Mirrors the Local Population: A board’s diversity should reflect, to the extent possible, the population that it serves.

 Identify the qualities needed.  Define the roles (job descriptions).  Develop and Use Recruitment Strategies  Integrate and continuously train board members.

YES NO

 Open Minded and Innovative  Willing to Learn  Available Time  Fundraising  Community Stature and Respect  Understands and Supports Conservation Issues  Leadership Skills  Works well with Others  Communication Ability  Legal Understanding  Business Skills/Financial Management Awareness

. Prospective members should have skills/experience in one or more of the following areas: organizational development  public relations/marketing  volunteer management  financial management  non-profit boards  trusts/estate planning It is our hope that prospective members are passionate about our mission: to inspire exploration, appreciation, and conservation of our natural world and are willing to act as advocates for the work of the District within the community.

What programs and activities would you like to do but because of the lack of resources (human and other) have been unable to accomplish? Your District’s Strategic Plan—the Big Wish List

 What knowledge, skills and resources are needed to reach this goal?  What skills/resources are you missing on your current Board to achieve your Big Wish?  Who are your clients for this Big Wish?  What types of new members do you need to better serve/relate to these clients?

Write a Job Description

Responsibilities Duties Obligations of District board members

WRITE A PROSPECTUS Tip # 2

Mission and vision statements Your District’s primary goals and objectives Major current issues Major programs and activities Funding sources Expectations of District board members Benefits of being a Director

Train!

New board members needs specific information to help them get “orientated” quickly. A variety of tools currently exist to help them in this learning process. They are: 1)District Directors Handbook 2)District Operations Handbook 3)District Training Modules 4)Your Guide to Michigan’s Conservation Districts – pocket guide 5)New Director and Staff Workshops - held each year

Other ideas each Conservation District can do to help new directors get started on the right foot include:  Partner a new director with a veteran director. This type of mentoring is very beneficial to both directors.  Provide the new director with individual training with the District Administrator/Executive Director or Chair  Develop an orientation manual specifically for your District.

Resource Available Where to Find It Conservation District Directors HandbookLocated in each District office. Each Director should have a copy for personal use. Conservation District Operations HandbookLocated in each District office Your Guide to Michigan’s Conservation Districts – Pocket guidebook Located online at Conservation District Training ModulesLocated online at Proud to Serve: Conservation District Board Members Recruitment Reference Book Available through the National Association of Conservation Districts. Order online at

 Recruitment begins with qualities desired  Find someone representative of your constituents  Provide a job description of a Board Member  Have training and materials ready immediately!