1. How to Diversify your Board
By Ben Echevarria

2. Why do you want to diversify?
Add new blood
Adds specialize talents
Ensures mission continues
Helps fill gaps

3. Our Story What the Board looked like 8 years ago
5 out of 12 Directors were minorities (Maude is included here)
Out of those 5 only 2 were active on the board
7 members were white
4 were college professors
1 was a founder of the organization

4. Today At the start of the board year in Nov. 2014 we had 12 directors
6 are minorities and 6 whites
In January 1 Director passed away
1 retired
1 inactive
3 people have 7 or more years on the board

5. We realized we needed things to change

6. Steps we took Made a Commitment to Diversify Evaluated the board
Came up with a plan for recruitment
Made a commitment to have people from various experiences
Made a commitment to training
Reassess the board to make changes, and recommendations.

7. Made a Commitment to Diversify
Strategic plan
Strategic Direction #1. Create an immigrant-led organization (ED, BP,BDC)
Strategic Direction #2. Incorporate leadership development and civic engagement/organizing into all programs and activities. (ED)
Strategic Direction #3. Take the lead in building and strengthening partnerships with other immigrant involved organizations (ED)

8. Strategic plan
Strategic Direction #4. Promote the academic success of youth from immigrant families (ED & Youth Coordinator)
Strategic Direction #5. Continue to develop an infrastructure and resources to further build the capacity of The Welcome Project (ED, FC, EC, BP)

9. Commitment to Diversity
Strategic goals 1 & 5 drives us to make changes
We made people responsible for our directions
BP= Board President
ED= Executive Director
BDC= Board Development Committee
FC= Fundraising Committee

10. Evaluate the Board Define board diversity
What is important to your organization (values)
What specific skills and expertise do you think donors and grantors want on your board?
What specific expertise and skills does the board want to have?
Make a list of them all

11. Evaluate the Board What are the areas you currently have by:
Occupation
Race
Skills
Expertise
How do you figure out needs?
Voting process
Top ones win top priorities

12. Recruitment strategies
Where do you find people?
Ask Board members
Volunteers?
Websites
Community leaders
Colleges and Universities
Social Networks