A friend reached out to me with a problem. She is stepping into the role of board chair and asked how to recruit board members. Here is my response:
- Identify the criteria for the type of people you want on the board (skills, experience, demographics, connections). Match these criteria with the existing board members. Target people who fill the gaps.
- Use the criteria just defined to engage your existing board in the recruitment process. The more specific you are in the type of board member you need, the easier it is for your board members (and staff.. and you!) to identify candidates. Potential board members may be in your own backyard. Do you serve clients who have relatives who would fit your criteria? Do you have committee members who are not board members but could be? Do you have volunteers who might be interested?
Recruiting new board members is the responsibility of both the CEO and each board member. Make it an agenda topic at board meetings. Set a goal. The more intentional you are about recruiting board members the more likely you are to find them. Set a goal for your board to meet with 5 potential board members by x time.
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