You don't have to be a power broker in a business suit to change the world. For a volunteer opportunity that can really make a difference, have you ever considered joining the board of a nonprofit organization?

The board of a nonprofit is responsible for overseeing the operation of the organization and making sure it complies with the law and remains financially sound. The board hires and fires the Executive Director, if there is one, and makes decisions about the direction the organization will pursue. Unlike in a corporate setting, the board's responsibility is to the public, not to shareholders.

Being a board member is not uncommon. Ron Mattocks, writing on About.com, shares these statistics:

Approximately 20,000,000 of us volunteer as board members to govern nonprofit organizations. On an average day, there are 20,000 nonprofit board meetings spread across this country convening in restaurants, hotels, schools, missions, and other establishments where a few chairs can be gathered around a big table.

Why should I join a board?

If you're really passionate about an issue, being on a board is a great way to dig in and learn more about it.

Writing on the NP2020 blog, Nicole Notario-Risk identifies four good reasons to join a board:

• The opportunity to challenge yourself and develop specific skills.
• The ability to serve a mission closest to your heart.
• The chance to learn from a skilled Executive Director and/or staff.
• The opportunity to be a part of a great team and build relationships.

Don't let youth stop you from thinking about board membership. Notario-Risk is 27 and has been serving on a board for two years.

What do board members do?

At most nonprofits, board members meet periodically throughout the year to review the organization's financial status and accomplishments, then decide on next steps. Board members may break out into committees to work on special projects, such as planning an event or researching solutions to a problem.

Board members are often expected to support the organization financially. This often means a personal donation at whatever level the board member can afford. It also means fundraising for the organization, whether through the board member's contacts or by supporting the Executive Director during a meeting with a potential funder.

If the thought of asking for money makes you weak at the knees, that's okay. Not everyone is naturally comfortable schmoozing. There are as many ways to raise money, though, as there are personalities. If meeting with people in suits stresses you out, you can throw a house party and ask for donations. If asking your friends for bucks seems awkward, helping organize a fundraising dinner might be a better fit.

What kind of people make good board members?

Anyone who is passionate about a cause and an organization is a good board member.

True, nonprofits are usually on the hunt for board members that have specialized skills, such a technology, marketing, accounting, or law. But a committed, enthusiastic board member is an asset regardless of their profession or training.

How do I find the right board for me?

The best place to find a board is by getting to know the organizations you're already involved with, through volunteering, donations, or by association through people you know. Sometimes people are intimidated by the thought of being a board member because it sounds so official, but board members are just people. Nothing reveals that more clearly than meeting a few of them. Suddenly Official Board Member is Patty, who lives across town, has a cat and works for the local hospital. See? Regular person.

Board members often attend special events put on by their nonprofits, or you may want to ask the nonprofit whether you could meet with one of the board members to learn more about what it's like to be on a board.

You can also take a look at BoardnetUSA, an online matching service for organizations and board candidates. Go to New Candidate Signup to get started.

Before you commit to a board, make sure it's a good fit. Bob Harris, a nonprofit consultant, has developed a good list of questions for you to ask before accepting a seat on a board. Here's a summary of the high points, but check out the article in the Tallahassee Democrat for a more in-depth explanation:

• Why are you asking me?
• Are there pending lawsuits or claims against the organization?
• What's the board's relationship to committees?
• Does the board think strategically?
• What's in the leadership (board) manual?
• How long is the term?
• How are conflicts of interest handled?
• How frequently does the board meet?
• Does the organization have a regular financial audit?

Tell us your story!

Any JUST CAUSE folks out there on boards? Tell us about it!

[Image by Paolo Correa.]