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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 5 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 7 – 2 0 1 8 A ttracting qualified, motivated board members is critical to the effective- ness and sustainability of a nonprofit, so the job of building a board must be about more than filling slots. It is about looking strategically at the board's com- position in relation to its responsibilities. Nonprofits can use these seven ques- tions to up their recruitment game. 1. What problem is the organization trying to solve? Strategic recruit- ment begins with the organiza- tion's strategic goals. A clear vision of what the organization is trying to accomplish will drive the rest of the process and help tell a compel- ling story to potential volunteers. 2. What skills and experiences are needed? A board should think through what skills, perspectives, knowledge and attributes will help advance the organization's goals. Which ones are already represented on the team? Where are there gaps? How can the organization look beyond its usual circles and bring new voices to the table? is is an important conversation for the entire board and will not only help identify good candidates, but prepare the organization for the "Why me?" question that the best prospects inevitably will ask. 3. Does the board have clear expec- tations? What are candidates being asked to do? A board job description or commitment form can be a helpful tool. 4. Who should make the ask? Board recruitment is a board responsibil- ity and board members should take the lead with prospects. What does it say to candidates if current board members don't seem invested? To attract energized, engaged people, put forward excited, rising leaders. 5. Is the board prepared for ques- tions? Candidates are vetting the organization just as much as the board is vetting them. A board that anticipates questions and prepares materials will demonstrate trans- parency and help each candidate make an informed decision. 6. What's the plan after 'yes'? After 'no'? If yes, there should be a timeline for nominations, elections and orientation. Organizations can consider pairing each new candi- date with a mentor from the current board. If no, is there a back-up ask, such as committee work, to keep the candidate engaged? 7. How can the organization nur- ture emerging leaders? While the primary focus may be on filling vacant or soon-to-be-vacant board seats, it's important to sow seeds for the future and build the prospect list year-round. Passionate program volunteers can be invited to join a committee where they can develop as future leaders. Board recruitment is well-served by fostering a culture of leadership development. While these questions can strengthen an organization's board recruitment pro- cess, successfully recruiting the "right" people will not automatically revive or save a struggling board or organization. If a board is dysfunctional, can it reason- ably expect to recruit and retain the kind of board members it really needs? Successful board recruitment must go hand-in-hand with efforts to build and strengthen board governance practices. If potential board members really care about a mission, they may be willing to take a chance on a board that is a "work in progress," but it should be in the pro- cess of getting better not worse. Maine Association of Nonprofits offers a variety of resources to support nonprofit boards. In addition to a multi- media Strategic Board Recruitment Toolkit, Board Boot Camps, and a consultant directory, MANP brings nationally-recognized speakers to Maine to explore best practices and innovative models. is fall, nonprofits can send a team to "Focus on Board Innovation: Transforming Board Governance rough Shared Leadership" to explore how to design a more effective and responsive governance model that will increase community ownership, account- ability and diversity and build new and emerging leadership for their mission. M o l l y O ' C o n n e l l , assistant director at the Maine Association of Nonprof its, can be r ea ched at mo connel l @ n o n p r o f i t m a i n e . o r g 94 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101 | 207.772.4994 | meetings@visitportland.com If you TRAVEL OUT OF STATE for a meeting, event, or sporting competition, contact the Convention + Visitors Bureau. LET US KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING, and we can help… BRING YOURS HOME! MEETINGS MEAN BUSINESS FOR MAINE + + MeetInMaine.com VISIT PORTLAND We Share Customers. When you partner with us, they know. The Maine Women's Fund invests in the power of women and girls. Join us. mainewomensfund.org 207-774-5513 H OW TO B Y M O L L Y O ' C O N N E L L Ramp up board recruitment with 7 key questions