Change is hard. Whether it’s having that hard talk with an inactive board member or realizing you need better management of your association, addressing the problem is easy to put off, especially considering your volunteer status. But what if you, a board member, have the guts to bring up a hard subject? You could end up a hero or heroine for your trade group or charity.
Getting your volunteer board of directors to admit there’s a problem with its management could be the beginning of a revitalization of your nonprofit. Perhaps others in your group share a sense that you deserve better. Oh, but there are alliances, aren’t there. You all know what I’m talking about; your executive director is extraordinarily close to one of the board members or, worse, is a relative. (I’m going to avoid other scenarios here, but you get the point.)
I’m going to help you over the decision hump by reminding you that your primary job as a nonprofit board member is the fiduciary responsibility for handling members’ and supporters’ money. Are you spending it the very most productive way? Are you returning top value to those who have entrusted their money to you?
You and your nonprofit deserve the best in management, financial transparency, long range planning, event production, communication and membership services. If you wonder if there might be better services out here, you need to put on your leadership cape and bring up the hard subject. There’s time to investigate AMCs, have them send in proposals. Do it before finalizing the 2020 budget. Next year and beyond will prove that you did the right thing.
Nothing will change if you’re lazy or chicken.
