A strong board is diverse, strategically assembled for skills and experience, and appropriately objective.
That means that, to find the right trustees, you’ve got to think beyond your own friends, family, and colleagues.
Yes, you might have people in your network who seem to fit your picture of the ideal board member.
For instance: you might need a CPA; someone with experience reviewing budgets and audits. Your brother-in-law just happens to be a CPA. He might be a good potential candidate. But, he might also be able to refer you to 10 other CPAs who have the right skillset and bring a level of objectivity that a family member can’t bring.
These tactics will connect you with candidates who are outside of your usual circles, believe with your mission, and bring the skills your board needs.
Post your job description online.
This is a great way to find people outside of your own circles.
It’s especially effective for reaching Millennials who want to give back. They want to do good work, such as serving on boards like yours. And they’ll find you online.
Look to websites like Idealist.org or LinkedIn. Just about every job site includes a place to list volunteer board member positions.
Engage referral sources to help you.
Referral sources are often people who aren’t viable board candidates, but they believe in your mission, are great networkers or connectors, and could lead you to your perfect candidate.
You’ve got referral sources all around you. They are...
- People too close to you or to the school to be effective on the board
- People who are too busy for your board but would still like to help
- Current and past board members
- Teachers and staff at your school
- Local politicians supportive of your mission
- The executive director of a local nonprofit that you admire
- Local college and university presidents
- Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce board
- Your current donors — foundations are especially connected, so seek their advice
- Affinity groups, such as the local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Anyone you know to be a great connector!
Once you’ve clarified your list of ideal candidates, create a list of referral sources. And start reaching out!
Just ask each one of them who they know who might fit the skills and qualities your board needs.
Like cold calling, effectively leveraging your referral sources depends on being strategic and specific.
Strategically cold call strong sources.
You’ve probably never had to do this kind of thing before.
But, if you don’t have any viable leads for a specific skill set that your board needs — or if you need to break out of a recruiting rut — targeted cold calling can help.
The key is to be strategic, be specific, and be impeccable with your follow-through.
In-person events, speaking engagements, and board matchmaking fairs.
Education reform and charter schools are hot topics, and many people want to discuss and debate these issues.
Offer to speak at a luncheon of one of the groups mentioned above, about charters in general and your school specifically. Then, pitch people to get involved!
Many nonprofits and even corporate employers host annual board matchmaking fairs. This is not only a great way to find board members, but to find potential donors and volunteers as well.
Online advertising via websites and social media.
There are several websites devoted to helping organizations find board candidates, such as Idealist and VolunteerMatch.
Social networking sites and groups like LinkedIn and Facebook can help you leverage the full power of connectors -- and possibly candidates -- in your own network.
Or, professional and other affinity groups’ websites, LinkedIn groups, or Facebook groups. Consider:
- College alumni networks
- Local United Way Board Banks
- National Association of Hispanic MBAs
- Your state bar association
- Local Chapter of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
- Local Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
- NAACP
When posting online, use a phrase like “seeking board members, committee members, and other volunteers” to give you an out if someone isn’t a good fit for the board.
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