Should you join that board? What to ask before accepting a board position.

You’re smart, you’re passionate, and you know a lot of people.

Chances are, sooner or later, you’re going to be asked to sit on the board of a nonprofit.

Now what?

Before you say yes, here are some conversation starters to help you make up your mind:

Tell me about the organization:

• Why do you exist?
• What’s your vision for 5 years from now? 10 years from now? What mountain are you trying to climb?
• What are you most proud of?

Tell me about the board:

• Who’s around the table?
• Does everyone have the same vision?
• Does everyone participate in making that vision a reality?

Tell me about your board meetings:

• What do you talk about at the meetings?
• How often do you talk about the future?
• Are your financial discussions about what you can’t do, or about what you’re going to do with the money you raise?

There’s nothing wrong with joining a board that desperately needs your help. You just might be the addition they need to turn the corner and begin imagining what they CAN do, instead of what they can’t.

And it can be exciting to join a visionary board.  You have the opportunity to create the future with others who face forward.

Just be sure which one you’re doing!