Being a Board Member Can Be a
Thankless Job…Literally!
By Bob Wittig
www.nonprofitboardgenius.com
Recently, I conducted several board training workshops. What made these workshops
unusual is most of those in attendance were overwhelmingly board members rather
than executive directors.
During these sessions, I asked, “How many of you are thanked or recognized for your
board service?” Each time there was dead silence. While not a scientific survey—the
two workshops were attended by 50 board members and not one person raised their
hand!
It seems that many, many board members are not recognized or celebrated for their
efforts or contributions.
Really?! I wondered why.
One may be due to the fact that the board is the legal “boss” of the executive director
and the expectation is for the “boss” to acknowledge and thank staff rather than the
other way around. But having said that, it’s important to remember board members are
volunteers. At many nonprofits they don’t receive compensation for their time or effort—
and they’re expected to make a financial contribution to boot!
Organizations that use volunteers as tutors, meal makers, administrative helpers, and
so on, typically do some kind of volunteer recognition. “Regular” volunteers are thanked
in part because they help the nonprofit provide its mission programs and services. The
other reason these volunteers are thanked and recognized is to continue to cultivate
and retain them—after all, someone who feels appreciated is more likely to feel
connected to the mission and continue volunteering.
The same rationale holds true for board members too. More intention and effort needs
to be focused on thanking board members—especially since more is often demanded
and expected of them.
In addition to personal giving, members are also be expected to attend a minimum
number of meetings, participate in at least one committee, sell tickets to the annual
gala, assume leadership positions, and help recruit new members---just to name a few.
Acknowledging and celebrating board member contributions must become part and
parcel of the organization’s culture. And, this effort doesn’t need to be grandiose or
expensive. Here are a few suggestions to launch or enhance this effort for your board:
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
Consider giving a certificate of appreciation annually to members and a
special one to those who are rolling off the board.

Have the ED or Board chair host a thank you dinner.

Get gift certificates donated from a local restaurant and give them to your
super star board member(s).

Highlight a board member’s outstanding effort in the organization’s newsletter
or website.

Recognize an outstanding member at the annual gala.

Nominate your board or an individual member for an award if there one in
your local area.

Thank members regularly at meetings. Shout out a member’s efforts or
contributions that went above and beyond.

Have a party when 100% board giving is achieved.

Have the ED, board chair, or if appropriate, a client, write a note to a board
member, thanking her for her board service.
There are many more examples, but the list above hopefully provides a good start.
Bottom-line, it doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. The important point is to be
intentional and regularly thank/acknowledge your board and its members.
Who should spearhead this effort?
The executive director and board chair need to take the lead. The governance
committee chair and possibly even the development chair can provide additional
support and oomph! Be sure, though that those spearheading this recognition effort
also get some applause!
Taking time to regularly acknowledge and celebrate board member contributions will not
only make each board member feel more appreciated, it will almost certainly lead to a
more connected and engaged board.
If you have other ways of thanking and recognizing your board members, please share
in a comment and post it with this blog.
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