An Opportunity Like No Other

A new fiscal year means a new Board of Directors at Family Advocates. Board members provide guidance for the organization and support it through sharing their knowledge and orchestrating connections with their network of resources and associates. Family Advocates’ board is no different.

Board members, in return for their service, can receive an abundance of experience. They learn to understand the inner workings of a nonprofit organization, connect with like-minded professionals, and participate in numerous projects that expand their knowledge and skill base.

At Family Advocates, our Executive Director makes it a practice to explain the difference between corporate business and nonprofit business, so the board has a full understanding of the who, what, why, and how of our organization. Board members are given the opportunity to serve on committees that cover a variety of nonprofit responsibilities. Governance, finance, advancement, and programming are the standard Family Advocates committees that support the day-to-day operations. Board members can also opt to be part of our Gala Committee or our Building Committee that provide support and guidance for major projects.

Throughout a board member’s tenure, they will find themselves shoulder to shoulder with their fellow board members. Attorneys, bankers, educators, and executives… parents, single adults, former foster children, foster parents, are just a few examples of individuals one would interact with. Board service is an excellent way to expand your network!

Not all board members know how to manage grants, prepare for an audit, or run a human services program. Family Advocates’ Executive Director, Kathryn Seebold, is passionate about helping board members fully understand the organization, how it operates, and what it needs in order for them to be able to support in a capacity that benefits the mission. Subsequently, board members develop skills that they may not otherwise have an opportunity to gain. Likewise, board members teach each other. There is a lot of “sharing” that takes place in a well-oiled Board of Directors machine.

If you or someone you know is looking for an opportunity to serve in a fulfilling capacity, share their knowledge and expertise, connect their resources to the mission and experience growth personally, consider being a Board of Directors candidate. If you aren’t quite sure about the commitment to be on the Board of Directors, consider being a committee member. It is an excellent way to learn more about the organization, allows you to get to know some staff and board members and provides a glimpse as to what to expect should you become a board member. For more information, contact communityengagement@familyadvocates.org