Introduction
For non-profit organizations, choosing a board is a significant and vitally important task. A variety of pressures attempt to influence and sway this decision-making process. The choices made directly determine the effectiveness of the non-profit or charitable organization itself. Organizations have to avoid the pitfalls of picking board members based on social status, relationship to members or other reasons which are of no benefit to the board as a team or to the organization.
Clear Expectations 
Individuals being considered need to fully understand what is expected and needed from them. Serving on a non-profit board of directors involves taking on many responsibilities, being accountable and committing time, effort and professional skills to the task. There may or may not be monetary compensation but the service can bring intellectual enrichment and a great sense of accomplishment to those who serve.
From the start, it is essential for potential board members to become familiar with the mission, vision, values, and goals. It is important for applicants to be clear about what will be expected of them in terms of time, travel, and expertise. The board members influence success or failure.
Qualify the Applicants
Make sure the candidates have a real and proven set of demonstrable skills related to those that have been identified as essential for your board. These could include fundraising, business oversight, accounting, public relations, public speaking, politics, marketing, technology and even contract negotiations. Of course, every member would not have experience in each of these areas; however, it will be critical that they have an aptitude for the job you have in mind for them. The key is to make sure your candidates are up for the challenge.
Think First, Act Second
Your board may have its own selection process. A structured questionnaire may be helpful during the interview process. Regardless of how well you know the individual applicants, a questionnaire will help keep you organized and on track during the interview process and ensure the same questions are asked to each applicant. That way the responses provide a more clear and concise results which influence your choices. Also, this process provides an equal playing field for each candidate. Fairness and transparency during this process will serve the non-profit organization well if it were ever to come under legal scrutiny.
If it does not have a selection process, the board may wish to consider using an outside firm or external committee to interview potential candidates.
Whatever the process, remember to consider the track record set by the candidates. These individuals can influence the reputation and viability of your organization. It is better to ruffle a few feathers at the outset than to subject your organisation to humiliation, mediation or legal wrangling later. Accountability and transparency are essential elements for all non-profit organizations.
The Face of the Organization
The task is to build an exemplary board; one that will demonstrate the values and promote the vision of the organization. The impression board members leave with all parties has to be the right one.
Selecting the individuals who will make up this collective face is vitally important. The decision-making process must take into account a wide variety of things from diversity, qualification, personalities and abilities to name a few.
Diversity and Training are Key
Focus on diversity. Diversifying the board religiously, ethnically, sexually and politically is essential as we move into the 21st century. With many voices and views in the board room, governance training for all board members will be essential. Don’t rule out the retired professionals or individuals who represent users. Avoid the pitfall of choosing family and friends. Board members may come to the table with a significant amount of professional or personal expertise but they may not know governance well. In fact, they may think they are there to manage the organization. In those cases, the role of the CEO can become very difficult. This is avoided with essential training in topics such as the difference between governance and management, oversight of risks versus risk management, governance policy development versus management policy development, board communication strategies.
Qualities
As with any organization but especially for non-profit or charitable organizations, there are specific qualities which should be on the top of your list when deliberating qualities needed for board members. For a full list of qualities based on sound research read Superior Performance for your governing body ( Table of Contents).
In many cases, the qualifications are there and even the passion, drive and desire to fill to position but candidates do not have the time to dedicate to meetings or required actions.
There should be no shame in considering one’s personal life as a gauge for aptitude for the position in question, not a judgement but more a realistic assessment of whether that particular person is the best suited at this particular time. A busy person now may be the best person the board could select in the future when their circumstances are different.
First and lasting Impression
Along with the CEO, the board of the non-profit or charitable organization is its face. Unlike many other boards, the non-profit board is really selling its dedication, passion and vision related to its particular “cause.” The board is the first and possibly the only reflection of this passion, drive and dedication to the cause that the public will see. Therefore, the composition of this board is paramount to the organizations success or failure. Remember people make up their minds about others within a few second. There are times when we are not given a second chance to change that impression. Therefore, it is essential that the board members understand and are willing to reflect the mandate and commitment of the board to its mandate.
Commitment to the Vision
The rewards associated with serving on a non-profit board are that of personal fulfillment. Therefore, it is imperative that potential board members share a common vision. A true passion and dedication to the organizations goals and mandate is a definite requirement.
When people are passionate about what they are doing there is no doubt they will perform better and secure better results every time. Committed board members are also less likely to form splinter groups in the face of disagreement or resort to internal squabbling and bickering.
The job will most likely be done quicker and more smoothly with passionate people working together for the greater good and advancement of the overall vision of the board.
Final Comments
Non-profit and charitable organizations are like any other organization in that the compilation of its board is a direct factor in whether the organization succeeds or fails. The objective regardless of the nature of the organization is to fill the board chairs with the most dedicated, talented and professional individuals possible, all the while keeping in mind the need for diversity in the boardroom as well as the original mission of the organization. Successful board members will all be equally dedicated to the success of the organization.
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