Everything You Need to Know About Joining a Nonprofit Board with Susie Bowie

In the inaugural episode of I 501(c) You - The Podcast for NonProfit Board Members, we are joined by Susie Bowie, Executive Director of the Manatee Community Foundation to discuss everything you need to know about joining a nonprofit board.

Susie is a fountain of information and eloquently describes the role of a nonprofit board member. She has so much experience in this realm, being both a nonprofit Executive Director and board member of several organizations. Together, we discuss the attributes of a productive and unproductive board member, how young people can get involved in boards, thoughts on board members being required to financially contribute, how to get a better understanding of financials from a board's perspective and more!

We thank Susie so much for joining us today and sharing her wisdom. We both believe that board members are critical to the success of an organization and we want to make sure every board member can provide their best service to their organizations.

Key Takeaways:

1. Board members should come to the table ready to learn.
2. Young people can still bring value to a nonprofit board.
3. Board members can be a doer, donor, or door opener in order to help with fundraising.
4. Nonprofit staff members are extremely experienced and knowledgeable.
5. Listen to learn.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - Interview starts

1:30 - What makes a good board member?

03:15 - Any traits that make an individual NOT a good board member?

05:05 - Has it become more challenging to share ideas in a board meeting?

08:20 - Is it the board members job to defend the mission of the organization

09:58 - How do I go about getting on a nonprofit board?

14:06 - What are your thoughts on board members having to financially contribute to the organization?

17:00 - How should someone behave as a new board member?

20:00 - How do you recommend someone get comfortable with board financial statements?

24:00 - What is the difference between a board member and staff member's responsibilities?

27:10 - What is the role of a board member in fundraising?

29:40 - Connecting the organization to new people as a board member is critical

31:35 - What are some of the most misunderstood aspects of being a board member?

35:25 - Respecting the skills of nonprofit leaders and staff

40:45 - Anything else?

41:50 - Recapping with Read

Join us every week as we release a new podcast with information about how you can be the best board member and provide great service to your organization.

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