Thursday Jul 04, 2024

Board Applications- Are they really necessary

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In this episode of the Local Life Leaders podcast, host Janessa Storlie discusses the relevance of board applications in today's evolving landscape. With a focus on community engagement and in-person interaction, Janessa challenges the traditional reliance on resumes and applications, advocating for a more personalized approach to board recruitment and nonprofit growth.

Episode Highlights:

Celebrating Milestones: Janessa marks the 10th episode of the podcast and expresses gratitude for the growing audience. She announces a giveaway for email subscribers, offering a Starbucks gift card to a lucky winner on July 15th.
The Changing Landscape: The discussion shifts to the increasing reliance on digital communication and the impact it has on community building. Janessa emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and questions the effectiveness of board applications for smaller nonprofits.
Board Applications vs. Community Engagement: Janessa outlines the scenarios where board applications might be useful, such as for large, well-known nonprofits with limited board seats. However, she argues that for smaller organizations, a more hands-on approach involving networking, community events, and direct conversations is far more effective.
Building a Strong Board Culture: The episode emphasizes the importance of a strong board culture that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and values. Janessa suggests that a passionate and committed board will naturally attract like-minded individuals who can contribute to the nonprofit's growth.
The 90/10 Rule: Janessa introduces the concept that 90% of board work should happen outside of board meetings, within the community, while only 10% should occur during formal meetings.
Taking Action: The episode concludes with a call to action for nonprofit leaders and board members to step away from their computer screens and engage directly with their communities. Janessa encourages them to initiate conversations, attend networking events, and build authentic relationships to identify potential board members and foster growth.

Quotes from Janessa:

"I honestly, to be honest with you, I really do not like the fact that we are at a point in time to where you have to judge a person based off of what they include on a resume."
"The more within our organizations that you can implement those one on one policies, those conversations, those in person settings, the more that your organization is going to thrive."
"You have to be out in the community talking about what you do within your nonprofit. You do not want to be the best kept secret."

Key Takeaways:

Board applications might not be necessary for all nonprofits, especially smaller ones with local reach.
Face-to-face interactions and community engagement are crucial for building strong board culture and attracting the right people.
The 90/10 rule highlights the importance of board members actively participating in their communities.
Nonprofits should prioritize building relationships and having open conversations to identify potential board members.
By being present and engaged in the community, nonprofits can overcome the dehumanizing effects of digital communication and foster genuine connections that drive growth.

Conclusion:

Janessa Storlie delivers a thought-provoking discussion on the relevance of board applications in the modern nonprofit landscape. She encourages a shift towards a more personalized and community-centric approach to board recruitment and emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships. The episode offers valuable insights for nonprofit leaders and board members seeking to strengthen their organizations and create a lasting impact in their communities.