Why Don't Board Members Stay Engaged?

Today a Board VP asked me, "Why don't Board members stay engaged?  They start out enthusiastic and then their activity tapers off."  There are basically three reasons why Board members participate in meetings, committees and fundraising:  
  1. They know the other members and are friendly with them.  They belong and want to contribute to their team.
  2. They know what to do and how to do it.  Offer samples and "a buddy" even if your member is successful in business. He or she may not feel confident about asking for a donation or leading a committee of volunteers.
  3. They know what they do or say matters.  They want to make a difference.
Knowing these three motivators, it's easier to design activities, meetings or retreats that foster engagement.  For instance, a Fundraising Letter Writing Party ties all three reasons together.  Socializing, especially if there's food, sample letters for members to use as a basis for their own letters, plus knowing exactly what the funds will be used for all combine to make this activity more aligned with the reasons a person joins a Board in the first place.  Then, the joint focus on meeting a goal starts a friendly competition.  You can even have a Thank You Letter Writing Party during which kudos can be given to the biggest fund raisers.  But more importantly, the Board members will know exactly what they contributed.

Other suggestions for increasing participation are:
  1. Have food at your meetings.  It doesn't have to be elaborate.
  2. Take a few minutes, at least, to allow for chatting between friends and old-  and newcomers.  Make this a part of the Board's culture, so some people don't habitually dash in at the last minute.
  3. Develop agendas that use questions instead of action items.  Actions that are thought of by the group are more likely to be implemented. 
  4. Make sure that Board members are given the results of Board and organization actions.  Knowing the number of letters sent, phone calls made, dollars raised or the stories of clients served is satisfying.
Of course, these same motivators work for all kinds of for- and non-profit boards, committees or work groups.

Do you have tips for helping your Board members stay engaged?  Please send them to me or post them in the Comments section.

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