Should I Get Involved in Board Service?

Earlier this week, our own Abbie Fink addressed the Public Relations Western District via this statement in her role as the organization’s 2020 chair. When it comes to service, the woman does not stop. I attempted to count how many volunteer and elected positions she’s held since I met her, but being a PR person I can’t count that high. ?

Board service is something we PR folks get asked about often in our role as strategic counselors. Clients frequently come to us either because they’ve been approached to serve, or are looking to get started in civic and community involvement and aren’t sure where to start.
Here are some questions we ask our clients when determining if and how they should get involved:

• Does the organization align with your values?
• If not sure what organization, what are your personal and professional passions and why?
• Do you honestly have the proper time to give to the organization?
• What are the responsibilities of your role?
• Does the organization provide an onboarding process for new members?
• Are you willing to commit to the financial obligations associated with your role?
• Are you comfortable fundraising, if it is required?
• Are you personally or professionally invested in the mission of this organization?
• Why is this organization important to you?
• Are you willing to volunteer on committees within the organization to get the most out of your involvement?
• Will this organization teach you something new?
• What are the professional benefits of being a member of the organization?

Once we ask these questions to clients, we are better equipped to help them make an informed decision.