Hi gals, as you look for balance in your lives, please consider volunteer Board membership. If you are looking to take time off from the workplace but want to keep your skills and network current while giving back to your community, service as a non-profit Board Member is a terrific opportunity.

Many, many nonprofits are in need of talented and committed Board members. They are also looking for "hands on" Board members who can role up their sleeves and help out with contacts, research, and training as well as the basics of fundraising, strategic planning and leadership. Your education, experience and training are in high demand! This is a win-win opportunity for you and the organization. Stay mentally engaged. Expand your skills and abilities. Further the mission of an organization with which you feel deeply aligned.

Typically Board members are identified by a Nominating Committee of the full Board. Members recommend friends and colleagues who have relevant experience and/or interest in the area of service. The ability to contribute financially to the mission of the organization is a key component of the job, but it is not the only requirement. Yes, all things being equal, non-profit organizations would love to have Board members with unlimited financial resources, but since that is not always possible, Board members who take on leadership roles and do the work necessary to further the mission are extremely valuable.

Think about those issues you care about. Find out which organizations are working on those issues and check out their web site. See if they list Board members. Do you know any? Call up and ask to talk to someone about the organization and their mission. Introduce yourself and tell them that you are interested in learning more about their Board service. Asking for the Director of Development is a good starting place. You can also ask to talk to the CEO. Ask about their mission, their current accomplishments and challenges. If you are still interested, ask if you can talk to someone on their Board. Once the conversation gets started, you never know what doors may open.

There are some terrific on line resources too if you are wondering where to start. Check out BoardnetUSA, BoardMatch Plus, and BoardSource. Their links are on YourOnRamp's top 10 volunteer sites page, (see link on the bottom left side of the nonprofit page home page.)

Good luck! There is an organization that is going to be very lucky to have you on their team.