Board Leadership Connection Makes Board Stewardship Smarter
We equip potential candidates with the skills and knowledge they need to assess their own board leadership interests and skills while gaining a broad knowledge of board governance practices and principles. Each candidate creates an on-line prospect profile in our Board Leadership Connection Database, which is fully accessible by Metro Volunteer member agencies. Agencies can access a vast pool of trained, committed and enthusiastic candidates and review, interview and secure those candidates that demonstrate the best “fit.”
Why Board Leadership Connection?
- Agencies and individuals can build a personal network with smart, passionate leaders in the community from all sectors while enhancing their skills and capacity for board engagement.
- Companies can increase their exposure through nonprofit boards while enhancing leadership training for key employees.
- Through a unique combination of agency and individual training, on-line profiling and database matching, we help civically-minded individuals connect with the agencies who need them while making the process easy and efficient.
- Well-trained board leaders can provide a higher level of contribution and engagement on nonprofit boards, helping organizations achieve their missions and goals to make a greater impact in our community.
FAQ’s
How can my organization meet potential board candidates?
To connect with trained board candidates, your organization must be a PLUS member agency of Metro Volunteers.
You will then be required to create an agency profile online. As part of the application process, your agency should attend Board Leadership Agency training to learn to learn about the program, to assess board needs and discuss the importance of ongoing board development strategies. Once you have completed your profile, you will be free to search for potential board members via our online matching system.
What organizations are eligible?
Nonprofit organizations in the 5-county Denver Metro area may apply. You must have IRS 501(c) (3) status for at least one year; have at least 4 board members and hold regular meetings; and have an established program currently serving constituents. If an organization does not meet these criteria, they may still apply to the program; however, they will not be eligible for candidate introductions until they meet the requirements.
What will the “Board Development” meeting with the Consultant cover?
Metro Volunteers facilitates a program orientation meeting for all participating agencies, conducted by a Board Leadership representative. This session is designed to enhance the board development process by educating you about the program, assessing your board needs and discussing the importance of ongoing board development strategies. We believe board development is vital to the long-term growth and success of an organization. We expect participation of the top leadership of your organization to ensure board and staff are both committed to this process. It is recommended that you take advantage of this service within 30 days of application to the Board Leadership program. Your organization will be eligible for candidate introductions once you’ve gone through the orientation meeting.
How does the matching program work?
Premium Membership agency’s create an online profile to attract potential board candidates. Metro Volunteers will make the initial contact for any potential board candidates who’ve expressed interest in your agency and will forward board candidate profiles to you for review. You are strongly encouraged to contact the candidate promptly to schedule an initial meeting to determine if there is mutual interest. Metro Volunteers Board Leadership does not guarantee that a board candidate will be matched with your agency; however we will do everything possible to assist you in this process.
How long will it take for a match?
The recruitment process is highly individualized, according to your board’s timeline, the candidate’s availability, and the length of time both parties need to make a decision. Nonprofits that follow through in a timely manner are often the ones who impress the candidates most and successfully recruit them to their boards.
If your agency does not make a “match” during the first round, we will continue to work with you and introduce candidates in subsequent rounds, but we cannot guarantee a match.
What type of candidates will we meet?
Board Leadership candidates represent a broad range backgrounds, professions, ethnicities and age groups. There are professionals, such as PR/marketing specialists, accountants, lawyers and managers; and others may have prior knowledge of nonprofit organizations, a passion for a particular cause, or a skill they wish to share. All have one thing in common – the desire to provide leadership to a nonprofit agency serving their community.
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