Understanding Board Service
- Andrew Estep, CAE
- Mar 4
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Serving on a nonprofit board is an honor, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. Too often, volunteers step into board roles without fully understanding the scope of their work. Fortunately, with a little time and energy, anyone can develop the knowledge – and faith – needed to serve effectively. Here are a few excellent resources to guide nonprofit leaders on their governance journey.
The 501 Commons provides an incredible array of governance tools, from board development guides to training programs. Their curated resources help nonprofit leaders understand the legal, ethical, and strategic obligations of board service.
In this article on the ASAE website, my friend and colleague Donna Cameron highlights a key challenge for association boards: seeing beyond their own expertise. Just as I mentioned in A Strong Foundation, association boards often develop spots. This article explores how leaders can shift their mindset to make more effective decisions.
This publication has been a favorite of mine for many years. Available in print and PDF, it’s an excellent tool for board members, covering governance basics, nonprofit trends, and the broader context of board leadership. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate receiving a thoughtful resource in the mail?
Of course, these are just a few of the many governance resources available. Every board member’s journey is different, and ongoing learning is key to effective leadership. Drop me a note and let me know what governance resources have been most valuable to you.
