Do you remember your New Year’s Resolutions? Do you recall the one about being a better board member? We want to encourage you to stick with your resolution. We want to encourage you to strengthen your commitment to the organizations and institutionsyou believe in.
It is so easy to fall into the trap of criticizing staff, pointing the finger at others, and blaming the economy. But here is why we believe in FUNdraising – it has to be fun. If you are focused on what’s not working, take a moment to focus on how you can be part of the solution. And think about what you find to be fun.
Here are three suggestions for you to consider as you contemplate how to be a better board member in 2010.
- What do you like to do? Go to basketball games? The movies? Cook? Figure out a way to invite people you know to join you in doing something you love. AND, ask them to give $25 at the same time to your organization. If you ask 10 people to come to your house for dinner and ask them to bring a $25 check for the food bank, you will have raised $250 doing something you love – cooking and entertaining.
- Think about a friend who shares your belief in the organization you serve. Ask them if they would be willing to serve with you on a specific committee. Your friend or colleague doesn’t have to join the board. She can simply become a member of the governance committee, giving of her legal skills. Or he can join the annual gala committee with you and work on promoting and selling tickets.
- Look at your finances and figure out what size gift you can give in 2010. Divide that by 12. Can you give that amount each month? Can you give more? If so, do so. Consider automating your monthly contribution. Have a preset amount automatically deducted from your checking account or charged to your credit card each month. That way you don’t have to think about. And, it is easier to give $25 each month than it is to give $250 at one time. Once you get in the swing, consider increasing the amount. And think about how much you can ask your friends to give. Tell them what you are doing and ask them to do the same. Automating your giving can take the “pain” out of writing a check.
And remember – you are giving to something you believe in. It’s got to be good! That’s it. Not too difficult. But you will be making a difference.
As always, remember to have a FUNdraising Good Time! – Mel and Pearl
