Recruiting & Maintaining Board Members

Sipping Tea with Sabrina

In this episode of Sipping Tea with Sabrina, Sabrina Walker Hernandez, a seasoned nonprofit leader, dives deep into the crucial aspects of recruiting and maintaining a strong board of directors. She breaks down the often overlooked "board cycle," emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful and strategic approach beyond simply filling seats. Sabrina dispels the "bubble theory" (relying on friends and connections) and advocates for a more deliberate process of identifying ideal board members who can contribute specific skills and expertise. She emphasizes the significance of formalizing the recruitment process with clear expectations, thorough onboarding, and ongoing engagement to ensure a productive and passionate board.

Sabrina also shares practical advice on board maintenance, including the power of recognition and the necessity for consistent education. She explains the importance of "activating" board members, keeping them involved and informed about the organization's mission and needs. Sabrina even shares her personal experience with building and managing a successful board, drawing on her years of leading a nonprofit that raised millions of dollars.

This episode is packed with valuable tips and strategies for nonprofit leaders and aspiring board members. Whether you're looking to refresh your board recruitment process or simply seeking a deeper understanding of effective board management, this is a must-listen.