Greetings—
At our annual board meeting, we take the time to say thank you to departing board members, often in the form of a unanimous resolution highlighting service and contributions to the organization's mission and programs. It is a gesture that is rooted in respect and regard for the individual, for their service over the years as a volunteer, and for their belief in the mission.
This past week at our December board meeting, we thanked departing FRF board member Desa Belyea for six years of leadership, committee service and her family's generosity, partnering with the community foundation in its mission to strengthen community across the San Joaquin Valley. Each is important but what underscores our appreciation is a profound thanks for the willingness of volunteers to step up and provide their contributions to the collective leadership of our sector's vital organizations.
I have been privileged to serve for over two decades on a number of boards, a service I have been proud to donate because I believe in their missions, and in how staff carry that mission into our communities. I have learned so much from my board colleagues, their perspectives and passions, and their willingness to keep pushing forward. From supporting the arts, education and expanding opportunity, to providing oversight to leadership, philanthropic effectiveness and workforce training, my own work has been enriched not only by the things I have learned and the people I have met, but also the ways that I can be a stronger partner. My board service has made me a better CEO, and helped strengthen our work, effectiveness and outreach.
We should never undervalue the contributions volunteers provide to our community benefit organizations, above and beyond the tangible ways they invest in the work. Independent Sector has valued volunteer contributions at $22.55/hour, a significant donation beyond their direct contribution.
Collectively, our board members hold in their hands the mission and potential for a significant piece of the local economy, a platform for helping those in need and for knitting together lives that are on the edge, stressed and/or damaged. By the decisions these boards make, organizations thrive or decline, succeed in helping thousands or struggle to meet growing demands, and strengthen community or provide critical leadership. They serve as ambassadors and advocates, open doors and challenge practices, allow us to plan and dream, and keep our feet firmly planted on the ground.
As I have taught in board leadership courses, the board collectively owns the enterprise, and that responsibility is vital to the success of this sector, and of our communities.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers step into strategic planning and investment committees, finance and administration challenges, fundraising and donor engagement plans, oversight and program management, each of them meeting in person and/or over the phone. They read lots of reports and charts, ask questions, and give their approval to programs and budgets that touch thousands every year. They provide the insight, perspective and context that keep missions focused, staff engaged, donors supportive and organizations healthy. They are vital to our work, and to our credibility.
We owe them a debt of gratitude for their patience and faith, for their generosity and time, and - perhaps most important - for their belief that this work can change conditions on the ground, and chart a different future, that keeps faith with the past and yet shapes the future to be more effective, more engaging and more successful.
We are lucky to have their hearts engaged, ready to put this effort to good work.
As we said to our own departing board member - with respect, affection, regard and gratitude -- the two most important words in the nonprofit lexicon: thank you!
Best Regards,
Hugh J. Ralston
President and CEO
Comments