The Best Way to Serve Your Community

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Are you passionate about making an impact in child welfare, social justice, environmental protection, and more? Are you new to board service or considering board service for the first time?

We’re Spokes, the nonprofit that supports nonprofits, and we’re here to help make your vision a reality. We think board service is one of the most meaningful ways to give back to your community. But you don’t have to just take our word for it. In this blog post, we’ll share some of the research on why board service is valuable for every entity involved, and we’ll finish by helping you with the next (or first) steps in the journey.

In San Luis Obispo County, more than 90% of local businesses are smaller owner-operated organizations – which bodes well for a local cultural of entrepreneurism, but presents real challenges for succession planning and talent development. It’s nearly impossible for small business owners to provide promising employees with professional development or cross training opportunities. But, there is another solution to develop leadership skills: nonprofit board service.

A recent study, Better World Leadership 2017, confirms that you can develop skills such as conflict resolution, management oversight, public relations, and crisis management while serving as board members for nonprofit organizations.

With more than 1,200 registered nonprofits, you’re bound to find your best match in San Luis Obispo County. However, successful nonprofit board service starts with training to understand the nuances of nonprofit management and governance. And, like all jobs, you should take time to carefully vet which nonprofit organization and mission is the best match for your personal values, interests, and expertise. Our course “Board Training Basics: Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership” on April 14 & 21 from 9 AM – 12 PM is designed to help you do just that. We encourage you to sign up for the course; we’re ready to help you start your board service career right! Reach out at info@spokesfornonprofits.org, www.spokesfornonprofits.org, or 805-547-2244.