This document provides information and advice for getting involved with nonprofit boards. It introduces Charlotte King as an expert in environmental and forestry marketing. The document then outlines different types of boards, best practices for boards, common board committees, and a three-step process for finding the right board to join. The steps include determining what issues you are passionate about, where you want to have impact, and how much time you have to serve, then researching specific organizations and becoming a board candidate. Contact information is provided for Charlotte King and additional leadership resources.

1. Charlotte King. Snowden & King Marketing Communications 2007 all rights reserved Page 1
The Secrets to Getting on
Boards: Cultivating
Stakeholder Passion
Charlotte King is anationally recognized expert on environmental and forestry marketing and publishes anational environmental
marketingmagazine, Marketing Zone. Sheserves on theUnited Way of AtlantaBoard, Georgia ConservancyBoard, and has held a
leadership position with theAssociation of Junior Leagues International. Sheis aLeadership Atlanta Alumni;listed as oneof themost
influential Black Women in Atlanta, an Environmental Leadership Fellow, and recent recipient of theProctor& Gamble“My Blackis
Beautiful Award, 2008.
What You Should Know
TypesofBoards Best Practices BoardCommittees
 Nonprofit Board of Directors
o Working Boards
o Start-ups/grassroots
o Established
organizations/size by
annualoperating budget
 Advisory Boards
 Foundations
 Councils and Commissions
 Trade Association Boards
 National Boards
1. 501 C (3) certified – legal
designation
2. Board Insurance
3. Board member job description or
agreement
4. Diversified funding and strong
financial safeguards
5. Solid community reputation.
Addresses important need.
1. Leadership & Governance
2. Fundraising/Development
3. Financial/Fiscal Reporting
4. Policymaking
5. Strategic Planning
6. Community Building
7. Marketing
8. Legal Decision making
9. Programs
10. Human Resources/Staff relations
Leadership, Community,andBoard Resources
United Way VIP board training & placement. 10 weeks, FREE
Leadership Atlanta
Women On Board, AtlantaWomen’s Foundation
Junior Leagueof AtlantaBoard Bank, members only
Review ANY nonprofit's financial track record:www.guidestar.com
www.BoardNetUSA.org
The Georgia Center for Nonprofits www.gcn.org
www.volunteermatch.org
www.unitedwayatlanta.org
United Way 211: Get help, or give help.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
•What are you passionate about?
•Where andhowdoyou want to have an impact?
•How much time do you have to effectivelyserve ona board?
•What level of financial commitment can youmake?
•Do you like fundraising?
•What type of board do youwant?
•What are your qualifications andexperience?
•"Job hunt" for the right board.
CHARLOTTE KING
PRESIDENT,CREATIVE DIRECTOR
SNOWDEN& KING MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS
(770) 506-0065
CHARLOTTEWRITER@ATT.NET

2. Charlotte King. Snowden & King Marketing Communications 2007 all rights reserved Page 2
Your Plan: Job Hunting for the “Right” Community Board
1. How much time do you have for board meetings? (Average board meetings are 90min.-2hrs.)
 Monthly
 Bi-monthly
 Quarterly
 Term of service (1-3 years)
2. Size of Organization
Type Annual Budget What You Should Know
Start-up 1-5 years old $100,000 or less/very limited Very hands-on,working board
Small to medium 5+ yrs $100,000 - $500,000 Usually focusing on stabilizing
Large 10+ yrs $500,000 - $1 million Requires aggressive fundraising
Big – very established $1 million + Diversified funding/seeks heavy hitters;
experienced candidates
3. Where
 Near my home or work
 Statewide
 Flexible about location
4. Describe in 2-3 sentences why you are passionate about a specific community organization and willing to
assume board-level responsibility. Imagine “selling yourself” to an organization.
Your Profile and Qualifications
Profession/Career Skills & Experience
Describe skills or experience you want to strengthen.
Community Volunteer Skills & Experience
Describe your knowledge and “influence” in the
Atlanta community –your “social capital”.
5. StrategiesforGettingon a Board
 Describe your financial commitment
Your maximum donation range annually __________________ . Corporate matching? Yes No
Willingness to fundraise (circle any/all) sell tickets, find sponsors, chair campaign, support
fundraiser event, refer friends/associates, make donor “face to face” visits
 Research the organization
Mission, history, current board, where it’s located, funding activities, community served
Describe your current relationship, if any
 Becoming a board candidate
Volunteer, donate money, self-nominate, network, references/referrals