Good thoughts and good deeds … this can cover a lot of territory.  It could be a random act of kindness for a total stranger. It could be dropping a couple of dollars in a Salvation Army kettle or a fireman’s boot, or any number of causes that set up outside the grocery store. It could be a more committed activity like volunteering on a regular basis to help a nonprofit or youth sports program. It could also be serving on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization.

                What of this? What of taking all of those good thoughts and good deeds and funneling them into one organization through Board service? What is the value of service on a Board of Directors?

                Invaluable … essential – Every charitable nonprofit organization is required to have a Board of Directors whose prime responsibility is governance. Imagine how many people that must be? People from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, all professional skills, all life skills … it takes us all. And what does it take to be an effective Board member? It takes commitment of time and resources. It takes belief in the organization’s mission. It takes the willingness to listen, contribute and learn.

                So … when thinking about good thoughts and good deeds, think about a more formal and structured commitment to these values by volunteering to serve on a nonprofit’s Board of Directors.