Why Don’t NPO’s Embrace Younger Board Members?
The recent article in Non Profit Times titled "Youth Movement Critical for Boards" moved my interest to a higher level. This particular topic was being discussed by one the local Indiana NPO boards I serve on during a board recruitment session. Never shy, I posed the question on why we do not have anyone under 40 years of age on the board. I did not hear many answers worth sharing here...
A little research revealed they have even made it legal for individuals under 18 years of age to serve on NPO boards in New York. On the other hand, it was quite disturbing to find on the Urban Institute Web site the following fact:
Other groups underrepresented on nonprofit boards are those under age 35 or over age 65. On average, only 6 percent of board members are under 35 and only 13 percent are over 65.
The link is here.
The plain and simple fact is that ALL future board members will be coming from that 18-35 year old age grouping. If those of us who serve in leadership roles on NPO boards do not step up and change current recruitment policies, we cannot complain if we have most of an entire generation that does not seem as interested in serving on NPO boards.
In my opinion, we have a superb opportunity to inspire and instill philanthropy values for this younger generation. Just think of the energy and insights a couple of below 35 new members of any NPO board could bring. How many of you on such boards have had discussions on such topics as:
- Should we get involved with blogs or social networks
- Increasing volunteers
- Technology of any kind
- Impacting the world of education
- Impacting family life
- Special events that are athletically inclined
As you read those few items, (I am sure many of you can think of additional ones), do you not think any person in the younger generation would not have major ideas and thoughts to bring to the table?
How can we expect the under 35 generation to be ready to step up with involvement and more importantly charitable giving without early engagement?
Here is an idea to consider. Either reserve or add two board member slots for people under 35 only. They could serve one term now and then another term a few years down the road. Those two individuals would be there to learn, provide advice and most of all to add insights from the younger generation. When they return for the second term just think of how much more they will be able to bring to the table. In between, they just might become evangelists for your NPO via communication networks you are just hearing about!
Only 6% of board members being under 35 is just plain not smart in my humble opinion. Perhaps my explanation will make some sense and hopefully change a few minds sitting on board recruitment committees. Please let me know what you think by dropping me an email.
Here is a link to a fair number of past articles and resources which might be helpful in engaging youth in philanthropy I hope they will help if you need further evidence and ideas. If enough of us pitch in we can change the average age of quite a few boards and perhaps set the stage for growth in the future. It might actually make board meetings more fun. How about it, can we give it a try?