Folks at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana) believe they have found a formula for getting all the folks who to date have been left off of nonprofit boards, onto these boards. All the research continuing to be produced affirms that there are many voices left off of boards and as the WBST 2 article notes:
People of all different races, gender, economic backgrounds, and areas of life depend on many non-profits nationwide. ...women (in particular) make up 50-percent of the population, but are under-represented when it comes to taking a seat on non-profit boards. "There are voices that missing, there are stories that aren't being told. There are perspectives and ideas that aren't being generated when these women aren't there," said Logan.
So, the University has developed a "boot camp" to help prospective board folks "boning up on their skills and (learn) what it takes and just having an opportunity to connect," and in the end, "change the game and empower women with the skills needed to be successful non-profit board members."
All well and good I believe but I have a big "but". I say to myself, wait a minute, is it not the job of boards themselves to recruit and prepare recruits for service? And what skills will Notre Dame be "boning up" such that there should even be a national effort (which is something this group wants to do as though there aren't now such efforts in many communities across the country)?
So, kudos to Notre Dame for identifying a strategy that may engage more of the un-engaged in Indiana. And perhaps such a recruitment effort might have parts that can indeed be replicated elsewhere (so maybe a pamphlet might be produced?). But really folks, nonprofit boards have this job - that is, to recruit and orient and where appropriate, strengthen the recruits. And yes, I know boards have failed before but then they also weren't very conscious of their failings. I think, thanks to BoardSource and the Support Centers, that is changing, rapidly. And yes, there is much more to do. So boards, rethink your diversity and get out there. You do indeed need the voice of your constituents at your table, now! And governance committees: you have to do business with the focus on ensuring everyone at the table is clear about how to participate well and has the appropriate resources. But do we need another national program - um, maybe not.