Should Nonprofits Recycle Board Members?
What does it mean to “recycle board members”?
To start, it’s probably best stated as “re-cycle board members,” lest we confuse it for the renewal process reserved for cardboard and plastic bottles. To recycle board members allows them to serve an additional term cycle after they’ve previously completed one more. Practically speaking, it looks something like this:
Most nonprofit bylaws allow directors to serve two consecutive terms prior to taking a break. For some organizations, this break can be permanent while for others it is as short as one year. A recycled board member is a director who returns to serve another set of terms after previously serving two consecutive terms and waiting through the stated break period.
Why do organizations recycle board members?
Recruiting talented and committed individuals who’ll support your organization is one of the greatest challenges of nonprofit work. While the reasons are varied, here are some of the reasons I believe nonprofits recycle past board members:
- Institutional Knowledge
Sudden and frequent leadership changes can cause the loss of knowledge of how and why a nonprofit does things a certain way. Recycling a board member who has been closely involved with an organization in the past can help guide a team through changes and offer some stability.
Sudden and frequent leadership changes can cause the loss of knowledge of how and why a nonprofit does things a certain way.
- Commitment
If someone served two full terms and is ready to return for more, they must have some degree of commitment. It’s important to evaluate what their commitment is to (see question #1 below), but it’s definitely worth evaluating if this person’s devotion to the cause will inspire other directors and further the growth of the organization.
- Desperation
You’re down to five board members and one never shows up for meetings. How did this happen? Lack of succession planning, for sure, but whatever the reason, you need warm bodies at the board table. Being at a critically low count can cause desperation for boards and EDs. If you’re at this point, please use the questions below and some careful consideration prior to calling up a retired player for the wrong reasons.
- Pressure
Board service can be extremely rewarding, especially given periods of great growth, success, or even perseverance under trial. It can be a source of pride for directors and, too often, stepping away may be incredibly hard. Past board members may place pressure on an ED or their former director colleagues to allow them to return. While this isn’t necessarily wrong or bad, be sure the desire to be recycled is based on the right motivations.
- A Desire to Recreate the Glory Days
It’s easy to attribute a season of high growth to leadership, even at the governing level. While it’s rare to have a board member be directly responsible for great success (they’re usually not that close to the action), they may be associated with it just the same. Before bringing back a past director, be sure to evaluate ALL that made your organization’s “glory days” what they were. Chances are it was many people, opportunities, and factors.
- The Devil You Know…
I once served under a board member who often said the infamous line, “The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.” Ick. I digress. You need to focus on networking more than recruitment if you’re recycling someone with questionable motives or character. My response to this devilish board member? What is easiest is not always right and what is right is not always easiest.
If you’re considering recycling a board member, here are some questions to ask your board and yourself:
- Does this individual’s previous service warrant an encore?
Look at all aspects, including the support you expect from board members, i.e., financial, time, talent, and network.
- Is there a social dynamic at play? (is someone trying to get the band back together?)
Will recycling this board member create any power dynamic? Will they add diversity to the board? Your job is to build a dynamic group of leaders, not get a band of good old boys back together.
- Is board service the only place this person can/will serve?
Has this individual ever served on a committee? Do they volunteer or contribute when they’re not in a director’s seat? It’s a red flag when someone will only serve an organization from the highest level of leadership.
- Will this person encourage growth and innovation?
An organization should be sure that there are no barriers regarding institutional knowledge if the holder focuses only on “the way we’ve always done things.” Otherwise, Institutional knowledge is priceless.
- What is this individual’s motivation for returning?
Rather than speculating, ask this question directly and push a bit. While you can expect to hear lines like “more to give,” and “not finished yet,” be sure to inquire further as to what their expectations are and how they’ll serve and support.
The most important question you can ask a past board member seeking to return is: How will you support the organization if you’re not offered a board position?
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