So you’ve been asked to join a non-profit board – congratulations! Maybe. Volunteering in the non-profit sector can be tremendously rewarding if the organization has their act together and a strong reason to ask you to join the board. But if it’s not a good fit, it can be an eternally frustrating experience. I’ve had both experiences in joining boards and have learned to ask before I leap.

1. Why do you want me on your board?

This seems like a “no brainer,” but the answer can be very insightful.My first board experience was with a small organization working on local environmental issues that was formulating their initial board.I was an “up and comer” marine biologist and environmentalist, so it seemed like a perfect fit.But I neglected to ask this question and, if I had, I don’t believe anyone in the organization would have had an answer for me. As a result, after attending a number of board meetings I still had no idea what my role was or what was expected of me as a board member.

Be sure that there’s a plan for you as a board member – are you being asked to join to lend your name, your expertise, or your time in volunteering for their projects?All are good reasons – if they jive with your skills and interests.

2. Do you have a plan or goals?

Say in answer to your first question you’re told that your ‘job’ on the board will be to help with making connections to raise money.That’s a great reason to bring the right person onto a board.But what are the goals for board members?If this hasn’t been thought through then you might be thinking about all the people you can bring to their charity race (at $25 a pop) and they’re thinking that you’re going to be bringing in $10,000 donors.If there are some organizational goals that can be shared with new board members, there are guideposts for what their involvement will be like.

3.What time commitment am I expected to make?

I’ve been on the wrong end of this communication more often than I’d like.A new board member who can add tremendous value to the organization drifts off and becomes disengaged after a few months because the time commitment is more than they are able to make.Certainly there are board meetings to attend, but will you be expected to attend committee meetings, events being hosted by the organization, programs or presentations?Many of the best volunteers in a community (who are committed and connected) also have other board commitments.If there isn’t clarity on what is expected of them as far as a time obligation, then they may well give up rather than do less than what they consider a stellar job of volunteering.

4. How will I know if I’m a good board member?

This is a tough question to ask and a tougher question to answer.Our first thought as a board member is, “Well, it’s a volunteer gig, so they should be glad for what they get from me.”But I’m living through a volunteer commitment right now where other than attending meetings and making the periodic “insightful comment,” but I’m not sure what value I’m adding to the process.The organization has clear goals and is working diligently towards them with a strong staff.I compare this to another board where it’s been made very clear the critical role which board members play and what will define success.Guess which experience is more rewarding?

The best non-profits have highly active and engaged boards that provide the governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic planning necessary for success.It’s a pleasure to be a part of such an organization, even as a volunteer.But as rewarding an experience as that can be, it’s a good idea to ask some basic questions to make sure you’re happy with the role you’re being asked to fill.