I have had a great career thus far serving in the nonprofit sector.
I completed a graduate degree in 2000, and shortly thereafter I was asked to serve on a nonprofit board. Graduate study is not a prerequisite for serving on a board – passion and skill are!
If memory serves me correctly, the first board that I was asked to be a part of was Area Resources for Community and Human Services, or ARCHS. I was 27 years old and terrified that I might be expected to know something. Most of the board members at that time were significantly older.
Generally, this is still the case nearly eight years later. And the truth is, I do know a little something, and so do you.
Today, I have the privilege of serving on local, state and national boards. Diversity is still a real problem in so many organizations at the board level.
Diversity in terms of age, race, gender, thought and economics at any organizational level enriches and strengthens. I believe that most organizations value diversity, but struggle with how to get it done. Any diversity effort has to be intentional.
I was asked once by an organization, “When will we know that we have achieved our diversity goals?”
I responded, “When we stop talking about it.”
What I meant was when it becomes second nature and we truly see the business advantage to board diversity.
We need organizations to become more open, and we need individuals like you to become more receptive to board service. Your passion and skill are needed! I want you to get connected to a board or commission.
Join us on Tuesday, June 15 as we present United Way’s Get on Board educational program by calling Cynthia Ackins at (314) 539-4198.
Kimbrough is senior vice president for Major Gifts and Planned Giving for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.
