Serving on a nonprofit organization’s Board can be a rewarding and often life-changing experience. The first year of Board service will set the stage for the remainder of your time on the Board and directly affect opportunities for engagement, impact, visibility, quality of experience, and advancement. Our 4-part New Board Member Planning and Preparation Series aims to help new Board members set basic goals and develop realistic expectations for success during this critical early stage of their Board tenure.

As your first year of nonprofit Board service winds down, it is time to pause and reflect on the past year and start setting goals for year two. Your first year of Board service is all about learning and observing. Learning about the organization’s strategic plans and culture while observing engagement of fellow Board members. For the second year, your emphasis should shift to purposeful commitment based on what you learned in year one.

With your first nonprofit organization Board meeting completed there is a tendency to relax, as the natural concerns and hesitancies that come with taking on a new role with new experiences start to dissipate. Avoid taking your foot off the gas. Now is the time to turn your thoughts to the year ahead and how you can make the most of your first year of Board service.

You only get one first Board meeting as a new Board member of a nonprofit organization. Thoughtful front-end preparation for your first Board meeting is essential to help you to make a lasting impression that you are serious about your commitment and appreciative of the honor.

You’ve just been appointed to the Board of a nonprofit organization you believe in and trust. Now what? The time between receiving this good news and beginning your Board service is important for laying the groundwork to be an impactful Board member. I have always found that putting in a little extra effort before your Board service starts will help both you and the organization get the most out of the relationship.