Successful nonprofits recognize the power of diversity from the top down. Staff members from different backgrounds, communities and sectors all work together to enhance decision making and boost the impact of limited resources.
With nonprofits often serving a variety of constituents, cultivating diversity not only at the employee level but especially with leadership and the board is critical to ensuring current and future initiatives remain inclusive. To help, 16 Forbes Nonprofit Council members suggest specific ways nonprofit leaders can work to increase the diversity of their board, as well as why diversity plays an essential role in organizational success.
Engage Current Board Members In The Recruitment Process
“In many cases, current board members recruit their peers and folks in their networks. Casting a wider net gives potential members the opportunity to bring forth unique and varying expertise and lived experiences. Leaders with lived experience can connect personally to the mission and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s effort in getting individuals to the other side of their adversity.”
– Brandi Horton, Institute for Community Living (ICL)
