We love this article! As a repro org that would welcome a candidate like this, we have a few more thoughts to add. https://twitter.com/ReproJobs/status/1262383537107468291

Lots of repro orgs are small and volunteer run. Those board members don't sip martinis while spending other people's money. They are doing the organizing work that would otherwise be done by paid employees.

Those board members often don't have specialized training in their work. They were simply willing and eager to take on the responsibilities of board membership.

So much board work isn't fancy. Can you answer emails or phones? Can you do it in Spanish? Can you update a spreadsheet? Can you show up to stuff? Great. You can be on the board.

Is there a whole 'nother discussion to be had about how we shouldn't be relying on unpaid volunteer labor to run our orgs? Yes. But that's for another thread.

At CASN, the best board members started as volunteers, found something the organization could do better, and then took responsibility for making that better thing happen.

Those board members were also able to leverage what they learned to build skills, attend conferences, and get really cool jobs.

But you absolutely should be thoughtful and cautious before joining a non-profit board, and a working board in particular.

First off, board membership isn't just a feather in your cap, it's a legal responsibility. You have a "fiduciary duty" to ensure that the organization is financially adhering to its written mission.

It's on y'all to make sure the org's money is spent thoughtfully and responsibly. If it's not, their could be legal consequences for you (even if your org has D&O insurance - which it should!).

Given this, you should make sure the board you want to join is open and transparent about finances, and about their organizational goals. If they aren't, that's a huge, cherry red flag.

Get to know the board you are hoping to join. What kind of people are they? What are their values and working philosophies? Don't be afraid to probe and ask uncomfortable questions during this stage. You'll regret it later if you don't.

Also, give some thought as to your boundaries, and be firm about them before joining. Board work will eat you alive if you let it (particularly if you are from a marginalized group).

Finally, if after all of this you've found a board you'd like to join, apply! We're sure they'd love to have you.