Washington County has a vibrant history of charitable nonprofit
and service organizations that promote underserved residents and important
civic events. From the disabled and mentally ill to our libraries, the Whiskey
Rebellion Festival and the Washington Symphony, the array of activities
supported in the community is impressive.
Nonprofit and service organizations play a vital role in
building a healthier, well-rounded Washington County. The leadership of each
entity is often the loudest voice to champion the people and causes they
serve. However, in this decade of
growing needs and shrinking governmental resources, these organizations are
being asked to do more with less. The one area where our citizens can step up,
at little financial cost, is in providing human resources as board members and
volunteers.
The two obvious questions are: 1) what expertise and
background are organizations seeking and 2) how does an interested party get involved?
In addressing the first question on needs, former County Commissioner Bracken
Burns had some wise and relevant thoughts. Since retiring as commissioner, he
has continued to serve on over twenty-five boards, commissions and
organizations. While his input may be stretched to the limit, he has been able
to perform the valuable function of cross-pollenating ideas among the varied
interests he serves. Over the years, Mr.
Burns has concluded that diversity in four areas is the key to maintaining a
strong nonprofit or service organization.
Racial Diversity. All organizations must be sensitive to
recruiting minorities to serve on their boards and as volunteers to foster social
cohesion and stronger social support networks.
This is particularly important where the community being served includes
minorities. I am reminded of a draft web
page developed for a mental health nonprofit on which I have served. Our sole African American member pointed out
that no people of color were depicted on the masthead. Her input on this and other sensitive matters
was invaluable to the social integration of our mission and purpose.
Age Diversity. Recruiting young adults to serve is
difficult. Often both eligible spouses have full-time employment with children.
However, seeking out interested young adults is crucial to the survival of our
organizations that tend to be “top heavy” with much older members.
Age diversity can bring a richness and new insight to a discussion of
critical issues. Bracken would not hesitate to add a college student (or
younger) to a board where the participant had a vested personal interest in the
business of the organization. Enthusiasim
and a fresh perspective make up for the lack of wisdom that comes from
experience. Moreover, no single age
group has all the answers.
Skill Diversity. An important consideration for both recruiting
organizations and individuals seeking a place to serve is the skills brought to
the board meeting or volunteer effort. It is important for the professional
skills of the charitable board members to be well rounded. Legal, finance, accounting and business backgrounds
are four basic needs for most supervising boards. No less important are experience in
fundraising, communications and marketing, performance management, technology
and strategic planning.
Geographical
Diversity. The fourth and final diversity factor was not as obvious to
me as the others were until Mr. Burns explained. He has found over the years
that a board of directors made up of only East Washingon members, when the
organization services a much larger area, is a mistake. Washington County has
city, suburban and rural communities within its borders. In addition, the Mon
valley has its own distinct personality. He strongly believes that when an
organization services the entire county, it needs representation from all of
these areas.
We have explored the types of individuals who are essential to
perpetuate the health of Washington County charitable organizations. The question now becomes how to match up the
requirements of individual charitable nonprofits with those who may be
interested in becoming involved. For this dilemma, I turned to the one person
who has her hand on the pulse of charitable giving in Washington County, Ms.
Betsie Trew.
Betsie is the President and CEO of the Washington County Community
Foundation (WCCF). Under her leadership assets have
grown to more than $39 million, with over $15 million in grants and
scholarships awarded. Like former Commissioner Burns, she is in a position to understand
both the needs of the county’s charitable nonprofits and the available talent
pool.
Unfortunately,
there is no single database to match up nonprofits with potential board members
or volunteers. There is, however, a comprehensive alphabetical list of all
organizations which participate in the WCCF Day of Giving on its website.
Anyone interested in service work can review the list or a subset by category
and click on an entry for contact information. (Goggle: WCCF Charity Search)
Another
resource for future board members and volunteers is the training program
sponsored by Leadership Washington County (LWC@palwc.org). LWC has been
identifying and preparing future leaders through its program since 1998. After
completion of the program, LWC provides participants with opportunities for
board membership in order to stay actively involved in the community.
Throughout the past pandemic year, charitable nonprofit boards have been
meeting virtually to keep the doors open and to prepare for the new normal. Any
organization would be grateful to be contacted by new recruits ready to lend a
hand for the greater good.
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