Strong, knowledgeable boards help the organizations gain credibility, provide important access to the community, and serve as effective advocates.

A board without experienced leadership is often a group without direction. Your board is your governing body. The board is responsible for planning, for budgeting, for fundraising and for community outreach.

Every board needs to plan for officer succession: how to identify leadership qualities, elect the best candidates for the positions, train the officers for their roles, and ensure timely rotation.

Serving as an officer is an added responsibility but it also provides an opportunity for a board member to show special commitment and improve his leadership skills.