This week, we hosted our annual new Board member orientation, and while orientation may sound like a fairly routine part of organizational life, I was reminded once again just how important it is.
A Board is more than a group of people who attend meetings, approve budgets and provide oversight. A great Board is a group of people who understand and embrace the mission, ask important questions, bring their experiences and perspectives to the table, and most importantly, feel a genuine sense of responsibility for the organization and the community it serves.
That is why a thoughtful new Board member orientation is such an important best practice. It creates the opportunity to build and deepen relationships with one another, understand how the Board works and what its culture is, get to know the professional leadership team, and develop a shared understanding of where the organization has been, where it is today, and its aspirations for the future.
But what made the experience particularly meaningful was hearing why people chose to be part of this Board in the first place.
For some, the JCC has been part of their lives since childhood – as campers, swimmers, or athletes. For others, the JCC became part of their family story through early childhood, their children’s experiences, fitness, AgeWell or another program. Some grew up in Pittsburgh; others found their way here from somewhere else. One described the JCC as “the heart of the community.” Another spoke about being a “product of the JCC” and the responsibility we have to “carry the torch from this generation to the next.” Others talked about wanting to learn, to listen, to serve as ambassadors, to support innovation and excellence, and to help ensure that the JCC remains sustainable for the long haul. These reflections reminded me that there is no single way to be a part of the JCC.
And this year, we took another step to make sure that promise translates into meaningful engagement. For the first time, we launched a Board Buddy program, pairing new Board members with returning Board members who can help them navigate the organization, make connections, and find meaningful ways to become engaged in areas of interest and need. It is a simple idea, but an important one. Onboarding shouldn’t end when orientation is done. Building relationships and finding your place in an organization takes time and intentionality.
There is so much ahead of us. And if there is one thing I know, it is that standing still is not an option. Our community is changing. The needs around us are changing. The opportunities in front of us are changing. Our responsibility is to continue moving forward with curiosity, courage, accountability, and a deep sense of stewardship for the institution that has been entrusted to us.
Behind every strong nonprofit is a strong and engaged Board. And behind this JCC is an extraordinary group of volunteer leaders – both new and returning – who are ready to help us move our agency and our community forward. I am grateful for their guidance and support, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together.
Wishing you and your families a Shabbat shalom & chag sameach,
Jason