Working with Your Community Board
A community board is generally made up of volunteers who represent and look out for the best interests of the community at large. The members of such boards typically represent a cross section of the community's population. The board holds meetings to discuss pertinent issues. It follows set rules and procedures but is usually required to provide an open forum for the public to participate at meetings, discussions, and/ or hearings.
Involving a community board is one step in the process of building awareness of a community issue that needs to be addressed. Do your homework before approaching the community board so that you know exactly how to request its help or support.
Before you can raise money for a community issue, try to get the local governing board on your side. If you need board approval for a project or program, help its members get to know your group by bringing several people from your organization along when presenting your plans. Designate one person as the speaker and make sure he assembles a concise but effective presentation backed up with supporting facts and figures.
If, for example, your group has gathered to discuss the building of a library and you are ready and willing to do fundraising toward that goal, address the need for a library, the most suitable location (and why), and your plans for raising the necessary funds.
Watch for conflicts of interest when dealing with a community board. If you have members who sit on the community board and the board of your organization, they may need to dismiss themselves from taking a vote on such issues. Other people may not sit on both boards but may have ulterior motives, which are sometimes political. Full disclosure of any potential conflict is advised to minimize the risk of future problems.
