Join a Board of Directors = leadership development!

Another great way to stay involved in the nonprofit sector is to join the Board of Directors of a local nonprofit. It's a great way to develop and use your leadership skills, learn about finances, event planning and fundraising, and how to make decisions.

There are a couple of programs in Seattle that can help you identify your skills and can help match them with an organization!

YMCA Get Engaged Program

United Way Project LEAD (and other Board resources)

Have you received any useful trainings that helped you become a Board member, or a better Board member? Let us know!

Are you a volunteer?

Are you wondering how to respond to President Obama’s call to service? A number of local organizations in Seattle offer great resources for serving as a volunteer, including skills-based volunteerism and board service training.

Panelists at EPIP's Philanthropology workshop suggested that next generation philanthropy professionals stay grounded by volunteering for a local nonprofit. It will help remind you of what it's like to be on the fundraising/service delivery side of the fence, and will also help keep you critical of your own practices, while you are immersed in theirs.

Seattle Works
Offers one-time and long-term volunteer opportunities, as well as The Bridge, an introductory class that trains individuals for board service.

United Way of King County
Offers one-time and long-term volunteer opportunities throughout King County.

Philanthropy Northwest
Offers a Job Bank that includes a searchable database of skills-based volunteer opportunities at nonprofits.

Starbucks
Offers a searchable database of volunteer opportunities throughout the country and encourages individuals to pledge 5 hours in their communities.

Do you have other ideas? Post them as comments and we'll add to the list!