It is common for advancement leaders to share a list of “expectations” for Board members, Advisory Council members, and other volunteer leaders. Among a number of expectations, the list might include items like:
- We expect each member to be prepared for and to engage fully in meetings; and,
- We expect each member to make a charitable gift at least annually.
However, it is far less common for advancement leaders to share why the list of expectations is important for volunteers to embrace and meet.
If we shared with potential volunteer leaders the aspirations of the Board, or Council they are being invited to join and we also shared with them the beliefs we hold in support of high-quality participation, we might find that the list expectations we share are better understood and more regularly met.
A presentation of aspirations, beliefs, and expectations could look like the following:
- This Board aspires to be the most productive, engaged, and mission-focused Board upon which our members serve. We believe that every voice and perspective matters in deliberating important governance topics. Therefore, we expect each member to be prepared for and to engage fully in all meetings.
- This Council aspires to strengthen a broad and deep culture of giving in support of our mission and programs. We believe that leading by example matters. Therefore, we expect each member to make a charitable gift at least annually.
We can (and should) share our service expectations with potential volunteer leaders. That is only fair when asking someone to serve.
However, when we frame those expectations within the context of broader aspirations and beliefs, we provide a much more compelling explanation as to why those expectations matter.
And, when we share why the expectations matter, we may just find that more volunteer leaders actually meet them.
