At the heart of every successful mission-driven organization lies a dedicated and capable board of directors. Their strategic vision, governance, and leadership are what ensure the organization remains impactful, sustainable, and relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of community development. But what does it take to become a board member? And why should you consider stepping into this role?
If you’re interested in community impact, economic development, or simply looking for a new way to make a difference, you’re invited to participate in an exciting event designed to connect individuals with nonprofit boards in need of passionate leaders. This annual Board Expo, hosted by GiveNKind, Vernon Area Public Library, and The Lake County Community Foundation on Wednesday, September 17th at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire, is more than just an opportunity to learn—it’s a chance to truly engage and become part of something bigger. Click here for event details.
Building Partnerships for Impact
This Board Recruitment event is a direct result of a powerful partnership between GiveNKind, Vernon Area Public Library, and The Lake County Community Foundation—three organizations dedicated to fostering positive change and supporting the growth of the community. Over the years, they’ve come together to build a platform where local leaders can connect with nonprofit organizations seeking fresh, dedicated board members.
Through this collaboration, they’ve been able to facilitate numerous events and opportunities designed to support and elevate board leadership, develop mission based organizations, and make the match between people and volunteerism. Their goal has always been simple: to ensure that mission-driven organizations have access to the talent, energy, and ideas they need to thrive while offering individuals the chance to engage with the community and develop personally and professionally
The Board Expo is just one of many ways they work to strengthen the Lake County non-profit community. By leveraging the power of these strategic partnerships, they’re not just helping organizations find the right people—we’re also empowering individuals to become leaders who can make a real difference in their community.
At this event, you’ll be provided with an in-depth overview of what it means to serve on a board and why it’s so critical to the success of nonprofit organizations. You’ll hear firsthand from community leaders about the impact that great boards can have—and why you, with your skills, experience, and passion, are needed.
Why Are Boards So Important?
A nonprofit organization is only as strong as its leadership. Boards provide governance, strategic oversight, and financial guidance to nonprofits. They help organizations stay mission-focused and ensure that resources are being used efficiently to achieve those missions.
Being part of a board means being part of the long-term vision of an organization. It’s about offering your expertise, diverse perspectives, and commitment to shaping that vision. Great boards are made up of individuals who bring unique skills—whether it’s finance, marketing, legal, or simply a strong passion for the cause—so the diversity and strength of the board plays a pivotal role in an organization’s success.
Economic Development, Community Engagement and Personal Fulfillment
Becoming a board member is not just about the organization—it’s also about you. Serving on a board is a unique opportunity to engage deeply with your community and contribute to its long-term success. As a board member, you’ll become an asset to both the organization and the broader community.
Whether it’s helping develop key community programs, overseeing important economic initiatives, or facilitating local partnerships, board members play a key role in fostering community engagement. In return, you’ll gain access to valuable networking opportunities with like-minded professionals and community leaders. Serving on a board also offers immense personal fulfillment—you’ll experience the satisfaction of contributing to something bigger than yourself, while also honing your leadership, governance, and decision-making skills.
A Tradition of Empowerment
The Board Expo event has been a hallmark of community development for several years. It has grown to become an essential resource for both organizations and individuals interested in making a difference. In the past, we’ve seen many success stories—from individuals attending their first event to becoming board members, and even returning to the event as board members themselves to host organizational tables and recruit new talent.
One story in particular stands out: a potential board recruit attended the event one year and engaged with multiple organizations. By the following year, they were sworn in as a board member for one of those organizations. They then returned the next year as a table host to share their experiences and recruit others, illustrating the power of this event to not only connect individuals with nonprofits but also create a cycle of leadership development and community engagement.
Take the First Step
Whether you’re an experienced professional or someone just beginning to explore ways to contribute to your community, the Board Expo is the perfect place to start. With over twenty organizations attending, you’ll have the opportunity to find a board that aligns with your values and interests.
The event is free, open to anyone interested in joining a nonprofit board, and designed to connect individuals with organizations looking for leaders who are committed to moving the mission forward. Your skills and passion could be the key to helping an organization – and the Lake County community – thrive.
Which Nonprofit Board is Right for You?
To register for the Board Expo on September 17th and get exposure to other powerful nonprofits in Lake County that are open to new leadership, click here.
As the nonprofit organization charged with driving Lake County’s economy forward, Lake County Partners relies on a strong board of business and community leaders to guide its initiatives and shape priorities. Learn more about our board and what we do here. Click here to explore opportunities to get involved with us.