A slightly updated version of a piece written by Anonymous for the Spring 1995 LWVDV Voter. This is primarily about serving on the Board, but much of it applies to off-Board positions.
LWVDV Board Myth #1: You have to know a lot. We all learned from someone else or from the many materials available. Sharing information is nice for both the teacher and the learner, and it happens all the time.
LWVDV Board Myth #2: You have to have tons of time. True, you probably can’t do most board jobs in 30 minutes/week, but jobs are clearly defined and take only a few hours a week or can easily be worked around your personal schedule. Many jobs can be shared.
LWVDV Board Myth #3: You have to raise money. Of course, donations help, but unlike many nonprofit boards, League uses its board to run the organization, not primarily for fundraising.
LWVDV Board Myth #4: You have to be good at public speaking/writing/moderating. There is sure to be a job that uses the skills you already have, and/or will help you learn new ones.
LWVDV Board Myth #5: It’s a lot of work and no play. Aside from the satisfaction of doing an important job, League members are fun to spend time with – at a voter registration table, at a board retreat picnic, or at a Christmas tea!
LWVDV Board Myth #6: The meetings are inconvenient. Board meetings are once a month, and so are the public programs. Other meetings you may be interested in are often virtual now. Need a ride to an in-person meeting? Just ask! There’s sure to be someone nearby who can help.
LWVDV Board Myth #7: You have to go to every meeting. Certainly not every League meeting. If you share a job, not even every board meeting. Even if you don’t share, missing an occasional meeting is not a problem – we all need to travel or spend time with family.
LWVDV Board Myth #8: You have to do everything in your job description. You don’t do PowerPoint? There’s sure to be another member who would like to help the League who does. Member interest surveys and a question or two will find you suggestions for a committee or a one-time helper.
LWVDV Board Myth #9: You aren’t needed. In addition to the legal requirements for board members to keep the League running, there are always places we are asked to help of action we’d like to take if we had enough people to stretch that far. We are just waiting for you to join the board!
LWVDV Board Myth #10: Someone has to ask you. Volunteers are always welcome. The nominating committee isn’t psychic – perhaps you have more time now than you did a couple of years ago, or have an interest you would like to pursue with the League. Let someone know! You’ll be glad you did, and so will we.
