The Strength of Volunteer Board Members: Adding Value Without Rolling Up Your Sleeves

By Danielle Rocheleau

If you’ve ever been asked to sit on a board for a nonprofit or social purpose organization, you might have had a moment of panic: “Wait, does this mean I’m expected to run fundraising events, take meeting minutes, or bake cookies for the annual gala?”

Don’t get me wrong—cookies are great. But serving as a volunteer board member is so much more and far less hands-on than many people think.

The role of a volunteer board member isn’t about day-to-day operations. It’s about offering leadership, perspective, and expertise to keep an organization strong, strategic, and impactful. It’s also about being an ambassador—someone who amplifies the organization’s mission, celebrates its wins, and shares its story with others.

It’s a position where your value doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from guiding more, connecting others to the mission, and shining a light on the organization’s success.

In this article I’m going to cover:

You’re Not in the Kitchen—You’re Helping Set the Recipe

Think of an organization as a bustling kitchen (stay with me—this analogy works). The executive director and staff are the chefs, whipping up their best work and managing the daily grind. As a volunteer board member, you’re not in there chopping onions or stirring the pot. Instead, you’re helping the kitchen stay stocked, setting priorities for the menu, and ensuring the chefs are working toward a vision of what’s possible.

What does this look like in practice?

You help the organization prioritize its goals and ensure resources are aligned to what matters most.

Example: If the organization’s strategic goal is to expand programs into a new community, you might review their plan, ask questions about funding and timelines, and offer connections to people in your network who could help.

You bring an external perspective to help the team focus on the bigger picture.

Example: When staff are buried in day-to-day work, you might ask, “How does this align with our long-term mission?” or “Are there other ways we can measure success here?”

Your role is to provide direction and clarity, not to get into the weeds.

The Magic of ‘Hands-Off’ Impact

It’s tempting to think that “value” comes from doing—but here’s the thing: organizations need board members to stay at a strategic level. You don’t need to be a subject-matter expert in their day-to-day work; you just need to bring your experience, insight, and commitment to the table.

Here’s what “hands-off” impact looks like:

  • Ask powerful questions
    Example: When reviewing budgets, you might ask, “Are we allocating enough to fund development or staff well-being to ensure we can grow sustainably?”

  • Offer your expertise
    If you’re a lawyer, accountant, HR professional, or marketer, you can offer high-level advice or share trends in your field.
    Example: A finance professional might offer tips on cash flow management, while someone in communications might suggest new ways to amplify success stories.

  • Provide oversight and governance
    Example: Reviewing policies, financial reports, and risk management plans to ensure the organization is healthy, resilient, and aligned to its mission.

None of these tasks require you to jump into operations, but they do create a huge ripple effect for the organization.

Amplifying the Mission: Your Role as an Ambassador

One of the most underrated ways a volunteer board member adds value? By being an ambassador for the organization.

Nonprofits and social purpose organizations rely on word of mouth, trusted relationships, and advocates in the community.

As a board member, you’re in a unique position to:

  • Celebrate successes. Shine a light on the incredible work the organization is doing and the difference it’s making.
    Example: Share a recent impact story on your LinkedIn page, speak about the organization’s work at community events, be present at launch events or announcements, or congratulate the staff team on a big win during a board meeting.

  • Connect the organization to your network. Whether it’s introducing them to a potential donor, collaborator, or partner, your connections can open doors that staff might not otherwise reach.
    Example: You might say, “I know someone who works with this foundation—I’d be happy to make an introduction.”

  • Amplify the message. Help spread the word about campaigns, fundraisers, or events to your networks.
    Example: If the organization launches a Giving Tuesday campaign, you can share the link with friends and family or post about why their mission matters to you.

You don’t have to do the fundraising yourself, but by using your platform to tell the story, you help others see the value of the work—and often, that inspires others to get involved.

Boards Add Strategic Backbone—And Visibility

A high-functioning board is like the backbone of an organization. While staff bring the heart and hustle, the board provides structure, stability, and vision. But your impact doesn’t stop there: you help amplify the organization’s work, making sure it’s seen, celebrated, and supported.

What does this mean in action?

  • You keep the mission front and center.
    Example: When a new project is proposed, you might ask, “How does this further our mission, and are we positioned to do this well?”

  • You support leadership.
    Example: Offering encouragement, advice, and constructive feedback to the executive director can make a world of difference to a leader juggling big responsibilities.

  • You act as a cheerleader and champion.
    Example: Attending events, sharing wins publicly, and telling people why you care about the organization helps build visibility and credibility.

Your Time, Your Voice, Your Value

The beauty of serving on a board is this: even if you’re giving just a few hours a month, your time has a huge impact. By providing strategic guidance, amplifying the organization’s voice, and connecting them to your networks, you help create the conditions for long-term success.

A quick checklist to keep in mind as a board member:

  • Am I helping celebrate and share the organization’s wins?
  • Am I asking questions that help the team think strategically?
  • Am I staying out of day-to-day operations and focused on governance?
  • Am I looking for ways to amplify their work to my network?

These are small but mighty actions that add up to something powerful: a stronger, more visible, and more impactful organization.

Let’s Hear It for Board Members

So, if you’re already serving on a board, take a moment to celebrate the work you’re doing. You’re not just sitting in meetings—you’re shaping the future of an organization that matters to your community. And if you’re considering joining a board, know this: your value lies in showing up as a leader, ambassador, and champion.

You don’t need to roll up your sleeves. You just need to show up, speak up, and amplify the mission. That’s where the real magic happens.

Looking for more help?

Strong, strategic governance doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built with intention. Whether your board needs training to sharpen its effectiveness or tailored support to tackle specific challenges, we’re here to help.

  • Governance training: Build a confident, high-performing board with engaging, practical training tailored to your organization. Learn more here.

  • Tailored support: Get expert guidance on specific governance challenges, from board dynamics to strategic decision-making.

Let’s work together to strengthen your leadership and create a governance structure that supports your mission. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your board.