Why would someone who doesn’t own a sewing needle volunteer to help fashion designers make clothes? That’s what I asked myself when I recently joined the board of No Sweat Fashions, a design production and training studio in Canberra that connects emerging fashionistas with skilled tailors who can stitch their designs into reality.
Getting over the ego boost
Naturally I was flattered when Veronica Wensing, the No Sweat Fashions chair, asked me to join the board. It was like being head-hunted — an affirmation that people out there respected and valued me. I quickly put my ego back in its box, however, and got practical:
- How much time would it take?
- Did I have the necessary skills?
- What did I want from the experience?
- What was the organisation’s expectation of me?
- Were they professional?
- Did they have adequate insurance?
- Who else was on the board?
- Did I share the organisation’s values?
That last question was probably the most important … I needed to believe in what I was doing. Otherwise, where was the motivation and passion? And that is the answer to why my not-so-nimble fingers are now lending a hand to the fashion industry. You see, I’m not there to whip up haute couture — I’m there because No Sweat needed an experienced treasurer and business woman, and someone with IT, social media and fund-raising skills. Besides, what we’re trying to achieve isn’t about fashion … as much as I do love my wardrobe, our message is really about social change and empowering women. You see, we provide work experience, training and employment for new refugees and other migrants with sewing skills. Unfortunately, sweat shop practises are still very real in Australia’s garment industry, so No Sweat Fashions not only provides dressmaking training, we also educate these women on their legal rights and partner with ethical fashion designers to create jobs. Of course, sharing an organisation’s ideals doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing on the board. You need to know exactly what you’re signing up for!
What is a board?
Um, isn’t this obvious? Well, no. I’ve been on enough boards and committees to know the definition is surprisingly vague because each one is different. Broadly, though, a board is about governance; that is, determining the direction of an organisation and developing systems, processes and structures to keep it on track. Generally, there are five types of boards, which determine what’s generally expected of you:
- Start-Up: you do everything to establish an organisation, from vacuuming to strategic planning
- Advisory: you support and help the CEO
- Fund-raising: you’re a patron, the “face” of an organisation to attract money and attention
- Advocacy: you lobby on behalf of members
- Co-operative: you share leadership with the other board members, democratically making decisions by debate.
For love or money
Since most organisations with boards are notoriously short of funding, I didn’t gleefully anticipate a truck load of cash. However, remuneration is an important, although tricky, issue, especially in the non-profit sector. An organisation should have a policy on payment or rewards for board members. You may get an honorarium, cover for out-of-pocket expenses … or simply nothing. I’m not saying nothing is bad — you just need to know in advance if donations are required.
So what’s in it for me?
The perks may not be financial … but they do exist. Joining your first board is an important milestone and for many, a sign they’ve “made it”.
Prestige aside, being on a board provides a significant boost to your career or business.
For me, the biggest benefit is the satisfaction of helping others. I may sound idealistic, but every volunteer I ask says the same thing: the joy of giving is not a cliché … it’s the truth. Anyone who willingly gives their time and skills to worthy cause experiences the fulfilment of making a difference, and is enriched by being part of a community. Of course, there are more tangible gains:
- Networking or meeting well-known people
- Credibility, which leads to more brand loyalty
- The chance to travel or attend conferences and courses on behalf of your organisation
- Increased public exposure, which creates publicity opportunities
- More influence in the corporate world
- New skills or knowledge that apply directly to your day job.
Snare an invite
I’m on boards and committees because people are aware of my skills and interests. They know me because I’m active in the local business and community scenes — I go to events and courses, and belong to various associations. I am, after all, the developer of an accounting software package for volunteer treasurers in non-profit groups, so getting out and about is part of my job description! Of course, you don’t have to wait for an invitation to become a board member. There’s no reason why you can’t express your interest in an organisation or find a mentor who is already in the position.
Take off the rose coloured glasses
As with everything, being on a board isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. Time is my biggest struggle, which I deal with by focusing on tasks where I can make a unique contribution. Sometimes I feel like I’m riding an unbroken horse — I may be in the saddle, but I can’t always control the direction, and there might be a few bucks and kicks along the way. The solution, of course, is perseverance … with training and patience that wild horse will probably become my trusty steed!
