At RMMFI, we know that business leaders make great community leaders. As an entrepreneur, you are an expert at identifying a need in your community or target market and using your lived experience and expertise to create a product or solution. Your experience and your voice can continue a lot to your community. You deserve to be at tables where your voice can be amplified to create a big impact!
Why Should Entrepreneurs Join Local Boards and Commissions?
As an entrepreneur, joining a board, commission, or task force is a fantastic way to use your skills to help shape your community. Plus, you get some awesome perks along the way! Here’s why you should get involved:
Expand Your Knowledge: Discover new ideas and best practices that can benefit you and your business.
Make Connections: Meet other professionals and make valuable connections that could lead to exciting opportunities.
Build Leadership Skills: Gain experience in running meetings, managing projects, and working with a team.
Speak Up for What Matters: Have a say in policies and advocate for things you’re passionate about.
Get Recognized: Stand out and get noticed for your contributions to the community.
Make a Real Impact: Use your expertise to help guide and improve local projects and organizations.
Get Insider Knowledge: Get a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are made and be part of the process in local government or nonprofit operations.
Explore Different Roles: Choose from a variety of boards and commissions that fit your interests and skills.
Joining a board or commission is not just about giving back—it’s a fun and rewarding way to expand your network, grow your skills, and make your city an even better place to live and work. So, why not dive in?
Types of Board Service
How do I know what type of board service is right for me?
As an entrepreneur, you might be invited to join local boards or committees. But what’s the difference between them all? Let’s break it down in simple terms:
Advisory Board
Local governments often create advisory boards to help with specific issues, like a design review board, to give expert advice and suggestions to a company or government group. These can be permanent or set up for a limited time.
- The Role: Offer guidance on specific topics or projects without making decisions.
- Authority: Acts as advisors but limited power to make decisions.
Commission
Set up by law to manage and regulate specific areas or issues, like a building code board of appeals. Some commissions are required by law, while others are created as needed by local governments.
- The Role: Can make rules, enforce laws, and make official decisions.
- Authority: Has legal powers and can make binding decisions.
Taskforce
Created to tackle a specific problem or issue for a limited time. Often formed to address urgent or specific issues and disband once their work is done.
- The Role: Focus on research, finding solutions, and making recommendations.
- Authority: Temporary and doesn’t have decision-making power; they report their findings.
Nonprofit Board of Directors
Leads and oversees the direction of a nonprofit organization. Board members help guide the organization and are often involved in fundraising and strategic planning.
- The Role: Set policies, approve budgets, and ensure the organization follows its mission.
- Authority: Has legal responsibility for the organization’s actions and financial health.
These groups are essential in helping governments and organizations make better decisions. They study issues, provide insights, and help communicate between officials and the community. Understanding these roles can help you decide which one suits you best and how you can make an impact!
Who Can Join Local Boards and Commissions?
Each board might have specific seat requirements, so it is important to review the board in its entirety. For example, there may be a number of seats reserved for licensed real estate agents on the Real Estate Board. Other than specific seat requirements, anyone can join local boards.
If you have specific questions, you can talk to the staff who supports the appointment process. The one thing to keep in mind is that when you join a local board, service is usually on a voluntary basis with no additional compensation.
How to Get Involved
Where do I find information on how to join local boards and commissions? How do I join local boards?
As an entrepreneur, getting involved in local boards and commissions can be a great way to make an impact and connect with others. Here’s how you can find and join these groups:
Step One: Research Opportunities Online
Look up local boards and commission opportunities in your area.
The State of Colorado has a website where you can find lists of boards and commissions, along with current openings for state roles. Similarly, many counties have websites too. There are also websites to search for nonprofit board of director openings.
Signing up for newsletters is another great way to receive information on how to join local boards.
- State-Level: Colorado Boards and Commissions
- City/County-Level: Adams County Citizen Advisory Boards, Arapahoe County Boards and Committees, City of Alamosa Boards, Colorado Springs Boards, Denver County Boards and Commissions, Gunnison County Boards, Jefferson County Boards, Trinidad Boards and Commissions, and more!
- Nonprofit: Spark the Change Colorado and VolunteerMatch
Step Two: Review the Responsibilities and Requirements to Join a Local Board or Commission
Find out what each local board does and if there are any specific requirements to join.
Step Three: Prepare Your Application Materials
Get your resume, references, and a cover letter ready.
Step Four: Submit your application and follow up as needed
Submit your application as instructed, usually online. The process can take time, so be sure to follow up if needed and stay interested.
Extra Tip: If you know someone who would be great on a board, nominate them!
Remember, the experience and connections you gain through joining a local board can be invaluable for your personal and professional growth. Joining a board or commission is not just about giving back—it’s a rewarding way to expand your network, grow your skills, and make your community an even better place to live and work.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact info@rmmfi.org for personalized support in finding the right board or commission for you. If you’re already involved in board service, we’d love to hear and share your story! Reach out to community@rmmfi.org to be featured.
Do you have a board or task force opportunity? Share it with our network of entrepreneurs and mentors! Send the details to community@rmmfi.org.
Join local boards or commissions today and use your entrepreneurial skills to make a lasting impact on your community!
