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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world.”
--Margaret Mead
A strong board of directors, often called the backbone of a nonprofit, is
vital in helping a CASA/GAL program fulfill its mission for abused children.
The board can set policy for the program, ensure the program has the
resources it needs and create a vision for the future. Without solid and
committed leadership from an active board, it is impossible for a program to
make the leap from good to great.
While many consider it an honor to be elected or appointed to the board,
serving as a member is one of the most challenging of volunteer duties: a
member has important fiduciary and legal responsibilities which demand time,
skills and resources. By sharing individual talents (for example legal,
financial or fundraising expertise), a board member can mentor staff and
support other board members as well. Often board members generously support
the organization financially.
Hundreds if not thousands of individuals serving CASA or GAL programs
deserve recognition for their selfless work. They have made significant
contributions to their programs and promoted the CASA/GAL mission in their
communities. CASA/GAL programs around the country have written to share
experiences of exceptional board involvement.
From her experience as owner of a management consulting firm, Debra Grimes
was able to lead CASA, Inc., Nashville, TN, through a difficult time, taking
responsibility when many veterans abandoned their posts. Passionate about
the CASA mission, she worked diligently so that more abused children were
served while both staff and board took more responsibility and pride in
their work. During her tenure as president, the annual budget grew and
negotiated deals led to many firsts: CASA billboards, PSAs and TV ads.
Experience as a licensed social worker, Stacey Worthington advocates for
juveniles as a juvenile ombudsman and serves her local program board (CASA
of the 2nd Judicial District, Jonesboro, AR) in many ways. Under her
leadership as Board president, CASA has achieved community respect and
awareness, financial growth and volunteer expansion. Besides promoting the
mission through the six-county district as CASA’s spokesperson, she is also
a professional singer and has donated her voice and band to raise funds.
Often CASA/GAL board members find themselves involved in the reorganization
or expansion process. Initially a CASA volunteer, Tara Peltier was asked to
join the board of CASA Services, Inc., Ponchatoula, LA, in 2000. An active
board and committee member, she assisted establishing personnel policies and
played a key role in the self assessment process for the agency. Becoming
president in 2002, she oversaw the reorganization and expansion of the
agency. Peltier has also participated in radio and television interviews,
recruited and helped train additional volunteers and spearheaded the
agency’s primary fundraiser. Likewise, volunteer and board member Robert
Thompson offered his help when Volunteers for Youth Justice (Shreveport, LA)
expanded into two more parishes. Later, as a CASA volunteer, he served in
both courts when services were established, providing them with a seasoned
volunteer for their first assignments. Besides his commitment to the program
through his gifts of time, wisdom and substantial financial support, he has
given much encouragement and countless hours to the new expansion.
Often board members find a niche to fill and flourish in their role as board
member. Over the past ten years, Suzanne Maloney has served CASA of
Southeast Texas, Inc., Beaumont, TX, both as an active board member and as
its Community Relations Coordinator. She was instrumental in making a
fledgling nonprofit into a well-established, integral part of the community.
Demonstrating great initiative in heightening community awareness of issues
facing abused and neglected children, she has maintained excellent media
relations, made CASA a household word in her community, recruited hundreds
of volunteers and raised thousands of dollars.
One former board president wrote that she was “acutely aware of the ebb and
flow of energy level one must dedicate to an organization one has been
‘elected’ to lead.” She added,
”Only those individuals with a certain kind of commitment to the mission can
truly dedicate the time and effort necessary to effectively guide a
nonprofit organization.”
For no matter the level of expertise, work experience or motivation, board
members contribute to the big picture of advocacy for abused and neglected
children; they help bring hope and change to broken families and hurt
children.
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