Should Non-Board Members Serve on Committees?

I got this question recently when I was meeting with a small nonprofit: Are we allowed to add non-Board members to our committees?

The short answer is yes! (Unless your bylaws say otherwise—but hopefully not.)

Bringing non-Board members onto your committees can be incredibly valuable. Here’s why:

Why Involve Non-Board Members in Committees?

Create a Pathway for Deeper Engagement
Going from just being a general supporter of your organization all the way to joining the Board is a big leap. But getting involved in a committee is a great step along that path. It allows people who are enthusiastic about your mission to get more involved without the full commitment of Board service.

Build Committee Expertise
This is especially useful for committees that require specialized knowledge, like finance, fundraising, or advocacy. By bringing in non-Board members who have specific expertise, you can enhance the work of the committees and make them even more effective.

Develop a Pipeline for Future Board Members
One of the most strategic advantages of having non-Board members on committees is that it creates a ready-made pool of potential Board candidates. When it comes time to recruit new Board members, you can look first to those non-Board committee members who are already familiar with your mission, your culture, and your strategic priorities.

Key Considerations When Adding Non-Board Members to Committees

While this approach can be very beneficial, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Set Clear Expectations
Be very clear about what the commitment involves. How long are they signing up for? How frequently does this committee meet and when? Are they expected to do a lot of work outside of the meetings? Make sure you can accurately express what the size of the commitment is so that no one is surprised later on.

Clarify Committee Authority
One common point of confusion is the authority of the committee. In reality, the boundary is clear: committees make recommendations, but the Board makes final decisions. It’s crucial to communicate this clearly to avoid any misunderstandings about the scope of influence that committee members hold.

Emphasize Confidentiality
Non-Board committee members will likely be exposed to sensitive information. They need to understand the importance of respecting confidentiality, even though they’re not on the Board or Staff. This is especially important when dealing with financial, personnel, or strategic matters.

Final Thoughts

Inviting non-Board members to serve on committees can be a strategic way to enhance engagement, build expertise, and develop a pipeline for future Board members. But clarity is the key to success.

Have you tried this approach in your organization?