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6 Things to Consider Before You Add Another Seat at the Table

If your board feels a little stuck, or you’re gearing up for big changes, this is your moment to set the tone for what comes next. A strong, engaged board doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, clarity, and a little bit of courage. Whether you’re prepping for board elections, filling open seats, or simply sensing your board’s energy could use a boost, now’s the perfect time to rethink how you bring people in and keep them connected.

Here are six things to consider as you recruit and refresh your board for the year ahead:

1- Start with Gaps, Not Just Openings

Before you ask who should be on the board, ask what your board actually needs. Are you missing specific skills, lived experiences, community connections, or fresh perspectives? A simple board matrix or gap analysis can help you recruit with purpose, not just to fill a seat, but to strengthen the whole.

2- Make the Invitation Clear (and Compelling)

Good people won’t say yes to vague requests. Be ready to share exactly what board service really looks like such as time commitment, expectations, and how they’ll make a difference. A clear, confident invitation helps potential members say yes for the right reasons and feel excited from the start.

3- Think Beyond the Inner Circle

It’s tempting to keep asking the usual suspects. But refreshing your board often means expanding your reach. Widen your reach by asking staff, partners, or volunteers who they know. The best new board members might be just outside your usual circles.

4- Onboarding Is Culture-Building

Don’t leave new members to figure it out alone. A thoughtful onboarding process helps new members feel confident, informed, and connected from the start. Introductions, mentoring, and a board buddy can all help people feel like they belong (not just that they were added).

5- Re-Recruit Your Current Board

Refreshing your board isn’t just about new faces, it’s about re-engaging the people already have. Check in with quieter members. Ask what support they need to fully show up. An invitation to recommit reminds them they matter and keeps your board’s energy strong.

6- Name (and Celebrate) the Transition

As members leave, be intentional about how you thank them. A warm sendoff honors their time and helps model the kind of board culture you want to build. It also reminds everyone that leadership is a season, and that’s a good thing. Transitions don’t have to be awkward; they can be healthy, natural, and even celebratory.

“When you let go of what no longer serves you, you create space for what will.” As your board evolves, treat transitions not just as endings, but as fresh beginnings. Recruitment and refreshment aren’t about filling chairs; they’re about shaping the board your mission needs next.