If you’re one of the thousands of Central Texas business professionals who’s been thinking about getting more involved in community service, you may have wondered or even explored joining a nonprofit board of directors.

Many emerging corporate leaders envision joining the board of a well-known and prestigious local charity, but quickly find that those opportunities are few and far between … and they are usually reserved for established professionals who already have a long history of support for the cause.

For those new to nonprofit board service, the opportunities to serve are most often found with small, struggling organizations – a very different experience, indeed.

A recent study by Greenlights for Nonprofit Success (Greenlights) found that there are approximately 7,200 vacant seats on Austin-area nonprofit boards of directors. That’s 15 percent of the open positions for the 4,100+ charitable organizations that are based here.

In Austin, 73 percent of those nonprofit organizations have an annual operating budget of less than $100,000, so their boards are usually “working boards” of directors who dedicate many hours and dollars to helping their nonprofit fulfill its mission while trying to grow.

So what does it really mean to join a board? What are the risks and the benefits to a well-meaning person who wants to help, but doesn’t have unlimited time or money to give?

Meet Katy Avenson, CPA, of Atchley & Associates, LLP, who recently joined the board of UpLift Austin, a nonprofit that transforms public schools by educating youth in the fundamentals of sustainable design through the real-life renovation of their own schools.

Avenson learned about UpLift Austin at the 2010 Board Summit, an event produced by Greenlights in partnership with Leadership Austin that introduces business professionals to area nonprofits in need of board members.

Greenlights: Why did you decide to explore board service? 

Avenson: I’ve found that I’m personally able to contribute the most to an organization when I have a specific role either on a committee or with a defined task. I’m really interested in how businesses are managed, and I was excited to play a role in making decisions, setting directions and advising an organization pursuing a mission that was important to me.

Greenlights: Now that you’re on a board, is the experience different than you envisioned? If so, how?

Avenson: When I joined the UpLift Austin board, I was nervous that I wouldn’t know enough about the education or environmental sustainability industries, which are key areas for UpLift. I’ve since realized that simply believing in the mission is the most important factor for board service. If you want to help make something happen, there’s always a way you can participate and learn more. UpLift is still a very new organization, so it’s been exciting to contribute to the formative stage and help determine how UpLift can most effectively impact the community. Larger, more established organizations probably need a different style of board oversight, so it’s important to make sure you’re ready for what the organization needs.

Greenlights: What is the most rewarding part of being on a board? What is the most challenging?

Avenson: I’ve always been interested in business, and I have a passion for helping nonprofits maintain their exempt status by understanding and complying with tax laws. I typically advise clients from my role as their outside accountant, so it’s been really rewarding to help an organization from within and to participate in making decisions. I’ve learned so much from the different decision-making and communication styles of others on the board during discussions about strategic planning and the direction of UpLift.

The most challenging aspect has been learning to focus our energy on the core mission when there are so many important charitable initiatives that are related. It’s difficult to make decisions about what our organization can do best and how to use our limited resources in a way that is most beneficial to the community.

Greenlights: What advice would you give to others who are thinking about joining a board?

Avenson: You don’t want your board service to feel like an extension of your job. I’ve heard that you should serve in a capacity other than what you do for your regular job since it can be rewarding to try new things and develop new skills. It can also be beneficial for the organization since someone who is unfamiliar with a position can offer new perspectives on the role and how it could be done differently. However, if you’ve never served on a board, it might be easier to do what you know best. If you’re an accountant, you can usually provide immediate value as the treasurer, and most organizations will be eager to use any skills you already have. I think it’s important to start with what you know and expand from there. As you get more involved, opportunities will present themselves for new challenges.

Greenlights: Is there any other insight you’d like to share about board service or finding a board to serve on?

Avenson: The Board Summit is a great opportunity to learn about organizations that are looking for new board members. It can be daunting to figure out where to go or what to do once you decide you’re ready to serve on a board. The Summit is a chance to talk to various nonprofits you may not know about that are looking for your skills, passion and ideas … they just haven’t met you yet. Find the organization that gets you excited, and sign up to get involved. It’s very rewarding to play a part in the creation of something amazing.

Ann Starr is the director of education at Greenlights for Nonprofit Success, an Austin-based nonprofit that provides resources, training, consulting and other services designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations.