How To Engage & Re-Motivate Current Board Members

A few weeks ago, I spoke with a woman from Georgia who runs a nonprofit providing shelter for single mothers facing domestic violence. She has a talented and skilled board—board members with the expertise to help bring her vision to life. But despite their quality, these board members weren’t providing much support. The organization was struggling to raise funds and keep programs running.

This conversation got me thinking: even with great board members, there’s often more to creating a successful organization. Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the board members themselves but with the way we engage and integrate them. In this article, I'll walk you through some critical steps to help you re-engage and re-motivate your current board members.

1. Conduct a Thorough Board Assessment Re-engaging starts with assessing where each board member stands. This involves self-assessment for individual members and an evaluation of the board as a whole. Self-assessment helps identify each board member's strengths and potential contributions. It also gives them a chance to express their interests and areas where they may need support.

By assessing the board as a unit, you can spot any gaps in skills or experience and plan accordingly. Provide each board member with a self-assessment form to reflect on their current commitment and impact. This foundation will set the stage for meaningful re-engagement.

2. Hold Individual Check-In Conversations After the assessment, follow up with one-on-one conversations to discuss each board member’s role and commitment. Use the self-assessment results as a starting point. Some members may acknowledge they’re less involved or feel disconnected, while others might express renewed interest in contributing.

These conversations should be open and constructive, helping members consider their next steps—whether it's stepping up, shifting to an advisory role, or perhaps stepping down entirely. This dialogue reinforces the board’s mission and ensures each member is on board for the right reasons.

3. Provide Tailored Support Once board members clarify their roles, offer the support they need to either transition into a different capacity or fully engage in their current one. For those staying, this could mean refresher training on board responsibilities or ongoing mentorship. For those transitioning, ensure they feel respected and supported as they move to advisory roles or other areas.

Tailored support shows board members that they’re valued and understood, which can boost morale and keep them connected to the organization’s mission.

4. Develop a Strategic Plan Together A shared strategic plan is key to alignment. After board members have re-committed or taken on new roles, engage them in planning or reviewing the organization’s strategic goals. If members have been detached for a while, they may lack up-to-date knowledge about ongoing initiatives.

Working on the strategic plan together refreshes their understanding of the organization’s priorities and objectives. It also ensures everyone is aligned with the direction and ready to contribute meaningfully.

5. Delegate Responsibilities and Encourage Committee Participation Assign responsibilities that match each board member’s strengths, skills, and interests. Delegating responsibilities or inviting members to join committees—whether for fundraising, volunteer management, or donor stewardship—can help keep them engaged. Clear roles make it easy for board members to see how they contribute to the organization’s mission.

When responsibilities are shared, board members become invested in their own specific roles, fostering a sense of accountability and purpose within the organization.

6. Establish Accountability Systems Setting expectations and following up on delegated responsibilities are critical. Accountability doesn’t have to be rigid, but regular check-ins (such as weekly or monthly updates) help board members stay on track. Use reporting systems or project management tools to monitor progress and make it easy for members to report back.

Accountability structures ensure that all members contribute actively and consistently, which strengthens the board as a whole and reinforces each member's role.

7. Recognize and Reward Contributions Finally, recognize board members’ efforts publicly and celebrate successes together. Acknowledging board members’ work—whether through social media shout-outs or internal updates—demonstrates that you value their commitment. Reward them in ways that matter to them, and make sure their contributions are visible and celebrated.

Celebrating successes keeps morale high and reaffirms each member’s role in the organization’s mission.

In Conclusion By following these seven steps—assessment, open dialogue, support, strategic alignment, delegation, accountability, and recognition—you can re-engage and re-motivate your board members, transforming a stagnant board into a passionate and active team.

In my next article, I’ll discuss effective recruitment strategies to ensure the right fit for your board from the start. Until then, remember: building a successful board isn’t just about getting the right people on board but creating an environment that keeps them inspired and engaged.