Joining a board is a serious commitment, says Mitch Frazer, a long-standing board member for major not-for-profits like North York General Hospital Foundation. An effective board member is passionate about the cause, dedicates about one to 10 hours a week to the organization – and comes packing skills. If you are being recruited for your legal expertise, make sure the higher-ups at work are aware that you will be providing legal advice.
"Fundraising is not so much a legal skill as a people skill," says Mitch. "There's nothing wrong with telling people what you do." He doesn't advise approaching clients directly about a cause, "but you can make sure they know about your involvement in a charitable board." Mitch asked Torys' social committee to hold its Family Day event at the Ontario Science Centre, where he is a board member. And he invites clients to fundraising events for the charities whose boards he sits on. "Lots of people are looking to contribute to charities – this gives them an outlet."
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