Why Young Professionals Should Serve on a Board

By J. Patrick Traynor

This month we’re talking about young professionals and board service, so we wanted you to hear directly from someone who recently joined her first board of directors. Her name is Tara Bujold, and she’s one of the many young professionals in our community who have decided to make an impact through board leadership.

There are many reasons for a young professional to consider board service — to learn more about an important mission, to develop communication and strategic-planning skills, or to expand one’s personal and professional network — but whatever the motivation, our regional nonprofits are in need of the perspective of the next generation. If you’re someone who’s on the fence about taking the leap into board service, I’d urge you to read Tara’s thoughts on how impactful the experience has been for her.

Meet Tara Bujold

Currently the director of executive operations at Dakota Medical Foundation and Impact Foundation, Tara Bujold knew she had more to give. As she considered multiple board opportunities earlier this year, she settled on Farm in the Dell, a Moorhead-based charity that provides meaningful volunteer and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities in a community farm setting. As someone who grew up in the world of agriculture and feels strongly that every member of the community should feel seen and valued as a child of God, it was a natural fit.

Why young professionals should consider board service

One of the greatest benefits to a young professional serving on a board is the opportunity to meet incredible people. I have absolutely loved getting to know such a committed, passionate group of people from all walks of life working together to better our community. I have gained great friendships through this experience that I deeply cherish.

It’s also an opportunity to truly serve your community. Our day-to-day jobs are important, but these nonprofit organizations are changing our world for the better.

Why I want to serve, not just sit, on a board

“Serve, don’t sit” means showing up to board meetings with curiosity and being engaged. Don’t just show up to meetings or join a board as a resume-builder. Join because you truly want to move the organization forward and contribute to the cause.

I think it’s easy to feel like our contribution isn’t enough, but as Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Since 2012, Farm in the Dell has provided meaningful volunteer and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in a community farm and garden setting. Farm in the Dell serves individuals with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and more.

They offer the community a chance to experience a life that is productive, joyful, meaningful, and never marginalized. Every day, they strive to ensure that each person feels seen, heard, valued, accepted and celebrated — rooted in their true identity as beloved children of God. Farm in the Dell works closely with local families and agencies to connect individuals with purposeful work that fills their spirits, sharpens their minds, and cultivates joy.

Currently, the garden engineers at Farm in the Dell work approximately April – October.  “Our dream is to offer year-round employment to the incredible Garden Engineers that make the farm so special,” says Farm in the Dell board member Tara Bujold. “Their jobs at the farm give them a sense of pride and joy, and our goal is to give them more opportunities to learn and thrive in our community.”

The most challenging part of board service

The most challenging part about serving on a board is staying focused. The board and organization can be pulled in so many directions, and it can be easy to get off track and not focus on the most important items.

I’d say another challenge can be communication. I’d describe our board as kind but honest. When an issue doesn’t sit well with someone, we are comfortable speaking up. We’ve had great dialogue around several issues, and even when we don’t all agree, everyone’s opinion is shared and heard in a respectful manner.

What surprised me most about board service

I have learned so much from my first year serving on a nonprofit board, but I am most surprised how much I have learned about myself. Being in a new setting with new people has really challenged me and helped me build confidence in unexpected ways.

My advice to a fellow young professional on the fence about board service

I would tell them that we were all new at some point, so jump in and contribute in some shape or form. The purpose of a board is to have true diversity of thought and expertise, and we were all put on earth to share our superpowers. Sometimes a new perspective from a young professional is exactly what an organization needs.