Do you struggle with getting your board members to support the use of technology?
That is normal. Nonprofit Source estimates that only 3% of charities rate their board and executive leadership as being digitally savvy. More than likely, they think they do not understand it; but they are not against it.
Working in a nonprofit can be frustrating, especially when your board members do not know how to use technology or are against it. Non-Profit Source released a statistic stating that, Nonprofits received an average of 28% more online gifts in 2016 than 2017. That number will continue to rise in the coming years. At this point in 2018, board members need to get behind the use of technology. It is an excellent tool that when taken advantage of can increase donations.
3 Keys To Assist your Board Members in Understanding Technology
Be Patient
Overly Explain
Show AND Tell
Be Patient
Do not get frustrated if your board or executive leadership does not understand why the use of technology would be useful right away. Technology use of this kind might be new to them. Be patient and be kind. If you show frustration when they are not understanding it, that will lead them to retract even more from the use of technology.
Overly Explain
The average person might understand common tech language and know how to open an internet browser and go to a page, but you are not reading this post because you are dealing with an average person. We are talking about those that fight against technology — more than likely because they are scared of it. Walk through the steps of the task as if you are teaching a five-year-old how to ride a bike. Slowly. Overly explain every step along the way and be patient. Once they realize it is not as daunting as it seems, you will be surprised by how many come around to the idea of using technology.
Show AND Tell
Every step of the way show (ex: on a projector in front of the room during a meeting) AND verbally walk through the steps of the task. Do not just walk them through the task that you want them to be able to understand. Show them and walk them through it. Moreover, once you’re done walking through the steps, let them practice on their own and be there to support them. Be Positive. If they believe the task is simple, there is a good chance they can get their friends to complete it and to donate.
Everything in this post might seem like a waste of time and a lot of effort, but in the end, it will be worth it. No person is ever against something that they know can help them raise more money for something they believe in. However, fear is a big emotion and quickly gets in the way. So take the time to do this. Take the time to assist your board or executive leadership in their struggles with technology, and you will be pleased with the results.
As a first step: Download our Social Media Tips for you Board. This tool outlines simple ways that your board and leadership can support your organization online. Encourage them to actively engage and help you spread the word about your cause and events.
As we say here at Swell: Raise More Money, Do More Good. That is what we are here to help with, and that is what you are here to do.
