10 Gratitude Practices for Nonprofit Boards

In this season of Thanksgiving, we often encounter conversations about gratitude. Maybe we make a special point to express gratitude in our homes, places of worship, schools , or workplaces … but what about our nonprofit boards?

(…Insert sound of record scratching here!)

I get it; as we get closer and closer to the busy holiday season, a lot of times we want to get in and out of those monthly board meetings as quickly as possible. There are so many other things we have to take care of, let’s not add to the list, right?! And yet, what better time and place to take just a moment and reflect on gratitude than on your nonprofit board?

Amidst the strategic planning, decision-making, and community impact assessments, expressions of gratitude can easily be forgotten or overlooked. And yet gratitude for the mission of the organization is often exactly what inspires new members to join a board in the first place, or drives them to continue to volunteer their time and efforts to its success!

Gratitude can be a potent catalyst for transformation; delving into one or more of these gratitude practices becomes an exploration of untapped potential or a journey toward enhancing leadership bonds that fortify the organization's ability to navigate challenges and realize its vision for positive change — not just in November but in any time of the year!

Here are 10 gratitude practices you might want to try:

1. Gratitude Circle

- Begin or end board meetings with a gratitude circle where each member shares one thing they are thankful for related to the organization or their fellow board members. This practice helps build a sense of camaraderie.

2. Appreciation Notes

- Encourage board members to write handwritten notes expressing gratitude to a fellow board member for their specific contributions or efforts. This personal touch can go a long way in strengthening individual relationships.

3. Gratitude Awards

- Introduce a quarterly or annual gratitude award within the board, recognizing a member who has gone above and beyond. This not only acknowledges individual efforts but also inspires others to contribute more actively.

4. Gratitude Journaling

- Provide board members with gratitude journals and encourage them to take a few minutes during meetings to jot down things they are grateful for within the organization. This can be shared or kept private, depending on comfort levels.

5. Monthly Gratitude Rounds

- Incorporate a segment in each monthly board meeting where members take turns expressing gratitude for a specific aspect of the organization or a colleague's work. This regular practice builds a habit of appreciation.

6. Gratitude Retreat or Workshop

- Organize a gratitude-focused retreat or workshop for the board where members can engage in team-building exercises and reflective activities that encourage appreciation for each other's roles and contributions.

7. Peer Appreciation Circles

- Form small groups within the board and conduct peer appreciation circles where members specifically highlight and acknowledge the strengths and positive qualities of their fellow group members.

8. Share Success Stories

- Devote time in board meetings to share success stories related to the organization's impact. This helps board members connect their efforts to real-world outcomes, fostering a sense of collective achievement and gratitude.

9. Gratitude Board Meetings

- Dedicate an entire board meeting to expressing gratitude. This can include reflecting on past successes, acknowledging challenges overcome, and recognizing the collaborative efforts that made it all possible.

10. Community Impact Visits

- Arrange visits to the communities or projects that the nonprofit serves. Experiencing the impact firsthand can deepen board members' appreciation for the organization's mission and strengthen their commitment to working together.

Create a Culture of Gratitude

While the month of November can certainly by a great inspiration to begin incorporating these kinds of practices into your board meetings, they are not meant to be a one-and-done type of activity. So choose a practice your board members can comfortably commit to, and/or adapt one or more of these exercises to the evolving dynamics of YOUR board. Don’t forget to check-in regularly, to evaluate the success of your efforts!

By participating in any of the exercises shared above, you can help foster a positive and collaborative environment on your board. Beyond simply expressing gratitude, these practices can strengthen the bond among your leadership team, which both propels your organization forward and firms its foundation for success.

Need more help with your nonprofit board or leadership development? Contact us at Spark Group!