Shawano Area Nonprofits Need You
Many of our partner agencies have shared the same challenge this past year: it’s becoming harder to find volunteers willing to serve on their Board of Directors. This role is essential for helping nonprofits operate ethically, efficiently, and responsibly. While serving on a board requires time and commitment—something that feels scarce for many of us—it also comes with meaningful personal and professional benefits.
Below are a few reasons why joining a board (or encouraging your employees to do so) can make a real difference.
Build a Stronger Sense of Community
If you’ve ever wished you felt more connected to where you live or wanted to meet people who care about improving the community, serving on a nonprofit board can help.
Our Executive Director, who moved to the Shawano area, shares his experience:
“When I moved to Shawano, the only people I knew were family, and I wasn’t sure how to meet others outside of work. Serving on the United Way board introduced me to amazing people—some lifelong residents and others, like me, who moved here later. Working on projects together helped build relationships that grew beyond the boardroom. Volunteering at United Way events connected me with even more community members. Feeling at home means recognizing familiar faces when I’m out in town, and thanks to United Way, that happened much faster than it would have through work alone.”
Board service also expands your professional network. You’ll work with people from various sectors, collaborate on projects with diverse volunteers, and engage with the community in ways you might not experience at work.
Make an Impact Through Meaningful Work
Serving on a nonprofit board gives you pride in knowing you’re helping improve your community. It’s easy to see a problem and complain—it's far more powerful to join others working toward solutions.
Local nonprofits address needs such as:
- Providing safe, affordable housing (SAM25)
- Supporting survivors of domestic violence (Safe Haven)
- Improving literacy and teaching English (Shawano County Literacy Council)
- Fighting food insecurity (local food pantries)
- Offering therapeutic riding for individuals with disabilities (Red River Riders)
As a board member, you help guide these efforts at a leadership level.
Develop Leadership Skills in a Low‑Risk Environment
Have you ever wanted to:
- Read and understand financial reports?
- Lead a major project?
- Make decisions involving personnel?
- Give employees opportunities to build leadership skills safely?
Joining a board offers hands‑on experience in all these areas.
Board members help manage finances, oversee everything from fundraising events to multi‑year programs, and create key policies for staff and volunteer management. It’s a practical, low‑risk way to build skills that translate directly to the workplace. Serving—or supporting employees in serving—can be an excellent form of professional development.
Conclusion
Serving on a nonprofit board isn’t just about what the organization gains—you benefit too. You build community, take pride in meaningful work, and develop real leadership skills. Let 2026 be the year you step up and lead. United Way has several openings, and we are also happy to connect you with partner agencies seeking board members if you are interested.
United is the way we lead the nonprofit community!
