How Michelle Applied Her Career Expertise to a Volunteer Board Position

When Michelle Currier first signed up for VolunteerMatch, she wasn’t necessarily looking for a volunteer board position.

“My [company] uses VolunteerMatch to share volunteer opportunities with staff, and that’s how I was able to start exploring opportunities in my community,” she told Idealist.

Then, a timely email alert led her to discover an opportunity that blended her personal passions with her professional experience—and for an organization she already loved and supported.

“I was surprised to see something right here in my own town,” Michelle says. “Plus, I had supported the Humane Society for Greater Nashua for 23 years.”

As a longtime volunteer with the Humane Society for Greater Nashua, Michelle already had experience fostering animals with the organization, helping 48 dogs and three cats find loving forever homes. It wasn’t until she saw a volunteer board position that she considered getting involved more formally with the organization.

Michelle’s discovery is exactly what makes platforms like Idealist and VolunteerMatch so valuable: they connect people with meaningful opportunities they might not have otherwise considered. And in Michelle’s case, it opened the door to a new chapter of purpose-driven leadership.

Applying career expertise to support a meaningful cause

Michelle had prior board experience through the Association of Nutrition & Foodservice Professionals (ANFP), but with a new remote work schedule and a desire to give back locally, she was ecstatic to find something closer to home.

As secretary of the board, Michelle is tasked with recording meeting notes, tracking action items, and supporting initiatives to connect the organization with more supporters. From managing board meeting minutes to participating in committees focused on education, local events, and strategic planning, she can even use her background in human resources to help the organization evolve.

“Being a strategic HR person, I’ve been able to bring relevant ideas to the committee,” she explains. “It’s been rewarding to contribute on that level, especially with projects like our annual gala, educational outreach programs, and even hosting supply drives for the shelter.”

The value of a volunteer board member position

For Michelle, joining a nonprofit board isn’t just about giving back—it’s also about growth.

“Volunteering helps people continue to grow personally,” she says. “If I had more time, I’d be doing even more. But even small efforts can have a huge impact. Whether it’s coaching, helping at your local library, or serving on a board—there’s truly something for everyone.”

Michelle also emphasizes how easy it is to get involved. “Platforms like Idealist and VolunteerMatch make it simple—you can even filter opportunities by your interests or your location.”

Michelle landed her new role by highlighting her passion for animals and pointing to previous experience with the organization. While not everyone looking for a volunteer board position will have previous experience with the recruiting organization, Michelle recommends focusing on what experience you do have.

For example, have you sat on other boards? Do you bring a deep familiarity with the organization’s cause area? Do you have development experience from your career that may help the recruiting organization fund new programs?

Considering a volunteer board position?

Whether you're a professional looking to apply your skills to a worthy mission or someone who simply wants to be more involved in your community, a volunteer board position can be one of the most fulfilling ways to give back. As Michelle’s story shows, you may just find yourself making a bigger difference than you ever imagined—right in your own neighborhood.

“It’s a way to feel good about giving back and knowing you’re making a difference. No community can thrive without volunteers, and being on a board lets you make an even greater impact,” Michelle says.

Explore local board opportunities today on idealist.org and discover how your skills can help shape the future of a cause you care about.