Making an Impact on the ONT Board

​By Eve Lee, Chair of Our Neighbors' Table Board of Directors

Are you looking for a new way to share your time and talents with Our Neighbors’ Table (ONT)? 

The ONT Board of Directors is currently seeking new members for both the board and for several of our committees.  You don’t have to have previous experience serving on a non-profit board, but that’s certainly a plus.

Prior to joining the ONT board three and a half years ago, I had been volunteering at ONT for about a year or so, and I was also a member of the Fundraising committee.  The mission of ensuring food security has always resonated with me, and it’s where I have chosen to focus most of my volunteering over the past 20+ years.  After quickly realizing how special the ONT community was, I knew I wanted to do more.

But, in all honesty, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to join another board.  I had served on the board of another organization for four years, and I didn’t love it.  I loved volunteering at the other place.  I loved being on their fundraising committee.  But, the board, eh, not so much.  It wasn’t for me.  The meetings felt like an extension of my already long workday. It wasn’t much fun and I didn’t feel a fulfilling connection to the mission.  It felt like work. 

But the Our Neighbors’ Table board is different. That’s not to say that being on the ONT board isn’t work – because it is.  It’s a serious commitment.  We have bi-monthly meetings and often have conference calls in between.  We are expected to do our homework - whether that be reading reports, reviewing financials, or learning how to become more effective board members – and to come to meetings prepared to weigh in on important decisions.  I feel like I’m an integral part of the mission to ensure that food security becomes a reality in our region.  And, there’s not one board member who isn’t there for that same reason.  In every board meeting, that singular mission shines through and guides all that we do. 

And, like everything associated with ONT, the board is made up of the nicest group of people you could ever hope to meet.  I’ve had the good fortune to get to know so many interesting, smart folks whom I might not have met otherwise.  I learn something from each of them every time we meet – and I’ve made some great new friends.

But, really, the best part of serving on the board is partnering with Lyndsey Haight and the entire ONT staff.  It is an honor to be able to support their vision - and the hard work that they do every day. 
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If you are interested in learning more about board membership – or serving on any of the various ONT committees – please reach out.  I would be happy to share my experiences and answer any questions.  The ONT Board is hosting a Meet & Greet on Tuesday, October 26 after the Annual Breakfast.  RSVP to join us (either in-person or virtually) to chat more about the board opportunities.  Hope to see you there!