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Young Iowans Bring Fresh Perspectives to Boards
The Iowa Arts Council conducted a survey of Iowa arts organizations in
an effort to gauge the involvement of young Iowans (ages 18-35) on their
boards of directors. Below is a summary of the responses to the survey.
• We found that a number of organizations actively recruit young Iowans
for positions on their board. Many of them have a board position that must
be filled by a young Iowan at all times.
• We heard that having these younger members involved changed the
board dynamic and that the young members contributed innovative alternatives
to challenges faced by the organization.
• Some organizations reported that the younger members of their boards
were surprised to be asked to serve on a board, but served with as much
(and often more) passion as the older more “established” members
of their communities.
• Fundraising, marketing and audience development are areas in which
young Iowans have been very active and effective.
• Key issues have been event planning, especially when the events
are targeted toward “younger” audiences, and events that will
engage other young Iowans.
• Advice offered by responding organizations: give young board members
opportunities to excel, and give them responsibilities; the future of your
organization depends on it.
• As board members, young Iowans say they feel connected to their
community and realize that they can help shape and grow the future of their
community.
