Board of Directors application - help please

[redheadwitch]

Credit Union I'm a member of for many years has mentioned in their newsletter that they are looking for applications for Board Members. Its a voluntary role but one I'm very interested in. They have sent me through an application form which is mostly very basic but I'm stumped on the section asking "Why do you want to be a Board Member".

My reasons are that 1) they offer 12 months training which is somewhat related to my field of employment (finance) and I feel it would be beneficial to my career 2) Networking opportunities, again with my career in mind 3) experience of being a board member which will be beneficial to my professional future.

These are all valid reasons but I fear they come across as very self-serving (which I realise they are). I'm not sure what answers they will be looking for here, can anyone advise?

I'd expect to see your support for an organisation like this - how you want to help it succeed and how your background, skills experience etc specifically can help achieve this - how important it was to give back to your community etc. I would not expect you to say it would benefit your career.

I think it's OK to maybe touch on it being an opportunity for professional development, but the main driving force needs to be you wanting to use your skills, vision and experience to help drive the business forward and to advance its strategic goals (in order to serve the community/help others).

Why have you been a member of this credit union for many years? What has it meant for you and your family?

I’d reflect on why you believe in the aims of the organisation and the skills/experience you believe you can offer them.

That's very valuable feedback, thanks everyone.