8. What is the name of the one organization on the list in which you are most involved and committed?…Were you invited to become involved or did you approach the organization and volunteer your services? Are you paid or unpaid? On average, how many hours a month do you give to this organization?
Music in the Mountains. Since I was invited to join the board, I have been with the organization for about ten years. When I was first asked to join the organization, I was involved with the Foothill Theatre Company, so I said no. Besides, my husband was on the FTC board at that time. Later, I was asked again and I accepted. I am unpaid and average about 70 hours a month.
9. I’d like to learn more about your involvement in this organization by asking four questions:
First, describe the leadership role that you play within the organization.
I was President of the Music in the Mountains Board and am now actively involved with the organization’s stewardship program. Its purpose is to involve all board members in helping to create and maintain teamwork. Also, we work to enhance connections among our donors, audience, and community members to make everything a great experience for our audiences. When I took over the president’s job, we needed to create a team again because there was disharmony. That in itself was stewardship, getting teamwork to work again.
Second, in what ways do you believe you have most helped the organization?
As president of Music in the Mountains, I led the board back to being a team.
Third, as you think back over your involvement in the organization, what roadblocks have been most challenging?
There were difficult relationships between the staff and the board. Once you get focused on this team idea, you have got to make it work. We used the theme of a three-legged stool at a retreat, which I saw as a very valuable tool. We had new board members and had to find a way to get them to know other members. One of the things I remember so clearly is that we broke into three groups and recounted stories of what had led us into leadership roles. Some of the things we heard were amazing, and it opened our eyes to that person. It is really important to learn about other people, especially when you have so many people trying to relate.
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