We've compiled a list of a few of our most frequently asked questions. Can't find what you're looking for? Feel free to contact us.
What is the BoardSource Exchange?
The Exchange is an online community for BoardSource members — a place where staff, board leaders, and consultants can collaborate, share ideas, ask questions, and discuss issues relevant to the nonprofit sector.
What’s the difference between the Exchange and the BoardSource website?
The Exchange is a member benefit that provides a platform for peers to engage and collaborate. The BoardSource website is where you can find more information about BoardSource, including events and trainings, resources and publications, and your membership account information.
Click here to return to the main BoardSource website.
How do I sign up?
You already have! Once become a BoardSource member, you receive an email welcoming you to the Exchange. You will have to agree to terms and conditions the first time you log into the Exchange, but then you are part of the community for the duration of your membership. As a reminder, your username and password are the same as the credentials you use to log in to your BoardSource account.
How do I post?
To start a new thread in the Member Forum, navigate to the Member Forum by clicking on “My Communities” under the “Participate” tab and select the Member Forum. Then, click on the “post new message” button at the top of the page. Finally, you can customize your post according to what you would like to share.
- The “To” field indicates the community in which you’re posting a new thread.
- The “Cross Post To” field allows you to post the thread in multiple communities if you are part of multiple Exchange communities. Most users are only part of the Member Forum and do not cross post their threads.
- The “From” field automatically includes your name; however, there is an option to post your message anonymously if you feel it is appropriate to do so.
- The “Subject” filed is the title of your thread and helps other users understand what is included in your post.
The last box is the body of your post and where you can type your message to the community. You’re also able to share links to articles, videos, or other content in this box.
What should I post?
Looking through the Member Forum to see what others have shared can help spark an idea of how you would like to contribute to the community. You may also see that someone is already talking about a topic you are interested in – if so, feel free to join the discussion!
Your peers in the Member Forum may be able to weigh in on your discussion topic and share advice based on their experiences. If you’re looking for a BoardSource expert to answer a governance question, however, please reach out to the ask-an-expert email service.
How do I get more replies?
Sometimes it can be tricky to get replies on your post in the Member Forum because you don’t always know what topics your peers are most interested in. However, we’ve noticed that the posts with the most responses often include a question or encourage others to share their perspectives. It’s also a good idea to share any relevant details that make it easier for others to understand what you’re going through.
For example, if your organization is looking for advice on planning a fundraising event, it might help to include specifics — are you looking for ideas on how other organizations have found sponsors? Seeking suggestions on good places to advertise? Details often help your peers understand what you’re looking for and may spark their interest in responding.
Anything I should avoid?
The Exchange is a friendly, professional community, and we expect all members to treat each other with respect.
We specifically ask that you don’t use the Exchange to promote your business, your creative work, or advertise vacancies on your board or in your organization. If you do choose to share content that you have written, we ask that it is done so in the spirit of discussion. Posts that contain links to self-authored, outside sources should include a brief summary of the content and a subsequent question or a discussion topic for the group.
For additional community rules and guidelines, please see our code of conduct.
I’m a consultant; what are the expectations for me in the Exchange?
We’re glad you’re here! Your experience in the nonprofit sector adds weight to community discussions.
While you share your expertise, please keep in mind that we want everyone to feel empowered to contribute to the Exchange. Consultants’ experiences can sometimes be intimidating to others and, occasionally, eagerness to help your peers can discourage others from sharing their thoughts.
This is not to say that we expect consultants not to post in the member forum — we encourage you to share your experiences, provide advice, and participate in conversations! We only ask that you be mindful of the effect you can have on discussions. The best part of the Exchange is the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives and experiences. Our consultant members are a vital part of creating a supportive and empowered community on the Exchange, so we appreciate your thoughtful participation.
Additionally, we ask that you follow our code of conduct that prohibits promoting any businesses or products on the platform.
How do I edit my profile?
To edit your profile, click on the button next to your profile photo on the top right corner of the page and then click on the “profile” button. Once on your profile page, you can have three different editing options.
- To change your profile photo, click on the edit button under the generic profile photo and select “change photo” to upload one from your computer.
- To add your bio, click the pencil button in the bio section of your profile and add text. Profiles often include details on your nonprofit experience, education, and other professional work.
- To link your social media profiles, click on the “edit” button under the social links section of your profile and select the social channel you would like to link to your Exchange profile.
How do I update my email preferences?
To change the Exchange emails you receive, visit your profile, click on the “my account” settings, and select “email preferences.” On the preferences page, you can toggle the email preference types on or off depending on your preferences.
Please note, Exchange emails are independent from other BoardSource emails, like the R+S, and your email settings in the Exchange do not affect your settings for other subscription types. If you would like to change your preferences for BoardSource emails, please use the “Manage Email Subscriptions” link in the email footer or email us at members@boardsource.org.
How do I edit my contact information?
Your contact information in the Exchange is automatically connected to the billing information in your BoardSource account. To update your contact info, navigate to your account on the BoardSource website, click on “addresses,” and update your billing address.
How do I renew my membership?
To renew your membership, return to the BoardSource website and be sure that you’re logged in. Click on “Access Membership” on the menu on the left side of the page. From there, click on the “renew” button next to the membership you would like to renew.
I have a different question; whom should I ask?
Our member support team is available Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 202-349-2580 or at members@boardsource.org.