By Reina Chadwick, Arts & Business Council of Miami

We are in the age of internet lifestyles, web-based services and a cyber-universe. With all of the advances in technology, sometimes we have a hard time keeping up with it all. We love the internet, right? Yes. Yes, and yes. As we continue to “upload” our lives on the computer, we have to remember to bring with us, the old ways of doing things. Of course, those old things need some software upgrades too.

Recognizing that leadership in the arts needs to expand to meet the current demands being placed on cultural organizations, the Arts & Business Council of Miami is excited to start the process of developing Arts Board Match, a program to strengthen the recruitment efforts of governing boards in the arts. Gone are the old ways of board development.

This year, the Arts & Business Council of Miami plans to launch this dynamic program that is structured to change the way we view board placement and board development. With the help of the newly released power2give Miami website, Arts Board Match has begun its campaign to raise money towards developing a platform that will change the way we explore, develop and participate on nonprofit boards.

Arts Board Match is an innovative resource that will close the crisis gap in the number and diversity of board candidates accessible to arts organizations in South Florida.  With over 1,000 non-profit cultural groups competing for board members the need to expand the pool of interested prospects is great.

“Given the demographic changes that we are experiencing in South Florida, board membership needs to adapt and change,” says Laura Bruney, Executive Director of the Arts & Business Council. “Arts Board Match will help organizations build leadership that includes gender, racial and ethnic diversity through the use of the internet.”

Imagine hundreds of business executives and professionals channeled onto arts boards throughout our community. Imagine it being based on a careful match of their personal interests and skills to the nonprofits that need strategic expertise to meet today’s challenges. Consider the range of experience these board candidates might bring — legal, human resources, public relations, strategic planning, marketing, pricing strategies, fundraising, real estate, financial, accounting, information systems, and so on. Consider the circle of influence these new board members will bring to the table through their networks of associates, colleagues, friends and clients.  Imagine further that each business executive and professional chooses only the board where they feel a personal passion and commitment to the mission. It will be powerful and transformative.