WASHINGTON -- When it comes to exceptional board members, a BoardSource Nonprofit Governance Index 2007 finds that commitment to mission is not enough to make a board member truly valuable.

According to the survey, board members must be so passionate in the mission that they are comfortable taking part in fundraising and look forward to acting as ambassadors that promote the organization to friends, colleagues and other contacts. In addition, they must be eager to use their professional skills to help oversee the organization while understanding their role is to focus on strategic issues.

The index surveyed 1,126 chief executives and 1,026 board members on exceptional board member criteria. Here is a look at a few of their findings:

Most Important Considerations For Joining Board

Fit of organization's mission with personal interests/beliefs 80%
Personal connection to the organization 38%
Invitation from a friend/colleague 36%
Need by the organization for your personal skills 36%
Reputation/prestige of the organization 24%
Expertise in the organization's industry/field 18%
People who serve on the board 12%
Other 5%

Source: BoardSource Nonprofit Governance Index 2007