By Deanna Tharpe

There are more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the United States with an estimated 20 million board members at the helm. This statement comes from the Stand For Your Mission campaign started two years ago by a coalition of national organizations focused on nonprofit issues and resources. In addition, nonprofits employ more than 10% of the American workforce and represent roughly $1.65 trillion in annual revenues! But here's the real scoop: According to BoardSource's "Leading with Intent" report, only 33% of organizations report that their board members are actively involved in advocating for their missions. While the campaign's main focus is advocacy, DSAIA sees another key message emphasized: Board members are integral to creating the vision and mission of the organization and disengaged board members are not ambassadors.

Because DSAIA understands the importance of the board in the DS nonprofit (regardless of staff), we strive to provide essential training for board members. Continually working on new and informative webinars and resources is a top priority and one aspect of our mission that we take very seriously. It's time to stand for our missions. At DSAIA we believe:

• It's time for our boards to be fully engaged in both leadership and fundraising.
• It's time for our boards to be the absolute best they can be.
• DSAIA is here to help our members' boards do just that.

Over the next few months, DSAIA will post on social media regarding this initiative. Many posts will serve as reminders that DSAIA's webinar archive and resource library house hundreds of great resources that will help your local DSA board reach its goal of 100% participation and top-notch advocacy in its community. Read more about the initiative here.