Building Stronger Boards: Strategies for Recruitment, Retention & Engagement

Municipal boards play a vital role in our communities. They influence everything from our local budgets and school curricula to land use planning and conservation strategies. Despite their importance, many communities face challenges recruiting and retaining volunteers eager to engage in civic life and make a difference. Recruitment often starts when a vacancy arises, yet building strong and enduring boards is an ongoing process that starts well before there’s an open seat.

Municipalities that are successful in recruiting and retaining board members often invest consistently in community outreach and engagement. They educate their residents about the role of local boards and committees, provide meaningful opportunities to participate in the decision-making process, and foster a supportive and welcoming environment. 

Effective boards and committees play a crucial role in bridging good governance with the broader civic life of our communities. Yet, many residents remain unfamiliar with how these boards operate, let alone how to participate. For many municipalities, the first step is improving communication by offering consistent updates and outreach on board activities. With more consistent information, residents are more likely to engage in meetings, events, and public forums, becoming active contributors to their community's decision-making process.

The town of Enfield exemplifies the innovative approaches being pursued by municipalities across New Hampshire to address these challenges. The town created a Citizens Academy to educate residents about local government and provide pathways to participation. It features a dedicated volunteer recruitment page on its website, with a focus on engaging youth early in volunteer service. Enfield keeps its residents well-informed through a regular e-newsletter and a well-organized website that includes valuable resources such as an Economic Development Toolbox and more. 

 Retention can be cultivated by ensuring that meetings have clear expectations, are efficient and inclusive, and foster a positive and supportive atmosphere. When boards are open and inviting and clearly articulate their goals, more residents are likely to consider getting involved and serving. Boards that support and value their members, even going out of their way to offer recognition and accolades, are more likely to retain them and, in turn, attract new volunteers through these positive experiences. Simple gestures of appreciation can make a difference. 

Since 2022, municipalities across the state have taken part in InvestNH’s Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) Grant program, which has helped local communities assess their needs and update their land use regulations and visioning documents. Working with consultants and HOP partners such as New Hampshire Housing, PlanNH, and UNH Cooperative Extension, cities and towns have forged creative ways to engage residents in conversations about housing. Many towns have made efforts to meet people where they are, for example by setting up an engagement opportunity at a local outdoor event. Others have invited residents to narrate personal stories about how housing affects their lives, ultimately drawing out connections between local housing policy and the everyday experiences of community members. 

While direct recruitment can be effective, retaining current members by building positive and meaningful experiences is equally if not more important. This applies not only to board members but also to the broader community. Boards can balance the routine statutory requirements of board meetings, for example, with visioning sessions and more in-depth engagement. An engaged resident is potentially a future leader and even board member.  Community members should feel welcomed and ideally should look forward to being a part of the decision-making process and building the future of the community. 

Sustaining municipal boards is about more than filling vacancies. It’s about fostering an environment where serving the community is supported, purposeful, and valued. Communities that invest in this work build a foundation for stronger local governance and civic engagement and create an effective path for residents to become volunteers and board members.

Access a Two-Page Handout on Building Strong and Enduring Municipal Boards