INDIANAPOLIS — Leadership Indianapolis will host its annual Get on Board event on Monday, June 23, at Newfields, bringing together more than 130 nonprofit organizations and hundreds of community members looking to make a difference.

Presented by AES Indiana, Get on Board serves as a gateway for individuals to explore nonprofit leadership, committee service, and volunteer opportunities across the city. From arts and education to housing, health care and environmental advocacy, participating organizations span a wide range of missions.

The event offers a rare opportunity: a one-stop setting where people from all backgrounds can connect directly with nonprofits and discover how their time, skills and experiences can support meaningful change.

A Pivotal Time for Nonprofits

As the nonprofit sector continues to recover from pandemic-related challenges, many organizations are facing renewed uncertainty in funding and programming. Community engagement—including board service and volunteer leadership—is critical to navigating these disruptions.

“Nonprofits rely on dedicated community members to fulfill their missions,” said Beth Perdue Outland, vice president of Leadership Indianapolis. “Get on Board helps many individuals take that first step toward engagement, whether through governance, committee work or hands-on volunteering.”

Building Boards That Reflect the Community

A growing body of research highlights the importance—and ongoing challenges—of diversity in nonprofit leadership. According to BoardSource’s 2021 Leading with Intent report, just 29% of board chairs felt their boards reflected the communities they serve. Despite incremental progress, only 10% of board members surveyed identified as Black, and just 5% identified as Hispanic or Latino. Age diversity also lags, with more than two-thirds of board members over the age of 45.

Leadership Indianapolis hopes Get on Board makes it easier for more people to participate in our city’s civic life.

“Diverse leadership is essential for nonprofits to truly understand and serve their communities,” said Rebecca Hutton, president and CEO of Leadership Indianapolis. “We want every attendee to feel welcomed and encouraged to step into these roles.”

The Value of Varied Experience

Nonprofit boards require more than passion for a cause—they need a breadth of expertise to function effectively. Legal, financial, communications and technology professionals all bring critical value, even if their day jobs don’t directly align with a nonprofit’s mission.

“While a youth services organization might need mentors, it also needs accountants to manage its budget and marketing experts to help tell its story,” said Hutton. “There’s a place for everyone to contribute meaningfully.”

Younger professionals, often underrepresented in boardrooms, bring their own assets: digital fluency, wide social networks, and fresh perspectives. Savvy organizations are taking note.

Expanded Format for 2025

The 2025 Get on Board will be the largest to date, featuring an expanded venue footprint at Newfields and extended hours from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with registration and includes same-day access to the museum and gardens.

Attendees can expect an informal, welcoming atmosphere where organizations are eager to share their missions and discuss how individuals can get involved.

“Get on Board creates meaningful connections between talented individuals and organizations that need their voices and skills,” Outland said.

For Patrick Jessee, CEO of Enable, the event marked a turning point. “After moving back to Indiana from Washington, D.C., I wanted to reconnect with the community,” he said. “At Get on Board, I found a mission that meant a lot to me personally.” That led to a board position with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, where Jessee also went on to serve as board president.”

How to Participate

Get on Board will take place Monday, June 23, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Newfields. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Whether you’re a seasoned board member or exploring civic engagement for the first time, the event offers an opportunity to find your place—and make an impact.

For more information and to register, visit https://leadershipindianapolis.com/programs/get-on-board/