When people talk about philanthropy, the image that often comes to mind is a large donation from a wealthy family or a national campaign to raise money for a big cause. Those efforts matter, of course, but I have learned over the years that the quieter, local work of serving on community boards can be just as powerful. Living and practicing law in Attleboro has given me many opportunities to see how local organizations like the YMCA, our hospital foundation, our schools, and even our local museum can shape the daily lives of families. Serving on their boards has shown me that philanthropy is not only about writing a check. It is about giving your time, your skills, and your voice to help strengthen the place you call home.
Why Boards Matter in Small Communities
In a small-to-medium city like Attleboro, resources are always stretched. Unlike major metropolitan areas, we do not have endless streams of funding or a constant flow of outside support. Our nonprofits and community institutions survive and thrive because neighbors step forward to guide them. A board is not just a group of names on a letterhead. It is a team of people who roll up their sleeves to make sure programs keep running, staff feel supported, and the mission stays alive.
When I joined the board of the YMCA, I quickly learned that our discussions were not abstract. We were talking about after-school care for working parents, safe places for teenagers to spend their afternoons, and wellness programs for seniors. These are real people in our neighborhoods. Decisions about budgets and policies are not just numbers on a page. They directly affect families who rely on the YMCA every day.
Bringing Professional Skills to the Table
As a lawyer, I bring a certain skill set to board service. I understand contracts, financial documents, and the importance of clear policies. What I love, though, is how different skills come together around the table. On any given board you might have a teacher, a nurse, a business owner, a retiree, and a young parent. Each person brings their own experience and perspective. Together, that diversity creates stronger decisions.
For example, at St. John’s School, I serve on advisory boards that look at both academics and finances. My background in estate and tax planning helps me understand long-term financial sustainability. Meanwhile, a parent on the board might bring insights about what families need most right now. When we combine those viewpoints, the school can plan for both the present and the future.
Building Connections Beyond the Meeting Room
Serving on boards has also deepened my personal connection to Attleboro. It is easy to get caught up in the routine of work, family, and the occasional social event. Board service pushes you out of that routine. It brings you into contact with people you might never have met otherwise.
On the board of the Attleboro Area Industrial Museum, I found myself learning about local history I had taken for granted. I heard stories from older residents about factories and businesses that shaped our town. I met volunteers who have given countless hours to preserve artifacts and share them with younger generations. That kind of connection is a reminder that our community is more than a place where we live. It is a story we all share, and boards help keep that story alive.
Strengthening the Safety Net
Hospitals and health foundations play a particularly important role in a small community. The Sturdy Memorial Hospital Foundation, where I serve as a member, is a safety net for families facing health challenges. We look at how to support patient programs, expand facilities, and provide resources for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Health care is personal for everyone. Whether it is welcoming a new baby, navigating a serious illness, or caring for aging parents, people rely on their local hospital. Being part of a board that strengthens that institution makes me feel like I am helping neighbors in their most vulnerable moments. That is philanthropy with a purpose, rooted in compassion and responsibility.
Everyday Philanthropy
I want people to see board service not as something reserved for professionals or people with extra time, but as an act of everyday philanthropy. Yes, it takes commitment. Yes, it sometimes means evening meetings after a long day. But the rewards far outweigh the effort. The knowledge that you are helping a child access a summer camp, ensuring a senior citizen can attend a wellness class, or preserving a piece of local history is deeply fulfilling.
Philanthropy is not measured only in dollars. It is measured in dedication, in hours spent listening to community needs, and in the willingness to raise your hand and say, “I will help.”
A Call to Action
If you have ever thought about getting more involved in your community, consider joining a board. Start with an organization that speaks to your heart. Maybe you care about education, health, the arts, or youth programs. There is a good chance that a local nonprofit would welcome your time and ideas.
Serving on a board does more than improve the organization. It builds leadership skills, widens your network, and gives you a deeper sense of belonging. Most importantly, it shows your children, your friends, and your neighbors that you believe in giving back.
Today’s Actions Impact Tomorrow
I am grateful for the chance to serve on boards in Attleboro. Each one has taught me something new about my community and about myself. The work is not always glamorous. It can be slow and sometimes frustrating. But it is also hopeful, inspiring, and deeply human.
Philanthropy with purpose is not about changing the world overnight. It is about strengthening the foundations of the community right outside your front door. When we give our time and talents to local boards, we ensure that those foundations will be strong for generations to come.