1. It Reinforces Power Imbalances
When board members approach their role as “saving” rather than serving, they unintentionally reinforce the very inequalities they claim to address. Communities are not problems to be fixed; they are people with wisdom, resilience, and agency. A paternalistic lens strips them of voice and self-determination, keeping decision-making power in the hands of those already privileged.
2. It Undermines Authentic Partnership
Effective boards thrive on collaboration. A savior mentality positions the board member as the “giver” and the community as passive “recipients.” This dynamic prevents authentic listening, co-creation, and the building of trust. It also creates resentment because the community feels spoken for rather than spoken with.
3. It Blocks Innovation and Relevance
Communities know their own challenges best. When a board member assumes they already know what’s “best,” it silences local knowledge, stifles innovation, and produces solutions that are out of touch or unsustainable. True impact comes when board members bring their skills to support community-led ideas, not override them.
4. It Damages Long-Term Impact
Short-term charity rooted in paternalism can feel good in the moment but rarely addresses systemic change. A savior mindset may lead to “feel-good projects” that look good in reports but fail to create lasting transformation. Empowerment, equity, and systemic solutions require humility, not heroism.
5. It Distracts From the Mission
Boards exist to center the mission and the people being served. A savior mentality shifts the spotlight to the board member’s ego or sense of benevolence. Service becomes about optics rather than outcomes. This undermines credibility and diverts energy from the true purpose: advancing equity and opportunity for those most impacted.
Better Approach:
Board members should enter with humility, respect, and a learning posture. Their role is to amplify voices, share power, and open doors—not to dictate outcomes. Service rooted in equity and partnership ensures that boards actually honor the people and communities they are entrusted to support.