R.E.A.P. the Benefits of a Better Board

1. R.E.A.P. the Benefits of a Better Board RECRUITMENT ENGAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION PRODUCTIVITY

2. THE FIRST STEP TOWARD EFFECTIVENESS –YOUR BOARD SHOULD ASK AND ANSWER THIS QUESTION! • WHY?

3. RECRUITMENT • Always tell your story to create awareness • Create ongoing and varied opportunities for volunteers: Grants, Advisory, Events, Website • Personal touch matters: Host neighborhood/social gatherings Follow-up mailings with phone calls Reach out via room parents

4. MORE RECRUITMENT • Draft a long list of potential candidates and get Board approval to pursue any and all on the list • Think strategically- what skills do you need? Where is your organization in its life cycle? • Diversification that makes sense • Be honest about expectations and commitment • Consider length of Board terms

5. “Never try to teach a pig to sing: It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” ~ Paul Dickson • People who are already committed to, and informed about your organization, will most likely accept an invitation to join and then become superstar board members. Volunteers are a great source of candidates! • People who have the skills which match the requirements of upcoming projects and whose experience and demeanor suit the life stage of your organization make the best fit.

6. ENGAGEMENT • Board training for new members • Focus on 1-2 organizational goals that all members work towards: Endowment, large grant, celebration • Strong Committee structure, all members assigned to at least one committee • Committee Chairs periodically attend Executive Committee meetings

7. MORE ENGAGEMENT • Expectation of 100% participation in financial contributions • Create ambassadors-provide business cards to members • Pres. & VP check-ins with committee chairs via phone or meeting • Conduct exit interviews

8. “Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.”~ Zig Zieglar • Getting people involved in a specific project engenders a sense of purpose; the more you have to do the more you feel connected. • Teachers/educators are the spark; get them involved in the organization to the greatest extent possible.

9. ADMINISTRATION • Hold monthly Executive Committee meetings & full Board meetings • Expect full attendance: use agendas, make them fun & interesting • Allow for email voting • Set meeting schedule for entire school/operational year • Conduct annual strategic planning

10. MORE ADMINISTRATION • Nurture future leadership • Provide professional opportunities for Board members: workshops, article sharing • Consider leadership/governance structures: ad hoc committees • Executive Director/Administrative Assistant vs. Volunteer • Maintain current website/social media presence

11. “Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want because they want to do it.” ~ Dwight Eishenhower • Leading an Education Foundation is a lot like parenting- you need to guide, cajole, expect, lecture, listen, discipline, inspire, and organize with a large dose of flexibility and sense of humor! • Say thank you often, publicly, privately and in a variety of ways. It makes everyone feel good and it’s a great motivator.

12. PRODUCTIVITY • Create specific, measurable goals • Define measurement tools • Assign responsibility for every goal-Accountability is crucial • Invest in reliable donor database software • Produce some type of annual report to share with donors & the community

13. MORE PRODUCTIVITY • Periodically review operating procedures for inefficiencies • Nip problems in the bud- case by case basis • LISTEN and encourage/expect others to do the same in meetings and gatherings

14. “It’s never crowded on the extra mile”~William Dieger • It’s not rocket science –It’s hard work but so rewarding and important! • THANK YOU!