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Governance of 3rd Sector Organizations

Join us for a guided discussion on the governance of 3rd sector organizations, exploring different models, keys to success, and the path to achieving an ideal organizational structure. Feedback is welcome!

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Governance of 3rd Sector Organizations

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  1. Governance of 3rd Sector Organizations A guided discussion brought to you by: Promoting Community Sustainability: Linking Research and Action

  2. Key Assumptions • That some form of governance structure is needed, albeit, this structure can and should be fluid and allow for change • I do not intend to provide answers but instead hope to incite discussion and thoughtful deliberation

  3. Overall Aim • to “discover and develop a foundation of knowledge on which to build additional tools and resources to assist non-profit organizations in creating effective governance practices” (Gill, 2001;3) • to ensure that we do not duplicate those structures that oppress and control us

  4. Definitions of Governance (from literature) • a function of the interrelations between and among the citizens that comprise the more formal institutions of the government, civil society and the private sector, with the media playing an intermediary role (Plumptre/Graham, 2000) • “the capacity to act collectively to accomplish public policy goals... recogniz[ing] the interdependence of government with not only business but the voluntary sector & other interestgroups” (Graham et.al., 1998;26)

  5. More Definitions • those processes and structures that an organization uses to manage its general operations and program activities and includes structures, functions or responsibilities, processes and organization traditions (from the Broadbent Report - Building on Strength: Improving Governance and Accountability in Canada’s Voluntary Sector)

  6. Notable Trends • In Canada; • there has been an emphasis on partnership building btw 3rd sector & gov’t, as well as private interests • a formalization of the relationship btw gov’t & the non-profit or 3rd sector is underway • attempt at increasing accountability on part of 3rd sector by way of best-practices • attempts to eliminate or down-play advocacy role of 3rd sector

  7. Your Ideas What is governance?

  8. The Models • Operational • Collective • Management • Traditional • Policy Governance • Corporate • Constituent Representational

  9. Keys to Success • having a strong board and staff leadership; • a positive working relationship between the CEO/ED and the board; • clear roles for staff and board members • agreement on values, mission and the objectives on the part of all stakeholders to the organization; • respect for organizational norms and board decisions;

  10. More keys ... • good board development practices, including training, orientation and recruitment; • regular assessment of performances and effectiveness; • consensus or near consensus decision making; a high level of trust and co-operation;

  11. Even more keys ... • a low level of conflict; • constructive confrontation and resolution of conflict; • balance of stability and adaptability; and • effective management of meetings and board work.

  12. “In order to meet increased demands for accountability and to adapt to changes in the environment, a non-profit board needs to have a good mixture of skills from a cross-section of the community, the active participation of all members, a coherent committee structure, timely access to thorough documentation and information, greater involvement in the long-range planning and policy development and a proactive approach to possible problems and future needs and trends. Timely planning for the succession of the Executive Director is particularly critical in order to assure and demonstrate continuity and leadership when the organization is at a critical juncture.” (Gill, 2001;33)

  13. Break-out Discussion Define your ideal model for an organization

  14. Discussion How do we get there from here?

  15. Feedback • Feedback is welcome; • speak with me directly after the session • telephone me later: 416-596-7989 • email me: colette_boileau@hotmail.com • email Sustainable Toronto: barbara_schaefer@utoronto.ca • email TEA: keith@torontoenvironment.org • send comments to: 30 Duncan St., Suite 201, Toronto, ON

  16. Next session • Thanks for joining us for this guided discussion. • Next session is Community Capacity Building • November 21st, 12:00 - 2:00. • Same bldg., same room. • Hope to see you there.

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