Building a Working Board

1. Building a Working Board

2. What is the Board? The board is the governing body of an organization. It decides on policy and makes sure that the organization’s policies are carried out. It oversees the director, operation, and finances of the organization. - Community Tool Box

3. Institutional Board Governance • Have a member of the larger institution board sit on the advisory committee • Encourage the advisory committee chairperson to submit minutes of meetings to the chair of the larger board (or other appropriate committee chair) • Have advisory committee submit report of activities to larger board each year • Submit a list of potential ad hoc committee members from advisory committee to the chair of larger board

4. Building the Board Structure • 12-18 members provide a large number of active volunteers for committees and enables more opportunity for diverse perspectives • Monthly meetings allow for continuity and a deeper level of involvement and knowledge among members • Rotate terms to have experienced board members serving alongside new members

5. Statement of Agreement among board members to clearly outline responsibilities • An orientation/retreat session and board manual gives board members the tools and knowledge necessary to be focused and successful

6. Board Member Recruitment • Current friends and supporters of the organization • Community leaders who have a connection to your group • People with a particular interest in the issue • Members or staff of organizations that are are natural allies • Coalition members with leadership interests

7. Board Member Considerations • Be straightforward about the expectations. • What role do you expect the potential member to play? • Find out what the candidate wants out of the relationship. • Assess their availability. Do they have enough time to be a board member? • Will they work well with the other members?

8. The Working Board • Governors • Ambassadors • Sponsors • Workers • Consultants

9. Governors • Safeguarding and Accountability – Board understands and protects the mission and philosophy of the organization (necessary for all board members to serve this function)

10. “A board needs to know that it owns the organization. But it owns an organization not for its own sake – as a board – but for the sake of the mission which that organization is to perform.” - Rev. David Hubbard President, Fuller Theological Seminary

11. In every move, in every decision, in every policy, the nonprofit institution needs to start out by asking, “Will this advance our capacity to carry out our mission?” - Peter F. Drucker Managing the Non-Profit Organization

12. Mission Driven • Purpose: why the organization exists and what it seeks to accomplish • Business: the main method or activity through which the organization works to fulfill this purpose • Values: the principles or beliefs which guide an organization’s members as they pursue the organization’s purpose. -Strategic Planning For Nonprofit Organizations

13. Ambassadors • Credibility Board – demonstrates the organization is legitimate (community leaders serve as ambassadors)

14. Recognizing Ambassadors Recognition leads to: • Retention of members • Increased satisfaction of members • Renewed motivation of members • Broader community awareness of organization • Recruitment of new board members • Credibility of organization

15. Sponsors • Fund-Raising Board – contributes financially and works to bring money into the organization (community leaders with connections and wealth)

16. [Organizations] need a board that takes an active lead in raising money, whose members give both of themselves and by being fund-raisers, fund developers… [and they] need people on [the] board willing to help develop that mass base by giving example and leadership. -Peter F. Drucker Managing the Non-Profit Organization

17. Ideas for a Fund-Raising Board • Every board member gives a financial contribution to the organization • Everyone serves on Fund Raising team such as donor relations, corporate sponsors, or special events • Let board members serve where they can be successful and provide adequate training for teams • Submit list of potential donors and help cultivate relationship with the donor and the organization

18. Workers • Working Board – helps the actual functioning of the organization (heavy emphasis on committee involvement)

19. Committees • Personnel and Program Committee • Long Range Planning and Evaluation Committee • Finance Committee • Public Relations Committee • Volunteer Committee • Nominating Committee

20. Committee Planning • Identify committee chair • Establish written responsibilities, goals, and guidelines • Give board members input in committee assignments • Assign staff member to work with committee • Expect committee updates at board meetings

21. Consultants • Expertise Board – provides direct talents and/or training to support organization (accountants, health professionals, etc.)

22. Assessment The key to improving and strengthening your board is planning and assessment. You need to know where you have been and where you are to determine where you need to be. Engage your board in assessment and planning each year.

23. Work in Progress Under Construction