Building Better Boards
The Board of Directors can be a non-profit's
most precious resource. Frequently, however,
board members have little experience, knowledge
or appreciation of how to play their role effectively.
This workshop helps board members learn how
to avoid two very common mistakes. The first
is that the board seeks to manage the agency
by making decisions about every little thing
that comes before it, sometimes even seeking
out opportunities to do so. No board has the
time to manage effectively in this way. The
second common mistake is that the board is not
involved enough, passively approving whatever
the executive director wants. In the workshop,
participants will learn a third way that frees
them from the minutiae that consume so much
board time and enable them to play a powerful
governing role.
Who should attend
This class is helpful for board members and
executive directors who want to establish a
more effective governing body.
What you'll learn
This session provides board members with answers
to common questions, such as:
- What is the proper role between the
board and the executive director
- What is the legal liability of individual
board members for actions of the staff
- How many people should be on the board
- What is the board's role in fundraising
and supporting the agency
- How can a board insure proper performance
of agency staff
- How does the board set the strategic
direction of the agency
- What is the role of the board in creating
a vision of the agency's future
Sample topics covered:
The role of the board
- Legal responsibilities of the board
- Relations with the Executive
- Ideal size and composition of the
board
How to keep things under control without controlling
people
- Governing by policies
- Holding the Executive accountable
Setting a strategic direction
- Defining a motivating mission
statement
- Defining a compelling vision
of the future
- Defining strategy for the future
The board's role in raising resources
- Asking for money
- Representing the agency
in the community
Includes:
- Opportunities to practice the skills
demonstrated in the workshop
- Free telephone assistance after the
workshop ends
About