CFUW CLUB GOVERNANCE SHARING IDEAS FOR THE FUTURE Your club is every member’s responsibility.

Presenters: Karen Dunnett, VP Membership Dr Presenters: Karen Dunnett, VP Membership Dr. Madeline Kalbach, RD Alberta CFUW Membership Committee Workshop 2016 St. Catharines ON responsibility.

Governance Establishment of policies, and continuous monitoring of their proper implementation, by the members of the governing body of an organization. It includes the mechanisms required to balance the powers of the members (with the associated accountability), their primary duty of enhancing the prosperity and viability of the organization. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/governance.html#ixzz4BCUK9N65 The idea of the workshop as I understood it from Doris Mae, is to give clubs a forum in which they can talk about alternative governance and get ideas on what to try and what not to try. I edited the timeline.

Introduction In this workshop you will hear how CFUW clubs that don't have the usual governance structure (governing body) are able to run their clubs successfully.   To begin with I will present a short introduction regarding the idea of alternative models of governance structure. It will follow from the introductory information that was sent prior to the workshop. The idea of the workshop as I understood it from Doris Mae, is to give clubs a forum in which they can talk about alternative governance and get ideas on what to try and what not to try. I edited the timeline.

Introduction  We will then break up into small groups for discussion where you will be able to present and discuss your governance issues. This session will be a workshop in the truest sense of the word. We all will learn from each other about governance in terms of what works and what doesn't. CFUW is different from the other women’s groups in that it gives her members the opportunity to do more than just one thing. You can make new friends, advocate on a variety of issues, socialize with like-minded women, engage in life-long learning, and enjoy a feeling of empowerment all within one organization.

Democratic Group Leadership Possible Structures Typical Structure Past President President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Chairs of S. Committees  

Non-typical Structure Co-Presidents (2), PP VP Secretary Treasurer Chairs of S. Committees. Co-presidents agree on a schedule as to who takes what meeting.

Non-typical Structure Typical structure except no one is President, PP or VP. Meetings are run by the Secretary, Treasurer and standing committee chairs, on a rotating basis. If there isn’t a secretary, this position also rotates between the officers. There must be a treasurer or co-treasurers.

Non-typical Structure 3. Co-Presidents (9). This assumes the Club meets Sept. to May. Each takes a turn running and organizing a meeting. The rest of the structure must at least include a treasurer or co-treasurers. If there isn’t a secretary this position could rotate through the membership on a voluntary basis. The number is flexible depending on the lay of the land.

Non-typical Structure Team: a group that is willing to share all leadership roles. The constant is the treasurer or co-treasurers. No one else holds a designated position, but is willing to fill any or a specific position when the need arises.  

Non-typical Structure 5. One Figure Head This person delegates jobs/roles as the need arises. They need not be the same person for the same job from meeting to meeting and would come from the membership at large.

Governance Structures An investigation into “best practices” by CFUW Clubs suggests that it is not just small clubs that are experiencing difficulty putting a typical structure at the Board level in place. It is also a problem that plagues larger clubs. Thus, there are practices in place, but it doesn’t seem as though they can all be classified as “best” practices. Brenda Robertson’s workshop on Leadership deals with the underlying issues of leadership and why members do not volunteer for executive positions. I have a several copies of a summary sheet of her information for thos who may not be attending her workshop this afternoon.

Timeline Introduction 5 minutes Roundtable Discussions 80 minutes Sharing 25 minutes Conclusion 5 minutes Takeaway sheets

Let’s begin In your Roundtable Discussion consider the following: What has worked for you What hasn’t worked What resources would be useful for you to optimize your alternate structure In true CFUW fashion, please feel free to divide the jobs of  Note taker, facilitator and Summary speaker amongst your table participants according to your talents. 

Table 1 Notetaker:

Table 2 Notetaker:

Table 3 Notetaker:

Table 4 Notetaker:

Table 5 Notetaker:

Table 6 Notetaker:

Table 7 Notetaker:

Table 8 Notetaker:

Help find a place for each member to support your club in some way Your club is every member’s responsibility.

Good Governance Understand the Role of your Executive Develop an Executive Manual that outlines everyone’s responsibilities Educate Board Members on their duties Plan for Succession Match person to position

******Introduction****** Governance determines who has power who makes decisions how other players make their voice heard how you account for your activities and decisions Ultimately, the application of good governance serves to realize organizational and societal goals. The idea of the workshop as I understood it from Doris Mae, is to give clubs a forum in which they can talk about alternative governance and get ideas on what to try and what not to try. I edited the timeline.

Fiscal Responsibilities Budget Cheques & Signing Authority Transparency & Accountability Financial Policies

Club Activities General Meeting Annual General Meeting Fundraising Special Events Interest Groups Other

Ideas for Discussion with your Executive How do you identify, motivate and recruit leaders within your club? Can you try something new? Does your club ensure there is training and mentoring for new executive members? If so… How?

Ideas for Discussion with your Executive An effective group includes many leaders each contributing special skills towards achieving club goals. Do you recognize the efforts of each person who takes on an executive role? Are there enough sincere thank yous? An effective president/executive enables every member to reach her potential.

Essential Jobs Nice Additions