Hit the Ground Running: Board Orientation Presenters Maureen Wesley, Detroit Elaine Szot, Detroit

Board Buddies Since 1993

Mission Driven The job of the Board of Directors of every Christ Child Society Chapter is to direct the organization toward accomplishing its mission.

Fundamental Responsibilities of the Board Four Key Areas  Planning  Oversight  Policy Development  Leadership Development

Questions to Ask Regarding Board Orientation Does the orientation make the work of the Board clear? Does the orientation help new members to understand the priorities, strengths, challenges and goals of your Chapter?

Purpose of Board Orientation  Take on roles more quickly and comfortably  Feel connected to one another and to organization  Better understand their role on the board  Everyone in on the “same page”  Motivation to do a better job

Important Reminder! New Board Members know what they know NOT what they don’t know

Board Orientation Process  Board Orientation begins with Nominating  Special Meeting for Board Orientation  Board Manual  Personal phone call or meeting with board chair or experienced Board member

Board Orientation Meeting Opportunity Abounds  Opportunity personal introduction  Brief presentation by experienced board members  Opportunity for statement of expectation  Opportunity to establish a “Buddy System” For members  Open ended opportunity for questions

The Board Bible The Board Handbook is has all the important information needed for your Board

The Board Handbook is a living document for the Board of Directors

Checklist for Board Handbook The Board List of board members and terms Statement of Expectations and Specific Job Responsibilities Committee Description

Checklist for Board Handbook The History of the Organization Brief History of Chapter, National Organization, and Founder Chapter Organization Documents Articles of incorporation Bylaws Proof of Tax Exempt Status List of Past Officers Role of National office and Website

Checklist for Board Handbook Strategic Framework Mission statement Strategic plan Annual operating plan Organizational chart Pressing issues Minutes from recent board meetings

Board Policy Policy on Conflict of interest Board Attendance Policy Whistleblower Policy Insurance -- Director & Officer Property and / or General Liability

Checklist for Board Handbook Finance and Fundraising Current Annual Budget Most recent Audit report Financial Statements Annual reporting requirements Federal, State and Local Programs and Services

 Scheduled within days of installation  Involved returning and new Board members  Outgoing board members provided information to new member prior to the meeting

History President History of the National Organization Mary Virginia Merrick Christ Child across the Country  Number of chapters  Chapters in formation  Number of volunteer hours across the US  Number of layettes

Chapter History  History of the Detroit Chapter  Mary Catherine Brady  100 years of service  Tens of thousands of women have kept the vision alive in Detroit Area

Membership Vice President of Membership  Number of members in each membership category Database Manager Volunteer Coordinator September meeting job fair

Christ Child House Vice President House Chair  Society owns and operates the house  CCH has its own policy making board: the house advisory council  House chair reports on the activities of the House Council to the Board of Directors  CCS Programs at the christ child house

Vice President of Community Service Layettes number distributed annually number of Agencies Estimated costs Number of members who participate Literacy Program Location Number of Children served Number of CCS numbers who volunteer

Fundraising Vice President of Fundraising Night of Angels Auction Christmas home tour Pour les Enfants Luncheon Layette Appeal Program Guide -- Advertising A variety of small fundraisers Percentage of the annual Budget Number of members who work on fundraising

Communications Vice President of Communications  Communiqué  Program guide  Monday Matters  Public relations  Media specialist

Fiduciary Responsibility Treasurer  Annual budget Overview  House budget  Finance Committee  Directors, Property and General Liability Insurance  Bookkeeper  Conflict of interest and Whistleblower form  Expense Reimbursement Form  Sales Tax Exempt form

President Elect  Organizational Chart  Board Job Description  Meeting attendance expectation  If excused, a written report is mandatory

Expectations for Board members President  Read and understand the Bylaws and Rules and Regulations  Build a Committee to assist in your task – builds leadership for the future  Leadership recruitment and development must be shared by all  Expectation of confidentiality  All printed materials must be approved by President  Dialogue is welcomed and essential!