1 What Do I Do To Be A Good Board Member?

2 Guidelines for successful board volunteer stewardship: Regularly, attend board and committee meetings. Read and understand the minutes of board meetings and the minutes of your committee assignments. Read your organization’s publications Treat the affairs of your organization as you would your own.

3 Guidelines (cont’d) Be certain your organization’s records are audited by a reputable CPA firm. Understand your organization’s goals, objectives, and programs; how they are decided and implemented. Insist that all committee meetings be reported at board meetings in either oral or written form.

4 Guidelines (cont’d) Know your organization’s budget, budgeting process, and financial situation. Know who is authorized to sign checks and to what amount. Avoid self-serving policies. Inquire if there is something you do not understand, or if something comes to your attention which would cause you to question a policy or practice.

5 Guidelines (cont’d) Insist that there be well-established personnel program with a competent staff chief executive. Avoid the substance or appearance of conflict of interest, either fiscal or programmatic. Be certain your organization is fulfilling all aspects of its not-for-profit and tax exempt status.

6 Guidelines (cont’d) Insist on a written procedure for board membership and nominating committee procedure. Monitor the community and professional image of your organization. Be certain that “policies” are clearly identified and that the board acts on them as a group rather than as a small group of individuals.

7 Guidelines (cont’d) Know your organization’s board of directors, programs, and staff before you accept membership. Require that your organization-have proper legal counsel, not a board volunteer. Monitor the activity of your executive committee to ensure it does not overstep its authority.

8 Guidelines (cont’d) Insist that the board have a policy relative to board volunteer liability. Follow through with dispatch on your organization’s commitments. Understand the difference between staff and board functions, staff and board roles, and policy and implementation.

9 Guidelines (cont’d) Recognize that staff members have other responsibilities apart from work with the board. Do not ask for information requiring extensive research without first consulting with the chairperson of the board. Source: The effective voluntary board of directors, Conrad & Glen; TFRS

10 CRUCIAL BOARD BEHAVIOR

11 Actively promoting the organization in the community. Understand the legal responsibilities of a governing Board. Holding effective and efficient meetings. Take an active part in long-range strategic planning. Accepting leadership positions on the board.

12 Choosing new members with regard to their skill or connections. Leaving administration to the executive. Opening doors to possible funding sources. Preparing for meetings by reading material sent. Making policy rather than rubberstamping. Reviewing financial statements carefully and asking for explanations.