WORKING WITH BOARDS TO STRENGTHEN AN ORGANIZATION & COMMUNITY AMY NISENSON, CONSULTANT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE MARY MORTON PARSONS FOUNDATION 2014 VIRGINIA VOLUNTEERISM AND SERVICE CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 APN Consulting 2014

Session Objectives APN Consulting 2014 To gain a clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards and board service To understand the role and responsibilities of individual Board members To hear from two nonprofit leaders about how their board members help their organizations achieve their missions

Quote on boards… APN Consulting 2014 “A good board is a victory, not a gift.”“A good board is a victory, not a gift.” ~ Cyril O. Houle Governing Boards

What does a High Functioning Board Look Like? Organizational mission is central at every board meeting There is high board member participation There is no room for board member’s personal preferences with regard to decision making The Board speaks with one voice Board oversees; doesn’t micromanage APN Consulting 2014

What does a High Functioning Board Look Like? Board ensures that all laws are respected Board ensures that all laws (state/federal) are respected Board continually assesses its own performance (individually and as a group) Board has opportunity for education and training Board has a 100% personal contribution rate APN Consulting 2014

Overview: Roles and Responsibilities of… APN Consulting 2014 The Board Setting Organizational Direction Ensuring Necessary Resources Providing Oversight Individual Board Members Duty of care Duty of loyalty Duty of obedience Ambassadors for the Organization Volunteers for the Organization

Board Role 1: Set Organizational Direction APN Consulting 2014 Developing and maintaining a focus on mission Philosophical and strategic (long-term) planning Not necessarily tactical (annual) planning

Board Role 2 : Ensure Resources APN Consulting 2014 Identify resources needed Establish policies for how these resources will be acquired Determine how board members will participate in resource development

Board Role 2: Ensure Human Resources APN Consulting 2014 Selection of Chief Executive Support of Chief Executive Evaluating Chief Executive

Board Role 2: Ensure Resources with a Positive Public Image APN Consulting 2014 Accurate image and positive reputation will influence organizational resources Success depends on external relationships Board needs to ascertain that stakeholders are kept informed

Board Role 3: Provide Oversight APN Consulting 2014 Program Financial Risk management Legal and moral oversight Evaluation of Chief Executive

Responsibilities of Individual Board Members APN Consulting 2014 Actively Participate Be Informed Promote the Organization Safeguard Ethics and Values

Three “Hats” Board Members Wear APN Consulting 2014 Legal Hat - Duty of Care - Duty of Loyalty - Duty of Obedience Ambassador Hat Volunteer Hat

The Board Building Cycle APN Consulting 2014 Identify Cultivate Recruit Orient Involve Educat e Evaluate Rotate Celebrate !

Step 1: IDENTIFY Board Needs APN Consulting 2014 Skills, knowledge, perspectives, and connections for strategic planning Board needs assessment Identify sources of board members with the desired characteristics

Step 2: CULTIVATE Potential Leaders APN Consulting 2014 Ask current board members, senior staff, and others to suggest potential candidates with needed characteristics Invite these candidates to connect with the organization Get them interested in your organization, and keep them informed

Step 3: RECRUIT Prospects APN Consulting 2014 Describe why a prospective board member is wanted and needed Explain expectations and responsibilities and don’t minimize requirements Invite questions, elicit their interest, and find out of if they would be prepared to serve Recruit a diverse board

Step 4: ORIENT New Members APN Consulting 2014 To the board: Committee structure Board member responsibilities List of board members and key staff Bylaws Recent minutes To the organization: History Programs Pressing issues Finances Facilities Structure (organization chart)

Step 5: INVOLVE APN Consulting 2014 Discover board member interests and availability Involve them in committees or task forces Assign them a board “buddy” Solicit feedback Hold everyone accountable Express appreciation

Step 6: EDUCATE APN Consulting 2014 Provide information on mission and services Explore issues facing the organization Hold retreats and encourage board development activities by sending board members to seminars and workshops Don’t hide difficulties

Step 7: EVALUATE Board APN Consulting 2014 Evaluate the board as a whole, as well as individual board members - Engage the board in assessing its own performance - Encourage individual self-assessment Examine how the board and chief executive work as a team

Step 8: ROTATE Board Members APN Consulting 2014 Establish term limits (and enforce them!) Do not automatically re-elect; consider the board’s needs and the member’s performance Explore the advisability of resigning with members who are not active Develop new leadership

Step 9: CELEBRATE! APN Consulting 2014 Recognize victories and progress – even small ones Celebrate accomplishments Appreciate individual contributions – to the board, the organization, and the community Make room for humor and a good laugh

How do you ensure a great board? APN Consulting 2014 Find the right people Select persons to serve as chair who are good listeners/leaders/learners Put rules and performance expectations in place Monitor, question, evaluate, and act ALWAYS in the best interest of the organization

Let’s Hear from 2 organizations that exemplify great boards… APN Consulting 2014

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APN Consulting 2014 Primary Care Dental Care Vision Care HIV diagnosis & Treatment Community Pharmacy Women’s Health/OB Mental Health Counseling Social Work Services Sub-Specialties Health Education Providing compassionate care to people in need since 1983.

Questions …. APN Consulting 2014

Thanks for attending… APN Consulting 2014 Amy’s contact info--- Amy Nisenson (804)

Thanks for attending… APN Consulting 2014 Lee Householder’s contact info Lee Householder, CEO (804)

Thanks for attending… APN Consulting 2014 Julie S. Bilodeau’s contact info Julie S. Bilodeau, Executive Director (804) , ext. 114