R.E.A.P. the Benefits of a Better Board RECRUITMENT ENGAGEMENT ADMINISTRATION PRODUCTIVITY

THE FIRST STEP TOWARD EFFECTIVENESS – YOUR BOARD SHOULD ASK AND ANSWER THIS QUESTION!  WHY?

RECRUITMENT  Always tell your story to create awareness  Create ongoing and varied opportunities for volunteers: Grants, Advisory, Events, Website  Personal touch matters: Host neighborhood/social gatherings Follow-up mailings with phone calls Reach out via room parents

MORE RECRUITMENT  Draft a long list of potential candidates and get Board approval to pursue any and all on the list  Think strategically- what skills do you need? Where is your organization in its life cycle?  Diversification that makes sense  Be honest about expectations and commitment  Consider length of Board terms

“Never try to teach a pig to sing: It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” ~ Paul Dickson  People who are already committed to, and informed about your organization, will most likely accept an invitation to join and then become superstar board members. Volunteers are a great source of candidates!  People who have the skills which match the requirements of upcoming projects and whose experience and demeanor suit the life stage of your organization make the best fit.

ENGAGEMENT  Board training for new members  Focus on 1-2 organizational goals that all members work towards: Endowment, large grant, celebration  Strong Committee structure, all members assigned to at least one committee  Committee Chairs periodically attend Executive Committee meetings

MORE ENGAGEMENT  Expectation of 100% participation in financial contributions  Create ambassadors-provide business cards to members  Pres. & VP check-ins with committee chairs via phone or meeting  Conduct exit interviews

“Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.” ~ Zig Zieglar  Getting people involved in a specific project engenders a sense of purpose; the more you have to do the more you feel connected.  Teachers/educators are the spark; get them involved in the organization to the greatest extent possible.

ADMINISTRATION  Hold monthly Executive Committee meetings & full Board meetings  Expect full attendance: use agendas, make them fun & interesting  Allow for voting  Set meeting schedule for entire school/operational year  Conduct annual strategic planning

MORE ADMINISTRATION  Nurture future leadership  Provide professional opportunities for Board members: workshops, article sharing  Consider leadership/governance structures: ad hoc committees  Executive Director/Administrative Assistant vs. Volunteer  Maintain current website/social media presence

“Motivation is the art of getting people to do what you want because they want to do it.” ~ Dwight Eishenhower  Leading an Education Foundation is a lot like parenting- you need to guide, cajole, expect, lecture, listen, discipline, inspire, and organize with a large dose of flexibility and sense of humor!  Say thank you often, publicly, privately and in a variety of ways. It makes everyone feel good and it’s a great motivator.

PRODUCTIVITY  Create specific, measurable goals  Define measurement tools  Assign responsibility for every goal- Accountability is crucial  Invest in reliable donor database software  Produce some type of annual report to share with donors & the community

MORE PRODUCTIVITY  Periodically review operating procedures for inefficiencies  Nip problems in the bud- case by case basis  LISTEN and encourage/expect others to do the same in meetings and gatherings

“It’s never crowded on the extra mile” ~William Dieger  It’s not rocket science –It’s hard work but so rewarding and important!  THANK YOU!