[Ailist] Board of Directors Orientation

[Anne Rarich]

I have been on boards of directors for over 25 years and President of
several of these boards. Here is what I have found is most helpful to newly
elected board members (assuming that they have been properly recruited):
A meeting of old and new board members where there is a "handing off" of
board notebooks and appreciation expressed for past accomplishments and
contributions.

Board notebooks are made up of a bunch of individual headings:
The Board
	Board member listing
	Board member bios
	Board member terms
	Board statement of responsibilities
	Organization Chart
	Job Descriptions
ByLaws

Historical References
	Brief written history 
	Articles of incorporation
	IRS determination letter
	Listing of past board members

Minutes  from past board meetings

Finances/Resource Development
	Prior annual report
	Current annual budget
	
Policies pertaining to the board
	Insurance policy coverage
	Traveling/meeting expense reimbursements
Ethics statement
	Conflict of interest policy

Information 
	Brochure
	Calendar
	Website information

Appendix:
Timeline
Any other materials pertinent to being on the board and representing the
organization.

As part of new board orientation we also talk about accomplishments as well
as plans for the coming year and who will take responsibility for each of
our goals. This planning is done by those who will carry out those goals and
a schedule is created of meetings and key events and communication
strategies.


Anne Rarich 
Certified Executive Coach and Facilitator 
Inscape Publishing Authorized Distributor 
phone: 978-369-9071 
http://www.learning-exchange.com 


-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Pygriff at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 10:04 PM
To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: [Ailist] Board of Directors Orientation

Folks:
 
I'm doing some research into best practices in orienting new members to 
nonprofit boards of directors.  I wonder if those of you who are on, or have
been 
on BODs, would answer a couple of questions:
 
1.  When you joined a board of directors, what things were done for you or 
with you that helped you to:
 
---  feel a part of the board
---  bring your talents to the activities of the board
---  make a contribution to the organization
---  have a good time in the process
 
2.  What are one or two best practices you have seen in board of director 
orientation?  What made those things good or effective?
 
Many thanks for any ideas you may have!
 
Best wishes,
 
Paula Griffin
 
 
 
 
Paula Yardley Griffin
Consulting Today, resource for consultants, trainers, facilitators and
coaches
Email: editor at consultingtoday.com Phone: 610.366.0165
Web: www.consultingtoday.com



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