Resource Provided By Vantage Point
Over the course of the year, the Board of Directors must engage in a variety of important conversations and make critical decisions about the organization.
A board calendar is a helpful tool for ensuring that these conversations and decisions happen at the appropriate time: for example, preparing and approving the year-end financial statements in advance of the annual general meeting.
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Annotated agendas highlight the preparation required to ensure an engaging and productive meeting. For each agenda item, there is a note that explains the reading or preparation required, whether it is a decision, discussion, or information item, and then captures the concrete actions and follow-ups for that item.
The preparation required to put together the annotated agenda is valuable because it forces the chair or Executive Director to make good choices about what to spend time discussing, and to inform the board of what the intended outcome for each agenda items.
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BoardsĀ have three primary approaches to governance.
According to authors Chait, Ryan and Taylor, not-for-profit boards have three primary approaches to their work in governing organizations: fiduciary, strategic and generative.
Think of three modes of governing as three different types of conversations that need to happen at the board table. These conversations become tools that help board members feel empowered to make the right types of decisions, harness the collective wisdom of the board, and improve board performance.
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Most boards spend fewer than 25 hours each year together around the board table ā itās important that this time be used wisely and effectively, discussing matters of consequence and keeping an eye towards the future.
This tool can be used as a conversation starter with your board members to reflect on what makes the best use of your boardās time and identify potential changes to your board meeting agenda or board calendar.
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Strong organizations begin with effective governance, management and planning.
This toolkit contains several role description templates for attracting and developing your board members. These versions of Vantage Pointās role descriptions can easily be adapted to fit your situation.
Great boards donāt just happen. First, the right people are recruited and oriented. Then they are provided with the opportunity and support to do great things.
