According to an article in Guidestar last fall, a group of nonprofit leaders were asked their most pressing problem and many responded that Board members "don't do what they are supposed to do." In the March edition, I discussed the importance of effective recruitment as a key in helping Board members understand our expectations of them.

Now let's look at two important keys to Retaining Great Board Members. Perhaps the keys might be defined as TIME and VALUE.

TIME - a precious commodity that few have to waste...and often the biggest waster of time is MEETINGS! Here's what you can do:

• Create agendas for Board and committee meetings. Send the agenda with minutes, reports, financials in advance with the expectation that all will come prepared to act.
• Start meetings on time. After 10-15 minutes, if there is no quorum, adjourn the meeting. Don't punish those members who arrived on time.
• Stick to the agenda. Post time limits for each agenda item if people tend to get off track.
• Require written committee reports in a consistent format so that time is not wasted on long, drawn out verbal reports.
• Delegate committee work to committees. Nothing is worse than giving committees the responsibility without the authority to do their work. At Board meetings, discuss only those committee items that require Board discussion or action.
• Move the business along by using Robert's Rules of Order...at least in a simple format.
• Keep clear and concise minutes.
• Regularly assess progress on the strategic plan.
• End meetings on time. If there is business that is anticipated to entail long discussion, alert Board members in advance so they can plan accordingly.

VALUE - Surprisingly, the reason often given for why Board members become inactive is that they did not feel their time and talent was valued! We recruit Board members for their talent and skills - what they can bring to the organization. Ensure these talents and skills are put to use by requiring active participation in committees, by giving Board volunteers meaningful activities. Ask Board members what makes the job meaningful to them!

AND DON'T OVERLOOK...

• Orientation required for all new Board members...before their first Board meeting. Include history, mission, results, strategic plan, bylaws review, Board policies and procedures, how to read financials, and conclude with an agency tour or mission-connected presentation.
• Strategic Planning. Take time every year to review mission and vision, set priorities for Board and staff and create action plans with key activities, responsibility to achieve and target dates. Keep the plan alive by reviewing progress at every Board meeting.

For sample job descriptions, commitment letters and other useful forms, go to the Resources page at Jblockinc

I can help. Contact me to present a workshop on Building Better Boards or Best Practices. The training is based on my book The ABCs of Building Better Boards. Order your copy: Order ABCs.

Or contact me directly to discuss your Board Development and training needs. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Next Month: Getting the Board Involved in Fundraising.

Diversify and Build Your Capacity

Now more than ever, most nonprofits must learn how to diversify their revenue through earned income. While social enterprise may not be the magic bullet (but it just mightbe) it is a critical tool in the tool box of successful and independent nonprofits. Want to learn more about how to become a successful social entrepreneurial organization? Contact me today to take advantage of a free information webinar. You will learn what social enterprise is - and isn't, the 7 critical skills to develop a business plan for earned income, and how to take advantage of the training in social enterprise from Social Enterprise Ventures LLC - my other training and consulting company. Visit SEV to learn more or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it today to get started on social enterprise.

Pay Attention!

According to the IRS as many as 400,000 nonprofits will lose their tax exempt status next month because they have not filed a Form 990 in the past 3 years.http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/23/us/23exempt.html

Resources You Can't do Without

Board Source is the best resource for all issues about nonprofit management, Board governance, policies, etc. Membership is one of the most valuable tools you'll ever have!

Guide Star has a wealth of information about nonprofits in the US. Your 990 is posted there, as is the 990 of other nonprofits. It is a powerful way to tell the world how well you manage your organization!

IRS 990. Download the 2009 Form 990, review its changes and get instructions about how to answer the mandatory disclosures. If you aren't current, you are at risk!