I have outgrown that first draft. Through compiling this handbook in its final version, I have become aware of the extent to which Francie has shared her vision of excellence...

It’s a frequent question from executive directors asking for assistance to improve governance; they are pitted against a board that calls orientation “a waste of time.”

80 percent of an iceberg is below the surface. The same can be said about associations. The critical elements are invisible to members, yet a responsibility of the leadership.

After many board meetings, I hear the staff say, “They loaded me up with all sorts of new projects.” One way to ease the burden on staff from volunteers is...

This checklist is a general outline to guide the orientation of new board members. Your organization should modify it as needed to ensure that all new board members are provided...

Guide

Directors require access to documents to perform their duties effectively. They must be familiar with the organization, including finances, programs, lines of authority, subsidiary organizations, strategic plan, and governing documents.

Governing practices and principles can seem awkward to new volunteers. While each person brings their passion and expertise, the duties of governance require a distinct skill set. Governance is influenced...

Whether the orientation of your new board member is approached informally or formally, be sure to include the basics needed for new board members to become engaged in the work...

A lack of orientation can lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted opportunities. This is key to supporting the goal of “acting with one voice” as a Board.

This report provides an overview of cooperatives that perform these activities. More detailed reports are available on cooperatives handling each of the major farm products and farm supplies.

Benefits of Joining a Cooperative

This Toolkit is intended to assist organizations in the adolescent pregnancy prevention and parenting field with cultivating strategic partnerships,

Orienting a community association board is no different than onboarding a new team member; the first 90 days are critical to success.

All too frequently, groups skip any form of orientation and just place their new members directly on committees or organizational projects

An orientation can be held in as little as 90 minutes. Some groups schedule a half-day or incorporate team-building activities into a full-day event.

Orientation is not simply a “test drive” or a familiarization tour for new directors. The primary purpose is to share information and discuss governance.

The cooperative way of doing business is a fascinating one—one that tries to mix visionary social ideals with the economic realities of running a business. By almost any measure, co-ops...

The cooperative way of doing business exists to combine visionary social ideas with the economic realities of running a business.

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a prescription to improve health, operations, and outcomes. Just as people have annual check-ups, it is good for associations to have periodic check-ups.

Boards often scoff at the idea of an annual leadership orientation. They say, “We had a good one three years ago,” or “there are only two new members on the board...