Board & Committee Leadership

An effective board depends on several key areas: having the right skills and experience in the board’s composition to deliver the strategy and objectives of the co-operative; developing recruitment processes...

But, just like any relationship, building and maintaining the board chair–chief executive partnership calls for hard work by both parties

Are you about to become your organization’s board chair? Congratulations! Here are six things you can do to prepare.

This checklist is a reference document designed to help the board of directors anticipate and track various matters they’ll need to consider as they are near the end of the...

All boards of directors are under increasing pressure to perform well and justify their decisions. Cooperative boards are no exception. However, increasing scrutiny of director behavior is not always accompanied...

Board committees play a crucial role in the effective governance of organizations. They are specialized groups tasked with specific functions and responsibilities, aiding the board of directors in fulfilling its...

While determining the membership of your board committees is often more art than science, it pays to take a strategic approach.

Board members often have long tenures, and your board has tremendous responsibility and decision-making power. As such, it's critical to the success of your organization to have the right composition...

The board of directors is central to the operations of cooperative business.

When directors join a board, they expect to receive and read the governing documents. The bylaws, policies, and articles of incorporation outline board authority and limitations.

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...

Bringing on a terrific board member is only the first step. Taking the time to ensure that each board member becomes personally invested and engaged in the organization's mission is time...

In order to empower nonprofits to successfully engage board members and build a more professional, more accountable board, there are seven key tenets of board engagement along with actionable tips...

Volunteers are busy people who contribute great value to the organization. The evaluation process is an approach to ensure the best use of the board’s time, as well as helping...

Sample Board Evaluations

We’ve asked the Nominating Committee to conduct this brief interview so we can gauge volunteer satisfaction and make improvements.

In housing co-ops, certain general statements are typically found in their Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Information Bulletin.

Serving on a board of directors is an important responsibility. This guide informs volunteer leaders about the unique aspects of governance in a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization. The information is applicable...

Association board manuals come in varied shapes and sizes. Volunteer directors rely on them to understand their responsibilities

The 2017 National Index of Nonprofit Board Practices, led by Intent, found that chief executives and board chairs agree that there is a relationship between board meeting preparation and board...

Sample Board Member Agreement

Sample Board Member Application Form

The mission of ABC Organization is [mission]. As the highest leadership body of the organization, and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for

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...