Universe of Information
Stored in this Portal
Portal Library of
Guide Topics
- Personal and professional goals achievement
- Improved personal leadership, including work / life balance
- Increased accountability and focus
- Improved self-awareness and perspective
- Growth in leadership competency and capacity
- Better systems for priority management
Anatomy of the Board
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Anatomy of a Board Orientation
BOARD ORIENTATION is the process to inform directors of their roles and responsibilities. Ultimately, the board is responsible for the organization. A good orientation begets good board members --- plan it carefully. Without orientation, directors may have misconceptions or not understand their roles. While some boards feel an annual orientation might be excessive, the yearly discussion highlights organizational changes, increased expectations on boards, and focuses on goals and programs of work.
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Anatomy of a Conflict of Interest Policy
A CONFLICT OF INTEREST is a situation in which someone in a position of trust has a competing professional or personal interest. Boards are composed of persons with varied interests --- thus conflicts may arise. By understanding conflicts and requiring disclosure, the board can protect its integrity and the organization’s programs.
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Anatomy of a Motion
A MOTION is a statement proposed by a qualified member of the board or committee to propose action or take a position. MOTIONS recorded in the minutes show whether or not a group took action. MOTIONS are a part of parliamentary procedure for maintaining orderly meetings. Volunteer leaders should be familiar with the fundamentals of meeting procedures by reading Robert’s Rules of Order or similar guides
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Anatomy of a Policy Statement
POLICIES supplement the governing documents of an organization. They represent the recommended course of action set by an organization's governing body. The bylaws and articles of incorporation should remain broad in scope; the policies interpret and define the specifics for governing the organization.
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Anatomy of a Succession Plan
A SUCCESSION PLAN is a document that guides the governing board in planned or emergency departure of the chief executive officer or other key positions. Planned succession is the retirement process of an executive director; emergency succession is unanticipated. A single document can address both aspects.
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Anatomy of Consent Agenda
The CONSENT AGENDA is a concept to save board time. It is a single line on the regular agenda. The consent agenda encompasses reports that require little or no action. For instance, chapter, staff and committee reports that need no discussion or motions.
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Anatomy of Meeting Minutes
MEETING MINUTES are the permanent record of what took place at official meetings of a board or committee. They report on the actions, or lack of actions, of the board. (Their purpose is not for recording who said what nor extensive note taking.) When approved by the board, the minutes have significance for use as evidence or defense. Don't put anything into the minutes that would embarrass the organization - realizing that minutes can be used in an investigation.