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This Web site features a variety of articles on board hints, recent research and good governance. A searchable bookstore with books on governance, recruitment, self-assessment and more is also included.
Preferred Practice:
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Have A Policy Promoting Pluralism and Diversity within the Organization's Board, Staff, and Constituencies
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Organizations vary widely in their ability to demonstrate pluralism and diversity. Every organization should establish a policy that is consistent with its mission statement and fosters inclusiveness such as an affirmative action program.
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Have No More than One Paid Staff Person Member
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Usually the only paid staff member is the chief staff officer and he/she shall not chair the board nor serve as treasurer.
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Recruit New Board Members Effectively
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Clarify the organization's expectations about Board members and fundraising up front and discuss how the prospective volunteer can get involved; do not assume the new Board member understands this role and do not assume he or she will just “get it.”
Pitfall:
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Having a Board That is Not Representative
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Match the diversity of your board and staff to the diversity of the people in your community of supporters and clients.
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Electing a Board Member Because of Their Needed Skill Alone
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Elect board members because of both their needed skills and their interest in the organization, making sure that each board member is committed to the mission of the organization.
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This toolkit addresses what conflict resolution is, what types of disputes can be addressed through conflict resolution, and how to find a qualified mediator. Key Terms: advocacy, arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), communication, community conferencing, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, peer mediation
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This handbook is an example of everything trustees are legally and ethically responsible for, when serving on a board.
Key Terms: board, budget, bylaws, code of ethics, conflict of interest, duty, financial management, fundraising, general polices, governance, personnel, planning, policy, policy development, public trust
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This report contains the results from a survey conducted by Grant Thornton about board policies and structures throughout the United States. Questions were asked pertaining to issues such as conflict of interest policies, financial audits, and board responsibilities. Key Terms: accountability, audit committee, board development, board governance, board management, board structure, conflict of interest, environmental audit, governance, leadership, Sarbanes-Oxley, transparency
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This article describes elements needed to make a successful board that provides proper leadership for a nonprofit. Some of the elements discussed are fiduciary duties, fundraising, positively representing the organization and community support. Key Terms: annual board review, board effectiveness, board management, board oversight, board performance, executive director, fiduciary, financial oversight, fundraising, governance, legal oversight, networking, oversight, Sarbanes-Oxley, strategic support
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This article describes how Sarbanes-Oxley forced nonprofits to reevaluate many of their policies concerning document destruction, conflict of interest, whistleblower, etc. in order to be more transparent and accountable to constituents. Key Terms: accountability, California Nonprofit Integrity Act, conflict of interest, document destruction policy, financial oversight, governance, independent audit committee, policy, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, whistleblower
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