NEEDED ON YOUR BOARD: Movers and Shakers

Governing boards are an age-old subject of discussion and debate in the nonprofit sector, and rightly so. They hold the keys to an organization's operational success.

What types of individuals can best meet the needs of a nonprofit? What breadth and depth of involvement and influence should board members have in the organization? What is the proper role of boards in the organizational advancement process? These are just a few of the fundamental questions that governing boards and senior staff members confront on a daily basis in the effort to move an organization forward and ensure its success.

Nobody involved in nonprofit governance and management would argue that the effectiveness and success of the board is a measure of success in the ultimate achievement of the organization's mission. Where thoughtful people might disagree is in the development of a road map for the board to follow in fulfilling its critical role.

There are many views of how best to deal with the inevitable minutiae of board management and the board's role in the organization's activities and programs. What few will argue is the obvious need for all those who would serve on a board to bring passion, dedication and good sense to governance of the organization.

The legal and fiduciary responsibilities of any nonprofit governing board are essential, core components of its mandate within the organization. Just as important, however, is the board's necessary role in organizational advancement --- the process of building and communicating with constituencies, managing and sustaining positive relationships, and generating and stewarding financial support of the organization.

In the Summer 2009 edition of our Advancement Perspectives e-newsletter,  we covered the general subject of boards and these very aspects of the board's role in organizational advancement. TCG received substantial and positive response to this premiere edition of the new, electronic version of its newsletter.

We invite you to take a look at that edition of our newsletter. It can be found in our archives.