Board Member Expectations

 

General

  • Embrace and advance the mission of the organization: Empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Promote the organization’s goals, policies, programs, services, strengths, and offerings positively.

  • Advocate for the organization in the community.

  • Attend organization events to ensure a strong showing of Board members.

  • Stay informed of general trends related to the organization’s mission and share any news/trends with the organization.

  • Monitor the progress of the organization’s mission goals through updates/reports from the Executive Director.

  • Focus attention and efforts on the strategic vision and plan of the organization.

  • Support the organization’s strategic plan and planning process.

  • Serve on a standing committee, ad hoc committee, task force, or special project.

Meetings

  • Attend all Board meetings and committee meetings as a high priority. Alert the Board Chair and CEO/President of any Board meeting absences in advance.

  • Come prepared to discuss the issues and business to be addressed at Board meetings having read the agenda and relevant background material.

  • Work with and respect the opinions of fellow Board members.

  • Seek common ground and build consensus on issues for the betterment of the organization.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest between my position as a Board member and my personal life. If a conflict exists, declare the conflict of interest before the Board and refrain from voting on matters which have a conflict.

  • Support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Directors even when in a minority position and agree to the confidentiality of Board discussions.

 

Fund Development

  • Assist in the identification of fund development opportunities and prospective donors.

  • Assist in the development of fund development activities and strategies.

  • Assist in connecting the organization to personal connections and relationships (corporate, individual, community).

  • Make a personal gift to the organization in accordance with the organization’s Board member giving policy.

  • Assist in the cultivation of giving prospects and donors including thanking and sharing the good work of the organization.

 

Fiduciary

  • Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements. Ask timely and substantive questions about items related to the financial operations of the organization.

  • With fellow Board members, provide appropriate fiduciary oversight in approving the annual budget and audit review and approval.