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ARTICLES
"How and When to Fire a Board Member" by Dennis C. Miller
This article offer suggestions and warnings signs for dealing with board members who may be contrary to your mission, and offers strategies for removing them.
"Are your Board Members Protected?" by Laura S. Dodge and Sherryl Adsit
The article, from the State Policy Network's quarterly newsletter, discusses the personal liability of the board members of nonprofits and how to make sure their personal liability is protected.
"Board Reality Check" by Janet Levine
While I disagree slightly with the opening paragraph here, this article from Fundraising Success.com offers good tips on developing fundraising expectations with your board.
"Notes on Working Effectively With Boards of Directors" by Lawrence Reed
Lawrence Reed, president of FEE, delivered a presentation on "Boards and the CEO" at the Atlas TTMBA in 2008 and 2009. This short document captures the essense of his remarks.
"New Years Resolutions for Board Members" by Gail Perry
This article offers suggestions for Board Members on how to renew their support for your organization.
"Selecting the Best Board Members" by Ann Fitzgerald
Careful selection of board members is one of the most overlooked aspects of nonprofit management. Ann Fitzgerard, president of AC Fitzgerald and Associates, and frequent Atlas guest lecturer, offers her recommendations in this article.
"Engaged Board: Accomplished Goals" by Dann Mead Smith
A strong board of directors is essential to an organization’s success. In this article, Dann Mead Smith of the Washington Policy Center provides insight in how to build and engage a board that will help your organization to reach its goals.
"Building a Board"by Synergos
This article from the Synergos Institute explores how to recruit and develop an effective board. The first two case studies in this article discuss board structure. The third case discusses bylaws and board meeting logistics.
"How Much Should Charity Board Members Be Required to Give?" by The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has an interesting blogpost which reflects the controversy surrounding this decision that nonprofit executives have to make.
"Success in Fundraising Starts With the Board of Directors" by Ruthellen S. Rubin
Are these familiar refrains from your board members -- “I give my time, so I don’t have to give my money.” “I’m on a lot of boards, so I can’t give much.” “You should appreciate me for my good ideas ... that’s enough.” If so, check out this article which says "NO!" to each of these cop outs.
BOOKS* All summaries of books can be found here
"Boardroom Verities" by Jerold Panas
An Atlas donor introduced us to this book, which is one of the most concise and helpful book on board selections.
"Not On This Board You Don’t" by Arthur C. Frantzreb
"Inside the Nonprofit Boardroom" by Charles William Golding
RESOURCES
Board Source "Building Effective Nonprofit Boards"
This website, dedicated to "advancing public good by building exceptional boards" is a potential resource for engaging board leaders. |
How does a Board function? What does it do? Is it necessary to have a board? If you have asked yourself these questions, don't worry! That is a healthy starting point. There is a growing need for nonprofit organizations throughout the world to be more effective and productive. One the many ways they are achieving this is by broadening and strengthening the constitution of their Boards.