According to a 2017 George Mason University survey, nearly a third (31 percent) of incoming association and nonprofit board members were not oriented in their organization’s strategic plan. ASAE study participants (Associations Innovate: The Journey from Intent to Action) recently reported moderate levels of board engagement in creating the innovation agenda, with ratings averaging 3.33 on a scale of one to five
This finding indicates that while boards are engaging strategically, they have the capacity to do more.
So why aren’t they?
While boards should exercise care, show loyalty and demonstrate a commitment to your organization’s mission, they can be doing more strategic work. They have the capacity to not just work with staff on the details, or pet programs but to provide perspective to drive your organization forward. It’s probably part of why they’re on your board. It helps them stay engaged. And gaining support from your board can be imperative as you look to support new projects and investments that will make your organization better – for your staff and for your members.
Whether you’re wanting to build out a new program, secure additional funding or maybe even eliminate projects currently draining staff time and money--getting your board on board is critical.
Join us where we’ll provide perspective and deliver practical tips and tricks designed to help organizations of all sizes understand:
- The role of the boards
- How to set the stage for effective conversations
- Best practices designed to structure your conversations for maximum impact
- Managing through the actual meeting and doing the work of getting your board on board
- …and much more!