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| Nonprofit Management Newsletter |
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| Jean Block Consulting, Inc. | April 2010 |
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Featured Article
Learn how to retain the best Board members more effectively with tips from my Best Boards training and book The ABCs of Building Better Boards. |
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Greetings!
Spring means changes...and so I have completely revamped by website, thanks to Tom Carroll and Brandon Muth at Carroll Strategies. Take a look and see what you think..and let me know if something doesn't work! We think the new design is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Jean Block
Jean Block Consulting Inc & Social Enterprise Ventures LLC |
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Featured Article
Part 2 - My Board - Aaarg!
According to an article in Guidestar last fall, a group of nonprofit leaders were asked their most pressing problem and many responded that Board members "don't do what they are supposed to do." In the March edition, I discussed the importance of effective recruitment as a key in helping Board members understand our expectations of them.
Now let's look at two important keys to Retaining Great Board Members. Perhaps the keys might be defined as TIME and VALUE.
TIME - a precious commodity that few have to waste...and often the biggest waster of time is MEETINGS! Here's what you can do:
- Create agendas for Board and committee meetings. Send the agenda with minutes, reports, financials in advance with the expectation that all will come prepared to act.
- Start meetings on time. After 10-15 minutes, if there is no quorum, adjourn the meeting. Don't punish those members who arrived on time.
- Stick to the agenda. Post time limits for each agenda item if people tend to get off track.
- Require written committee reports in a consistent format so that time is not wasted on long, drawn out verbal reports.
- Delegate committee work to committees. Nothing is worse than giving committees the responsibility without the authority to do their work. At Board meetings, discuss only those committee items that require Board discussion or action.
- Move the business along by using Robert's Rules of Order...at least in a simple format.
- Keep clear and concise minutes.
- Regularly assess progress on the strategic plan.
- End meetings on time. If there is business that is anticipated to entail long discussion, alert Board members in advance so they can plan accordingly.
VALUE - Surprisingly, the reason often given for why Board members become inactive is that they did not feel their time and talent was valued! We recruit Board members for their talent and skills - what they can bring to the organization. Ensure these talents and skills are put to use by requiring active participation in committees, by giving Board volunteers meaningful activities. Ask Board members what makes the job meaningful to them!
AND DON'T OVERLOOK...
- Orientation required for all new Board members...before their first Board meeting. Include history, mission, results, strategic plan, bylaws review, Board policies and procedures, how to read financials, and conclude with an agency tour or mission-connected presentation.
- Strategic Planning. Take time every year to review mission and vision, set priorities for Board and staff and create action plans with key activities, responsibility to achieve and target dates. Keep the plan alive by reviewing progress at every Board meeting.
For sample job descriptions, commitment letters and other useful forms, go to the Resources page at Jblockinc
I can help. Contact me to present a workshop on Building Better Boards or Best Practices. The training is based on my book The ABCs of Building Better Boards. Order your copy: Order ABCs .
Or contact me directly to discuss your Board Development and training needs. Jean Block
Next Month: Getting the Board Involved in Fundraising. |
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Diversify and Build Your Capacity
Now more than ever, most nonprofits must learn how to diversify their revenue through earned income. While social enterprise may not be the magic bullet (but it just might be) it is a critical tool in the tool box of successful and independent nonprofits. Want to learn more about how to become a successful social entrepreneurial organization? Contact me today to take advantage of a free information webinar. You will learn what social enterprise is - and isn't, the 7 critical skills to develop a business plan for earned income, and how to take advantage of the training in social enterprise from Social Enterprise Ventures LLC - my other training and consulting company. Visit SEV to learn more or contact Jean at SEV today to get started on social enterprise. |
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Pay Attention!
According to the IRS as many as 400,000 nonprofits will lose their tax exempt status next month because they have not filed a Form 990 in the past 3 years.
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Resources You Can't do Without
Board Source is the best resource for all issues about nonprofit management, Board governance, policies, etc. Membership is one of the most valuable tools you'll ever have! Guide Star has a wealth of information about nonprofits in the US. Your 990 is posted there, as is the 990 of other nonprofits. It is a powerful way to tell the world how well you manage your organization!
IRS 990. Download the 2009 Form 990, review its changes and get instructions about how to answer the mandatory disclosures. If you aren't current, you are at risk! |
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Download my popular nonprofit books...The ABCs of Building Better Boards and Fast Fundraising Facts for Fame & Fortune. Only $24.95 each or both for $45.00.
Jean Block Consulting Inc to order and receive password with permission to make up to 5 copies of each book!
Exploration - Management by Assessment. Benchmark your nonprofit in seven key management areas including Fundraising, Board of Directors, Financial, Human Resources, Programs & Services, Messages & Marketing. Social Enterprise Ventures LLC to download individual assessments or the entire program, beginning at $49.95 each. Order all at once and receive one module free. | |
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