Need some input from readers on ‘How to Set Expectations’ with board members

Hello DonorDreams blog readers!

I’m currently working on writing an eBook on the topic of “How to Engage Board Volunteers.” The purpose of this eBook is to provide non-profit leaders with examples of tools that can be used to engage their board volunteers in their governance and resource development functions.

I’ve taken my inspiration so far from an old favorite training I used to use titled “Inspiring & Managing Your Board for Fundraising Success,” and I’ve divided my eBook into the following sections:

• Setting Expectations
• Accountability & Urgency
• Planning
• Mission-focus
• Organizational Best Practices

Over the next few days, I will share with you a variety of tools I’ve identified in each of these sections. I’m hoping you will use the comment box functionality on each of the blog posts to share your thoughts and additional tools you’ve had success with using.*

The following set of tools are ones I’ve identified as being effective in helping “set expectations:”

• Volunteer position description
• Board member handbook
• New board member orientation
• Annual board re-commitment pledge
• Conflict of interest disclosure form

What other tools have you used to clearly communicate ideas such as:

• To what is a volunteer saying YES when agreeing to serve on a board
• What are their roles/responsibilities
• What should volunteers be prepared to discuss and do in upcoming meetings
• What actions did a volunteer commit to coming out of a meeting

Please take a minute out of your busy schedule to provide some feedback. Your suggestions on additional tools is also greatly appreciated.

Here’s to your health!

Erik Anderson
Founder & President, The Healthy Non-Profit LLC
www.thehealthynonprofit.com 
erik@thehealthynonprofit.com
http://twitter.com/#!/eanderson847
http://www.facebook.com/eanderson847
http://www.linkedin.com/in/erikanderson847

---

*Note: I would be extremely grateful if you would share your best organization’s resources for possible inclusion as a sample in my eBook. If you are concerned about organizational privacy/confidentiality, I am more than willing to redact your organization’s name from whatever documents you provide if that is what you desire.