Purpose
To act as a voting member of the Board with full authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures and regulations for the operation of the organization; to monitor the organization’s financial health, programs and overall performance; and to ensure provision of resources necessary to meet the needs of those the organization serves.
The Full Board’s Responsibilities
• Establish policy;
• Secure adequate funding for the organization;
• Monitor finances;
• Create and update a long-range plan for the organization;
• Select and support the organization’s Board officers;
• Adopt key operating policies and procedures and approve contracts as appropriate.
Individual Board Member’s Duties
• Make every effort to attend all monthly teleconference Board meetings, and face-to-face meetings as needed and scheduled; it is understood that conditions, medical or otherwise, might prevent one from traveling;
• Become knowledgeable about the organization;
• Come to Board meetings well prepared and well-informed about issues on the agenda;
• Contribute to meetings by expressing his/her point of view;
• Consider other points of view, make constructive suggestions and help the Board make decisions that benefit those the organization serves;
• Serve on at least one committee;
• Represent the organization to individuals, the public and other organizations;
• Support the organization through a personal financial contribution as you are able;
• Assume board leadership roles when asked.
Rationale
Board members set broad policies and goals. Individual members of the Board, however, have no authority to act independently of the full Board. When they do, it can seriously damage the organization’s ability to carry out its mission, the team spirit of the Board and the organization’s image in the community. Board members who abuse their position this way should be disciplined or censured.
Board members are also “trustees” of their organization who approve an annual budget that ensures it can meet its financial needs. In addition, Board members monitor the overall financial health of their organization by reviewing annual reports of an auditor recommended by the Treasurer.
Individual Board members should attend all Board meetings and actively participate in them and serve on committees or as Board officers. Finally, Board members have the responsibility to know and fulfill their proper role as Board members and to act in the best interests of those the organization serves.