Starting Things Off Right: A Board Orientation Checklist

Do you need help planning a board orientation? Starting board members off with a good foundation of understanding can save you much frustration and course correction down the road. Here is what to cover and what to provide.

WHAT TO COVER:

Introductions

- Participant sharing of why they chose to serve/care about the mission

Organization Overview

– Mission, Vision, Values: Sharing what is "on paper" as well as providing a mission impact moment

- History, Key Achievements

– Services and Programs: Who we serve, how we serve them, impact we have

– How We Are Different from Others

- Overview of Key Partners

- Overview of Staff

- Financial Outlook – budget, financials, fundraising update

– Strategic Plan Highlights

Roles and Responsibilities

 – Discuss Role of Staff vs. Board

- Review Board Expectations/Responsibilities (have them sign a commitment form)

- Conflicts of Interest Policy (have them complete their disclosure and sign the policy)

– Review Terms

- Provide Overview of Committee Structure

– Provide Specific Committee Assignment

Review Contact Information

 * What information you can find on the portal

 * Who to contact with board questions and for logistical support

 *Who you will hear from & how (biweekly ED report via email, Board Chair notice of upcoming meetings through portal, etc.)

PRO TIP: Have the Board President and/or other board members lead orientation, or at least the roles and responsibilities portion of the event. Not only does this offer peer to peer connection, but it also highlights the board's role in enforcing its own expectations.

WHAT TO PROVIDE:

In terms of what board members should walk away with, I recommend the following handouts:

-         Bylaws

-         Strategic Plan

-         Directory of board members

-         IT information for accessing board portal, board email

-         Committee descriptions/charters

-         List of optional organization communications to sign up for (newsletters, social media used by the organization)

-         Calendar of board meetings, committee meetings, & key organization events/opportunities for engagement

-         Annual report and/or latest newsletter

-         Pledge form or other tool for collecting recurring donation

Some organizations are light and informal on board member orientation processes, but if you want board members who really understand the organization and know how to engage appropriately, a robust orientation is well worth the front-end investment of time.