Hit the Ground Running:Board Orientation

PresentersMaureen Wesley, Detroit

Elaine Szot, Detroit

Board Buddies Since 1993•

Mission Driven

The job of the Board of Directors of every Christ Child Society Chapter is to

direct the organization toward accomplishing its mission.

Fundamental Responsibilities of the Board

Four Key Areas

Planning OversightPolicy DevelopmentLeadership Development

Questions to Ask Regarding Board Orientation

• Does the orientation make the work of the Board clear?

• Does the orientation help new members to understand the priorities, strengths, challenges and goals of your Chapter?

Purpose of Board Orientation

Take on roles more quickly and comfortably

Feel connected to one another and to organization

Better understand their role on the board

Everyone in on the “same page”

Motivation to do a better job

Important Reminder!

New Board Members know what they know NOT

what they don’t know

Board Orientation Process

Board Orientation begins with Nominating

Special Meeting for Board Orientation

Board Manual

Personal phone call or meeting with board chair or experienced Board member

Board Orientation Meeting

Opportunity AboundsOpportunity personal introduction Brief presentation by experienced board

membersOpportunity for statement of expectationOpportunity to establish a “Buddy System” For membersOpen ended opportunity for questions

The Board Bible

The Board Handbook is has all the important

information needed for your Board

The Board Handbook is a living document for the

Board of Directors

Checklist for Board Handbook

The Board

List of board members and termsStatement of Expectations and

Specific Job ResponsibilitiesCommittee Description

Checklist for Board Handbook

The History of the Organization

Brief History of Chapter, National Organization, and Founder

Chapter Organization Documents Articles of incorporation Bylaws Proof of Tax Exempt Status List of Past Officers Role of National office and Website

Checklist for Board Handbook

Strategic Framework

Mission statementStrategic planAnnual operating planOrganizational chartPressing issues Minutes from recent board meetings

Check List for the Board Handbook

Board Policy

Policy on Conflict of interestBoard Attendance PolicyWhistleblower Policy Insurance -- Director & Officer Property

and / or General Liability

Checklist for Board Handbook

Finance and FundraisingCurrent Annual BudgetMost recent Audit reportFinancial StatementsAnnual reporting requirements

Federal, State and Local

Programs and Services

BOARD ORIENTATION IN THE REAL WORLD

Board Orientation MeetingKey to Success

Scheduled within days of installation

Involved returning and new Board members

Outgoing board members provided information to new member prior to the meeting

History

President

History of the National OrganizationMary Virginia MerrickChrist Child across the Country Number of chapters Chapters in formation Number of volunteer hours across the US Number of layettes

Chapter History

History of the Detroit ChapterMary Catherine Brady100 years of serviceTens of thousands of women have kept

the vision alive in Detroit Area

Membership

Vice President of Membership

Number of members in each membership category

• Database Manager • Volunteer Coordinator• September meeting job fair

Christ Child House

Vice President House Chair

Society owns and operates the house CCH has its own policy making board: the house

advisory council House chair reports on the activities of the House

Council to the Board of Directors CCS Programs at the christ child house

Community Service

Vice President of Community ServiceLayettes

• number distributed annually• number of Agencies• Estimated costs• Number of members who participateLiteracy Program• Location• Number of Children served• Number of CCS numbers who volunteer

Fundraising

Vice President of Fundraising• Night of Angels Auction• Christmas home tour• Pour les Enfants Luncheon• Layette Appeal• Program Guide -- Advertising• A variety of small fundraisers

Percentage of the annual BudgetNumber of members who work on fundraising

Communications

Vice President of Communications Communiqué Program guide Monday Matters Public relations Media specialist

Fiduciary Responsibility

TreasurerAnnual budget OverviewHouse budgetFinance CommitteeDirectors, Property and General Liability

InsuranceBookkeeperConflict of interest and Whistleblower formExpense Reimbursement FormSales Tax Exempt form

BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITY

President Elect

Organizational Chart Board Job Description Meeting attendance expectation If excused, a written report is mandatory

Expectations for Board members

President Read and understand the Bylaws and Rules and

Regulations Build a Committee to assist in your task – builds

leadership for the future Leadership recruitment and development must be

shared by all Expectation of confidentiality All printed materials must be approved by

President Dialogue is welcomed and essential!