We should stop referring to how we train board members as orientation. Orientation suggests it is just for first time board members. Actually, at least some components should befit all board members.
For me, serving on the board of a regional health system was an amazing experience. Board education was built into every meeting. We knew we were making decisions that impacted patients and their families, as well as physicians and other health care providers. Amazingly these meetings took only 90 minutes a month – a model of efficiency.
Most professional society board members are asked to participate in an annual program about how boards work, and the fiduciary and other obligations of being a board member. This brief program can only scratch the surface. Board members learn more over time, and experience is the best teacher.
Here is what we, as management, wish board members knew.
Governance
- The three duties of a fiduciary
- The mission
- The Vision
- Core Values
- Read and understand the bylaws
- The organization
- How to access board documents
- The board structure
- The structure of the allied national organization (if applicable)
- How to interact with management team
- Policies and Procedures Guide
- Board Site (if applicable)
Finance
- How to read and interpret standard financial reports
- The difference between admin and program expenses
- The basics of budgeting
- Accrual vs cash accounting
- Investment basics
- IRS classification and what it means
- Conflict of interest policy
- Fiscal year
Membership
- Number of members
- Cost of dues
- Dues billing dates
- How dues are collected
- Types of members
- Member Value Proposition (if applicable)
Communications
- Find, navigate Website and know URL
- Review all active publications
- Slogan
- Phone number
- Have access to promotional materials
- Social media accounts
Programs
- Key legislative issues
- Position statements
- Participate in legislative events
Events
- Calendar of events
- Plan to attend events
- How to help promote events
- Recruit others to attend
- Suggestion for future events
- Help make speaker contacts
