CEGA pointer: Accountablity for Board Members

Before moving on to Part 3 in this discussion series, I would like to take a moment and share a quick thought that I believe is important: Accountability for members of the board of directors of a non-profit organization.

What a challenge! But it must be done. Several questions that should provide food for thought on governance, ethics, and accountability issues for non-profit boards:

1. Do your board members attend the meetings regularly? (Many grantors are beginning to require documentation of board attendance.)

2. Do your by-laws include attendance requirements?

3. Is there a formal process for removing inactive board members? Is your board afraid to use it?

4. Do board members show up at the meeting with their packets still sealed? Or, have they read the material provided to them and are they ready to engage in the discussion?

5. What percentage of your attending board members rarely, if ever, have anything to say or anything to contribute during the meeting?

As a past chair of several non-profit organizations where I have had to make that uncomfortable telephone call to invite a non-participating board member to resign, I certainly understand that it is not a pleasant experience. But, for a number of critical reasons, when it must be done, it must be done! The board has an important job to do. Make board accountability a priority at your non-profit organization and you will, indeed, be on the path to excellence among your peers.