Marin Voice: Training can pay off for nonprofit boards

Written by Melissa Breach and Linda Davis

From the Marin Independent Journal, Monday, November 22, 2010

IN recent weeks, there have been several stories in the Marin IJ recounting the troubles and travails of local nonprofits, almost all of which have their roots in decision-making and the role of the nonprofit board of directors. 

While all public corporations experience differences of opinion among the leadership, nonprofits are subject to a much harsher scrutiny, in part due to the community's investment and pride in charitable institutions. 

This scrutiny can be exacerbated by a public and press that expect "do-good" organizations to run free of conflict, while demanding more transparency around sensitive internal management and staffing issues. 

At the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, the phone rings every day with a board member or an executive director seeking assistance with governance. 

It's worth saying: Governance is hard. Perhaps one of the reasons for the difficulty is that we believe it should be easy. Board members who buy into the myth that governance is easy and uncomplicated are often hesitant to acknowledge their uncertainty or ask critical questions, instead relying on others who "must surely know." All too often this leaves decision making in the hands of the one or two board members who don't know what they don't know. 

Good board service requires a significant commitment of time and personal resources, resembling, in many ways, an elected public office more than a volunteer position. 

At minimum, the state requires board members to take prudent care of the organization, place the organization's interests above their own during all deliberations, and to ensure the organization's compliance with local, state and federal laws. 

All that, plus the pragmatic responsibilities of a board -- like recruiting and retaining a chief executive, ensuring the organization has sufficient capital, refining mission and strategy and monitoring ongoing performance.

Fortunately, many people continue to find joy and purpose in this hard work and every year hundreds of people join a board for the very first time. These generous souls are part-time volunteers who may (or may not) have expertise in nonprofit management or experience with the organization's primary business -- but they care enough to buckle down and do the work. 

Unfortunately, many of them will never receive training on their new role and responsibilities. Even more startling, many experienced board members have a limited understanding of the critical line between governance and management -- an issue that can easily place an organization in jeopardy. 

So what can we do? The nonprofit sector can commit to investing in governance. Board members are entitled to a substantive understanding of their legal obligations and organizational responsibilities, along with access to the resources and tools needed to govern effectively. 

From board agreements, to governance policies, to an annual board evaluation process -an educated board is one sign of a thriving organization. 

CVNL is one of a handful of organizations in the Bay Area that offers resources for nonprofits and their boards. In addition to board trainings, recruitment and consulting services, CVNL provides a free library with extensive governance publications and information, free unbiased referrals to vetted consultants, and more.

By giving time, leadership and money or even just the benefit of the doubt, volunteer leaders can help our organizations grow stronger. The need for skilled and passionate board members has never been greater. Anyone curious about board service is encouraged to contact CVNL for guidance and referrals. 

Nonprofits are prized community assets. We should all remember that nonprofits are best judged on the quality of their mission and the impact of their work.