There is so much a board needs to know– where you do you begin in building a plan for learning? In this episode, Nancy and Sarah share the three categories of information every board member needs to explore. They give practical examples of what your board members might focus on to strengthen their knowledge and practice. You’ll leave listening to this episode with a few ideas on how you might deepen what your board members know about your cause, your nonprofit, and what is involved in running a nonprofit.
Question to reflect on before you listen:
How do board members learn about their role now in your organization?
- What resonated with you about this conversation? What would you like to take back to your organization?
- How might you develop a plan for these three categories of information board members need to know: your cause, your nonprofit, and what is involved in running a nonprofit? Where can you fit learning into your board caledar?
- Where can you get training or learning opportunities across these three areas? For example, a local coalition might have resources about your cause. A community foundation or nonprofit state association might have learning opportunities related to running a nonprofit. Staff and volunteers can tell you more about your organization. Who can you lean on for information across these three categories?
Word of the week: Learn
We talked about the difference between “teach” and “learn.” Often within nonprofits, this shows up as “we told our board,” but maybe they didn’t act on it. How can you help board members to “own” the learning they need (and want to do) to steward your mission forward?