Chair Series – Running Effective Meetings
Meetings are the central venue where boards carry out their responsibilities. A well-run meeting produces clear decisions, allows for meaningful discussion, and positions the organization…
The Chair of the Board
Part 1 in a 9 part series Introduction to the Chair Every non-profit board has a chair. The role is written into bylaws, ideally enshrined…
How to Join a Nonprofit Board (and Why You Should)
Volunteering is deeply woven into Canadian life. About half of all Canadians contribute time each year, and while roles vary widely. From coaching youth sports…
What Should the Board Look for When Reviewing a Budget?
Your board reviews and approves the budget but what should that look like and what questions should you ask?
What is a Governance Review and Why Your Board Should Consider Doing One
Governance Reviews: An Introduction Good governance is an important part of any successful nonprofit organization. A well-run board, that does its work effectively, sets the…
Too Much Trust, Not Enough Oversight? A Governance Wake-Up Call
News broke recently that a Sikh priest in Winnipeg has been charged with stealing likely over a millions dollars from the local place of worship…
Board Solidarity: Why Supporting Board Decisions Matters
Board decisions, made in accordance with bylaws and that have allowed for fair deliberation, must be publicly supported by all board members. Boards are collective…
My Strangest Governance Coincidence
Over a lifetime of weird coincidences, this may be the strangest of them all, or at least the strangest when it comes to governance and…
Managing Board – Executive Director Conflict
Summary: Boards and executive directors must work to mitigate harmful conflict in their relationship and nurture tools to overcome challenges. One of the most critical…
Hold an In Camera Session Every Board Meeting
Summary: Boards should have an in camera portion to every meeting where they discuss the executive director, the board itself, and very rarely anything else.…