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BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
Discussion
Board orientation is the process of educating
board members about their roles, responsibilities, the organization, and how the
board works. A thorough orientation gets a new board member engaged quickly and
off to a running start. The executive director may conduct the orientation or it
may be performed by a longstanding board member. Either way, it may be
beneficial to include a longstanding board member who is willing to be
responsive to the new board member’s questions on an ongoing basis.
The executive director and/or designated board member should have personal contact with the new board
member at least twice. First, to identify himself/herself as the person
responsible for orienting the new board member and second, after the appointee
has a chance to go over the orientation materials, to respond to questions. It
is often a nice gesture for a designated board member to accompany the new one
to the first board meeting. The board member can make sure he/she meets all the other board members
and staff, and should sit next to him/her to provide low key insights as needed
during the meeting.
Recommended orientation handbook
1.
Letter of welcome
2.
Board of directors information
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Logistical details of the next board meeting
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Schedule of board meetings
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Board of directors roster
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Board of directors expectations and meeting practices
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Conflict of interest policy and disclosure form
3. Background on current issues before the board
4. General
Information about the organization
- NPC
Statutory Authority
- VHA Handbook 1200.17 or 1400.2
- Articles of incorporation
- Bylaws
- Mission statement
- Summary of programs
- Most recent annual report to VA
- Summary of insurance coverage
- Last completed audit
- Last completed IRS Form 990
- Approved operational budget for the current year
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