I, _________, understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of ______________, I have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose and mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward.
As part of my responsibilities as a board member:
1. I will interpret the organization’s work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson when called upon.
2. I will attend at least 75% of board meetings, committee meetings, and special events.
3. I will actively participate in one or more fundraising activities.
4. I will act in the best interests of the organization, and excuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest.
5. I will stay informed about what’s going on in the organization. I will ask questions and request information. I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other board matters.
6. I will work in good faith with employees and other board members as partners towards achievement of our goals.
7. If I don’t fulfill these commitments to the organization, I will expect the board president to call me to discuss my responsibilities.
In turn, the organization will be responsible to me in several ways:
1. I will be sent, without request, monthly financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow me to meet the prudent person section of the law.
2. Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the executive director and the board president the organization’s programs, goals, activities, and status. Additionally, I can request such opportunities.
3. The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about issues in the industry and field in which we are working, and by offering me opportunities for professional development as a board member.
4. Board members and employees will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions I have and feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal, and moral responsibilities to this organization. Board members and employees will work in good faith with me towards achievement of our goals.
5. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board president and executive director to discuss these responsibilities.
6. The PADA will provide continuous directors and officers insurance coverage for its board members.
Signed:
___________________________________ Date: ___________________
Member, Board of Directors
___________________________________ Date: ___________________
President, Board of Directors
Have the board president sign two copies of this agreement, and ask new board members to sign them, return one copy to the Board President, and keep the other for reference.
Source: Jan Masaoka
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