Conducting a Board Orientation

Why offer a Board Orientation?

Board members must:

»	Become familiar with organization's mission, vision, goals, history, future
»	Learn about their responsibilities, such as structure of board, positions, job descriptions, expectations (financial, social events)
»	Learn about the operations, such as how meetings run, calendar of events, policy making, legal responsibilities, budget
»	Learn about their fellow board members

A board orientation should cover:

»	Program
»	Finances
»	History
»	Strategic Direction
»	Organizational Structure
»	Board rules, By-laws, policies
»	Board member Responsibilities
»	Board Operations
»	Board members biographical data

Conducting a board orientation:

»	Board Orientation Binder
»	Board Mentoring/Buddy system
»	Site visit - see the operation firsthand
»	New Board Member serve on one or two committees
»	Orientation meetings
»	Ongoing training
»	Orientation social
»	Retreats