While trying to further understand the role of the board, I came across this resource that seemed really helpful to supplement with this week’s video lecture. This resource summarized the role of the board of directors in a very concise and succinct manner. This article explained how board members play the role of a governing body for a nonprofit by meeting periodically to discuss and vote on affairs revolving around the nonprofit. It furthered my understanding of the board by explaining how their memberships are not set up as permanent positions, but have terms in which they are to participate on the board for a limited number of years.
This article highlighted the importance of a board to focus on the mission, goals, and strategies of the organization. In turn, staff members are to implement the mission. This reflected aspects discussed within the three levels of governance and leadership mentioned in our online lecture this week. Board members with dual privileges can create a conflict of interest between how a nonprofit runs and how it carries out it’s mission.
The article then highlighted the three major roles of a board, which include at least three members who may serve as “the role of President, Secretary, and Treasurer” depending on how their roles are defined within the organization’s rules and regulations. As someone who is very passionate about social justice and youth empowerment, it was surprising to learn that there aren’t any legal certifications required to become a board member. However, there are guidelines that charities create in order to avoid any conflict.