Board Orientation — or lack of it — is often cited as the number one piece of evidence that an association is in trouble. When board members don’t know why they are there or what they are supposed to be doing, they cannot set good policy nor monitor effectively. "It doesn’t matter much which road you take, if you don’t know where you are going."

This package (CD and booklet) will allow you to help your Board understand the not-for-profit or charity sector in which you operate, teach them what they need to know about your organization, show them how your Board is structured and give them an overview of the Boards Roles and Responsibilities.

The booklet gives an overview of an ideal presentation, discusses who should lead the orientation, who should attend, where and when it should be held, what should be included and suggestions and tips for a successful session.

The outline you are given for your orientation includes:

1. An overview of the Nonprofit sector.

2. The organization’s:

• Mission and Vision
• History
• Programs and Services
• Finances
• Fund Raising
• Strategic Plan
• Structure
• Relationships

3. The Board

• Composition and Structure
• Operations
• Consultants
• Reading List
• Calendar

4. Overview of Board Roles and Responsibilities

Is this a useful resource tool? Yes! I have used it 3 times since receiving it a few months ago. The “fill in the blanks” PowerPoint presentation (also provided in text format for those without presentation software) allows for easy customization, contains suggested content for a Board Handbook and tips for successful board orientation sessions. The time-consuming pre-planning and layout is done for you; you provide the specifics for your organization.

Highly recommended.