Guide to Online Board Orientation
Orienting ourselves as existing board members and providing orientation to new members is an essential part of nonprofit board work, yet we often overlook or undervalue orientation.
One of the roles of a board is to run the board, which includes understanding what’s needed to keep the board informed and engaged. Orientation is a place to start.
During the month of May, I’m issuing a guide each Wednesday on topics related to nonprofit board development. These posts will include a specific focus on how we can shift to doing this work from home. Last week started with recruitment. The focus of this week is orientation.
Here are 8 tips for online board orientation:
DETERMINE WHO IS GOING TO DO THE WORK
Board members should take the lead on the plan for orientation. For organizations that have paid staff, it’s fine for staff to play a role, but the overall goals and outcomes for board work should be led by the board. Staff may assist the board and administer the process. Many organizations engage both board and staff in the orientation.
TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE
If board orientation has been a regular practice of your organization, take a look at what you already have in place. What has been covered in past orientations, who was involved, when did the orientation place, how was the information shared and evaluated?
ASSESS WHAT’S NEEDED
Gather feedback on how past orientations were useful or not, and why. If no orientation has been conducted or there isn’t any documentation of past orientations, gather resources from other nonprofits or do a quick search on nonprofit orientation. Incorporate changes thoughtfully and intentionally.
SCHEDULE AN ORIENTATION DATE AND TIME
Scheduling can be a challenge. Right? Schedule your board orientation in advance so you can gather as many board members as possible and so you’ve got plenty of time to prepare. Consider offering the orientation more than once, so board members with varying scheduling have an opportunity to participate. Use whatever scheduling system works well for your organization, whether through an online poll, shared calendars, email, or a quick phone call.
SHIFT FROM IN-PERSON TO ONLINE
If your organization is accustomed to meeting in-person, learn about and understand what will need to change in order to meet online. Consider people’s varying communication, participation, and learning styles. Provide options for board members who may not have access to gadgets and high speed internet. Ask what resources or formats people might need to participate in a successful orientation and then follow through.
DEVELOP AN AGENDA AND MATERIALS
Depending on the style and formality of your organization, develop a plan for the orientation and a set of materials that are in the format(s) that work for your board members. Structure the orientation content around history of the organization, mission, board governance, organization policies, budget and finance, and the strategic plan. Include stories, visuals, and examples to bring information alive and make it relevant and memorable. Include a variety of voices and perspectives in sharing information.
INCLUDE SOME FUN!
Board orientation is not only about sharing and absorbing information. The orientation presents an opportunity to build relationships with each other, share some of the pride and character of your organization, and have a little fun outside of the governance role of a board. Get creative with the resources you have.
• Everybody likes food. Have a special treat delivered to your board members on the day of the orientation or drop something off while practicing social distancing. Find out what foods people like or aren’t able to eat in advance.
• Engage existing board members in opening and closing activities that are participatory, conversational and help “break the ice.”
USE ORIENTATION AS A FIRST STEP IN ENGAGEMENT
Board engagement is next week’s blog post!