Board Engagement

We tried an experiment with a nonprofit board that I chair.  We conducted board orientation after we had included the new board members in two events:

• board reception for new, retiring and returning board members and senior staff 
• board meeting and state of the organization presentation

All three activities were held within a two week period.  Feedback was positive.  The new board members had a chance to visit socially in a lovely home with key staff, seasoned board members and one another before engaging in governance.  When they participated in board orientation, they already had a broader sense of the opportunities and challenges facing the organization and knew many of the other board and staff who were also committed to serving children and families in Texas.

There are many ways to foster engagement including shared vision, passion and camaraderie.