Empty Seats

Empty seats at quarterly board meetings for nonprofits, how frequently does this occur? A significant hurdle within the nonprofit sector is ensuring that volunteer board members are present at board meetings. The oversight, insight, and foresight of board members are crucial for the organization's success and long-term viability. Furthermore, a considerable amount of effort and organization goes into creating the agenda for a board meeting. 

Staff members frequently take on extra tasks to prepare for the meeting, and because everyone is busy with their regular responsibilities, many times something else goes undone.

Here are a few tips for CEOs, Executive Directors, and Board Chairs on how to encourage attendance among board members. 1. ) Assign tasks to each board member. 2. ) Develop questions for discussion and invite everyone to engage. 3. ) Ensure that the meeting is marked on everyone’s calendars at least a month in advance. 

Deep within most board members is a passion and a wish to support a mission larger than themselves; sometimes, they only require a gentle push. I hope this article benefits some nonprofit leader or inspires a new idea!