Theresa,
You
received an excellent reply from Rick Fields, which I would second. However, it
is clear that your Board also needs some personal, hands-on, participatory
training in being a Board member and fundraising. You are at a
period of transition, from a closely held Board who feel they "own" the museum
to one that supports and reflects your mission for the benefit of the public. I
would suggest you contact other museums in your regional association and find
out who they would recommend (i.e. have used and liked the results) for
Board development training. Growing pains are pretty uncomfortable, and some
will drop out in a snit. Others will be pleased by the respect and
responsibility given to them. Grants for development and capacity building are
easily accessible, in fact the consultant you choose will know what foundations
have funder his or her work successfully. Other museums in your regional
association will know as well. You are not reinventing the wheel here, we
have all been through this at some period in our
development.
I have
found that the best board recruitment and fundraising comes from board members
who think about the other people in their circles, be it church related,
business, recreation, clubs, whatever, and suggest to them one on one that they
would enjoy being on the museum board, guiding policy and acting as ambassadors
and fundraisers. Develop application forms and keep a biographical history
of each of your board members. Establish a rotation. If someone must leave the
board because their term is up, keep them involved as chair of a committee. AND
DON'T FORGET THE REWARDS-- a special luncheon or trip just for the board and
their long-suffering spouses or partners.
Good
luck!
Micki Ryan
Curator
Highline Historical
Society
Dear Listers:
The museum for which I work has an issue that is causing quite a lot
of anxiety, and I was hoping that others might share their experiences,
suggestions, policies, et. al. on the subject[... .