Diane,
You have received a good number of very useful suggestions. My own favorite for online help is BoardSource, but others that have been suggested are excellent. Also try  the Servant Leader Institute in Indianapolis.

The fact is that the Board is your most important asset, and it is normally the most neglected one. Without the Board your institution could not exist legally. Board members are legally responsible for your institution. They can be held liable, both as a group, and as individuals for any and all actions of your institution. They are legally responsible for your finances. Most Board members do not know that, and do not know how to read a financial statement. At minimum, they need to be made aware of these facts.

The issues involved are too numerous and tied too closely to your individual situation to get an adequate response on a list. So, talk to a retired executive of a major non-profit in your area, or your United Way to get more details that fit your situation. But, whatever you do, make it a New Year resolution that you will begin developing your Board to its fullest potential in 2008. Peace, Nick
 


-----Original Message-----
From: Diane Hutsell <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Dec 14, 2007 11:04 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] New Board Member Training

<[log in to unmask]>
Hi all!
 
We are getting ready to "train" our three new board members to our museum. Since I have come on as director, several already existing board members have said that they wished they had more information before they began work. One even suggested a board mentor type program. My question is this....what do the rest of you all do to induct your new board members as to the nuts and bolts of your organization beyond giving them a copy of your bylaws. How do you get them to understand the down and dirty of your operation in a quick and timely manner? What worked and what hasn't?
 
Diane
 
Diane Hutsell
Executive Director
McMinn County Living Heritage Museum
PO Box 889
Athens, TN 37303
www.livingheritagemuseum.com
[log in to unmask]
========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).

========================================================= Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).