Claudia,
Following is an outline of my portion of an orientation program I gave
when a Trustee of the Laguna Art Museum. The overall program was in
two parts: First, the Director described the museum, his staff,
organization, its functions and personnel. I then described the roll
of the Board of Trustees per the following outline. Note, the AAM
manual was out of print in 2003. I do not know if the revised manual
is out. We had been giving copies to all Trustees.
John Bing
*************************************************************************
Laguna Art Museum
Trustee Orientation, 25 January, 2003
The Role of the Trustee
I. Introduction
a) "Museum Trusteeship" AAM handbook (excerpts)
"The more a trustee learns about his role and that of the
museum, the more successful and rewarding will be his
service to the museum and to himself."
c) The purpose of this Orientation is to help us all get a
better understanding of our museum and the role we
play in its support.
d) The 1996 "merger" has taught us that we cannot be
complacent about our community jewel.
II. The Role or Roles of Trustees
a) Stewardship of the organization
Board is ultimately responsible for every aspect of
the museum. Including the building, the collection;
everything
b) Fiduciary responsibility
It is broad and all encompassing
To the institution and to its members
We hold the assets of LAM in trust for the public
c) The Mission Statement and Bylaws
They reflect our goal and basic rules.
The board determines the present and the future
direction of the museum
d) Setting Museum Policy vs. micro managing
We set policy but not the day to day work
e) The Budget & Fund raising
Two most important duties: money, money
We approve the budget, therefore, we are responsible
to fund it.
f) Oversight through committees
Committees are an extension of the Board.
To monitor the museum activities
We have a right to see any document .
Problems uncovered are reported to the President
g) Selection of Director
We have the power to hire and fire
h) Supporter/Cheerleader
Think Public Relations
III. Trustee Relationships and Responsibilities
a) With the Director and Staff
We wear two hats: (one re policy as trustee and, two,
as volunteer when helping the Director)
b) Ethics and Conflict of Interests
We cannot use the museum for personal gain
Some past Trustees tried to
Full disclosure is essential.
c) With Members :
The lifeblood of the museum
We cannot survive without them
Treat them as you do customers
IV. Board Committees
Their purposes
To do, to help,
To monitor,
To plan, &
To support
V. What is expected of LAM Trustees
Loyalty to the museum
We must never forget this
Participation in Board meetings and Committees
FUND RAISING
Suggest fund raising ideas
Give till it hurts
Encourage others to give
Attendance at museum functions
Important to set an example
If you don't attend, how can you expect others to?
Includes: Exhibition Openings, Galas, Auctions,
1st Thursdays and Parties
JAB 22 Jan. 03
***********************************************************************_
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 07:31:19 -0500, Claudia wrote:
>Hello all: I am in the position this year of welcoming 8 totally new board
>members. They've just been elected, and I want to get them in for
>orientation as soon as possible.
>
>
>
>I'd love some ideas on what kind of material to include in their packet, as
>well as topics I should cover when we talk. Many have non-profit board
>experience, but few have sat on the boards of museums before.
>
>
>
>I know that you all can help me.
>
>
>
>Claudia
>
>
>
>Claudia J. Nicholson
>
>Executive Director
>
>North Star Museum of Boy Scouting and Girl Scouting
>
>651-748-2880
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>www.nssm.org
>
>
>
>
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