What do you look for in the perfect board? Technical expertise? Practical wisdom?  Positive attitudes?  Strong character?

However you define the perfect board, it has to do two things:

• Comply with state laws that define its duties and responsibilities, and
• Craft board operations that meet the organization’s changing needs.

Because of this second point, boards can be very different from one another and still be “perfect” for their organizations.

Special issues for community-based nonprofit boards.

If your community-based nonprofit board is like many I’ve worked with, you have inexperienced members working alongside veteran board members. You probably have a mix of community residents, local business representatives, and–if you’re a house of worship–congregants on your board.

Community-based boards sometimes face special challenges. Here are just a few that I’ve seen:

• Tension between community residents and non-resident board members
• The challenge of balancing strong community representation with the need to add directors with strong technical skills, and
• Board members’ lack of easy access to high-wealth individuals for fundraising

Help for community-based boards.

Board training can help your directors understand their responsibilities and grow confident in their ability to carry them out. Coaching can help your board put its new learning to work in very practical ways, saving your board precious time and aggravation.

T.L. Figgs offers in-person board training and coaching for agencies located in the Baltimore-DC metro area. For those outside the area, my virtual tools come to the rescue. Beginning in 2010, I’ll be releasing teleseminars, training pr0ducts, and virtual coaching to help your board thrive. Use them without ever leaving your boardroom.

Board Learning Resources

Board Basics: Fundamentals for Nonprofit Boards -  Live Workshop or Teleclass

This interactive class takes the mystery out of nonprofit board governance. You’ll get the why, what, and how of nonprofit boards in simple, straightforward terms. The class explains the board’s responsibilities, the role of its  directors, and simple ways to keep your board on track. This is a must for new board members and can be used as part of your new director orientation.

Click HERE for class details and the current schedule. Sign up HERE to receive email updates on future classes.

Charting The Course: A Nonprofit Board’s Guide To Strategic Planning – Teleclass

Coming in 2012, this teleclass offers a step-by-step guide for plotting your agency’s course from where you are now to where you want to be in the next three to five years. This simple, straightforward class will give you basic tools you can use to plan your programs, human resources, fundraising, and other operations. Sign up your entire board for the training so everyone’s ready to go when you begin strategic planning.

Sign up HERE for future updates on board resources.

Committees In Action  – Teleclass

Are your board’s committees stagnant and ineffective? Or are your new committees puzzled about how to get their work done? Available in 2012, this interactive teleclass will give you simple steps for turning your “sitting committees” into “Action Squads.” Enroll your committee members so they can use these tools to work make something good happen–together.

Sign up HERE for future updates on board resources.

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Rev Up Your Board

This special report gives you a few important–and often overlooked–keys to restoring your board’s energy and focus.You’ll find that the tips are simple and easy to implement. When these areas are neglected, though, board life can become worse than stagnant. If you’re a board member, pick up your copy and learn how to head off those sneaky, invisible problems that can take hold before you know it.

Get this E-Book free when you sign up for the Changemaker’s Update e-newsletter HERE.

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My Board Coach

Is your board just starting out? Entering a major transition? Starting a special project? If so, would you like an extra boost to navigate the tough spots and keep the action moving forward? Then, consider my  short-term coaching program called My Board Coach.

Learn more HERE.

Not sure what you need? Request a free consultation.

Request an appointment for your free 15-minute consultation. Even if you can’t clearly describe what your board needs, let’s talk. I’ll help you clarify your needs and learn which T.L. Figgs services can help make your life easier.

Request your consultation appointment HERE.

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