Assemble an orientation kit
16.09.2020
Most new board members receive a skimpy orientation. They may feel unsure about their role and basically watch and learn during the first several meetings. Boards that do not provide any orientation assume that new board members will soon get the hang of it. It would be better if they were prepared to start contributing from their first meeting.
An orientation kit should include the organizational handbook or board policy manual, minutes from the past year or so, current promotional material, a short history of the organization, a job description and expectations, an organization chart, short bios of the other board members, a strategic plan or annual plan, and a book or a few articles explaining the governance type of this board.
The organization should also have a clear orientation process that specifies who meets with the new board member, whether there is a tour of the office or facility, and when the new board member will have an appointment with the organizational leader.
