Boards are for governance, committees are for results
There is a knee jerk reaction when a nonprofit is formed to make those who sign as incorporators members of the board of the new corporation. Then the board, in order to meet the need to get started, make the board members chairpersons of the operating as well as the governance committees that are needed. They also usually put in the bylaws that operating committee chairs have to serve on the board.
While this works as a let’s-get-this-started process, it is not a good long term organizational structure and should not be put in the bylaws.
As soon as there are enough volunteers interested in the mission of the organization, the committee chairpersons should leave the board. This can happen one of two ways, either the chairperson will come off the board when they can be replaced or the chairperson will resign and stay on the board when there is a suitable chairperson available.
Governance
Board are responsible for governance. The Nature Conservancy does a good job of creating a comprehensive list of governance responsibilities. Since this example is extensive it is a good starting point. The list would be shortened considerably in most organizations.
Wikipedia on governance says:
… governance relates to consistent management, cohesive policies, processes and decision-rights for a given area of responsibility.
Results
The board sets the mission, the goals, the resources and the authority for the operating committees. Operating committees are responsible for getting results.
Operating committees serve a staff function in all-volunteer nonprofits and in some staffed nonprofits. Operating committees should be managed as if they were staff while keeping in mind these are volunteers.
Photo credit: Meeting room stencil graffiti, originally uploaded by clagnut.
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Michael,
Your presentation to Metro Blooms board last night on governance and results was excellent! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us.
Becky Rice