nonprofit board

Don’t put these 6 items in the minutes!

By Ann Macfarlane / August 21, 2019 / Comments Off on Don’t put these 6 items in the minutes!
A red, octagonal stop sign with white lettering reads "STOP," a reminder that not in the minutes should you rush past it.

There are half a dozen things that DO NOT BELONG in your minutes. Here they are. 1.  Things that didn’t happen don’t belong in the minutes This may sound unlikely, but we have seen instances where after the meeting, the chair or a board member wants to put something in the minutes that didn’t actually…

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Dealing with difficult members

By Ann Macfarlane / August 13, 2019 / Comments Off on Dealing with difficult members
an exasperated person upset at difficult board chair or member

Have you ever wished that you could just throw a member out of your nonprofit organization? Some people are so challenging that we wish we could! Here are some tips for dealing with difficult members. Download PDF Bylaws and policy regarding difficult members In an ideal world, everyone goes along with the rules. In reality…

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Removing the chair during a meeting

By Ann Macfarlane / July 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Removing the chair during a meeting
Red text on white background saying "YOU'RE OUT!" in uppercase letters, similar to a stamp, as if removing a director.

Updated November 19, 2022 What can you do when a chair (presiding officer, person running the meeting) refuses to follow Robert’s Rules, abuses their power, or acts in an arbitrary manner? The first step is to make a Point of Order bringing the error to the chair’s attention. If the chair rules against you, you…

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Suspend the rules with extreme caution

By Ann Macfarlane / July 24, 2019 / Comments Off on Suspend the rules with extreme caution
A snowboarder wearing bright gear is captured in mid-air against a clear blue sky, with a snow-covered incline and the sun visible in the background, seemingly suspending the rules of gravity.

The motion to Suspend the Rules is a trap for the unwary. Be careful in using this motion and avoid doing things that may get you into big trouble. David Baker, former Mayor of Kenmore, Washington, once said to me, “The rule is there for a reason. When you suspend the rule, you give up…

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Sanctioning rogue board members

By Ann Macfarlane / July 19, 2019 /
A close-up of a gorilla with a stern expression, as if enforcing a sanction, against a blurred green background.

In general, people who serve on nonprofit boards or in local government are peaceful and compliant. But every once in a while, you get a rogue board member. What can be done? We believe that it’s important for boards to be prepared to sanction rogue members when necessary. Download PDF This is an unpleasant subject.…

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Using the Round Robin Method for efficient board meetings

By Ann Macfarlane / May 30, 2019 / Comments Off on Using the Round Robin Method for efficient board meetings
A robin with a red breast perches on a budding branch against a blurred green background, as if participating in nature's own round robin.

The simplest way to make board meetings more efficient is to use the Round Robin Method of discussion. In a round robin, each member of the body is given an opportunity to speak once before anyone may speak a second time, commonly by calling on the members around the table in turn. Sometimes, however, it’s…

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Enforcement

By Ann Macfarlane / April 25, 2019 / Comments Off on Enforcement
A man with gray hair and glasses, wearing a white shirt and red polka dot tie, is smiling at the camera against a black background. With an air of calm authority, his demeanor suggests a seasoned expert in enforcement.

Guest post by Craig Freshley. We are big fans of Craig’s wisdom and are delighted to share this post with our readers. Visit Craig’s website for more superb tips on meetings and leadership. In principle, decisions without enforcement grow weak and eventually wither. When rules or policies are not enforced it causes confusion, resentment, and…

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Boards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms

By Ann Macfarlane / March 14, 2019 / Comments Off on Boards can’t meet on Slack or similar group messaging platforms
A word cloud with terms related to social media, such as "social," "media," "group messaging platforms," "content," "network," and "blogging" in various font sizes and colors.

Update on June 4, 2020  –   Things have changed this spring because of the COVID-19 crisis. Some states have amended their laws or issued emergency orders changing their rules on remote meetings and email voting. This guidance may no longer apply. Check with your attorney before deciding what to do. It is fine for board…

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After amending bylaws, secretary must…

By Ann Macfarlane / February 20, 2019 / Comments Off on After amending bylaws, secretary must…
amend bylaws

Do you find this dangling headline annoying? Unfortunately bylaws are often left dangling. Once you’ve amended your bylaws, here are some important steps to take. Prepare a copy of the amended bylaws that contains all changes that were made. Make sure that “track changes” has not tricked you into unexpected errors. Review all the numbering…

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When does chair discuss and vote?

By Ann Macfarlane / February 13, 2019 / Comments Off on When does chair discuss and vote?
A tall, dark wooden chair with a high, tufted green leather backrest and seat, flanked by wooden columns—perfect for discussing and voting on important matters.

Confusion about the role of the chair at meetings can be widespread. Here are some parameters. Download PDF Chair of large meeting does not discuss and vote When a large assembly (group) is meeting, the chair serves as a facilitator. The chair does not take part in debate (discussion) and does not vote, unless the…

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