Treasurer. Responsible for the finances of the
organization. Usually makes financial reports to the board and signs checks.
5. Amendments to bylaws
It is important that each organization has flexibility in changing its bylaws to reflect the needs of that organization.
A Bylaws Committee should meet periodically to re- view the bylaws and make recommendations for revisions.
A common method of assuring flexibility is to permit the board of directors to revise the bylaws by majority
vote at any meeting, as long as the specific wording of the proposed bylaws change is submitted to each member in
writing prior to the meeting.
B. Getting good board members
Many organizations are finding it more difficult than ever to get excellent board members. This is due to fac-
tors such as the proliferation of nonprofit boards, the fact that individuals often relocate to other communities, and
the increasing number of women in the workforce.
Therefore, a board should establish a Board Develop- ment Committee as a standing board committee. This com-
mittee would assume all the roles played by the Nominating Committee. It would have as its responsibility not only ob-
taining quality board members, but also of keeping them.
1. Responsibilities of the Board Development Committee
The Board Development Committee should strive for a diverse board and list the types of characteristics de-
sired, such as:
Expertise: Some board members should have
personnel management, fiscal, or legal expertise. Ages:
It is helpful to have senior citizens rep- resented as well as young people.
Races and religions: All major races and reli-
gions in the community should be represented on a diverse board.
Geography: Individuals should be selected
from all parts of the geographic area served by the agency.
Income levels: Having wealthy individuals on
the board will help with fund-raising efforts, but individuals with low and moderate in-
comes should also be included.
Backgrounds: It would be helpful if some
board members have corporate backgrounds, some are government leaders, and some serve
on the boards of other nonprofit groups.
Users of the service: Boards should include
representatives of the client population be- ing served. On some boards, current clients
are included, while in others, former clients are considered for board membership.
The Board Development Committee should search throughout the year for individuals with these characteris-
tics. Board and staff members should be encouraged to rec- ommend individuals for board membership. Individuals who
have volunteered to serve the organization by assisting in its programs should be considered for board service.
The Board Development Committee should contact community groups to obtain lists of possible board mem-
bers. Senior citizen groups, youth groups, chambers of com- merce, and ethnic organizations could be among those
requested to recommend possible board nominees.
