Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Governance Matters

*The commonly accepted responsibilities of effective boards members are:

• Ensure that the organization's mission is clear, appropriate and relevant as times change.
  
• Determine that the organization's programs and activities support the organization's mission and achieve both short-term and long-term purpose.
  
• Exercise fiduciary responsibility to obtain and appropriately use the resources required to carry out the organization's mission and sustain it.

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, board members need to work together to:

• Cultivate a deep understanding of what the organization is doing through involvement in its activities.
  
• Act as ambassadors for the organization, explaining its purpose and needs to the community.
  
• Select and establish conditions of employment for, work with and evaluate the executive director.
  
• Make sure that the organization fulfills its ethical, legal and regulatory obligations.
  
• Attend board meetings fully prepared to discuss, ask questions and make decisions related to the organization's purpose, goals and activities.
  
• Support and monitor the organization's fundraising and use of funds.
  
• Evaluate the composition and performance of the board and recruit future board leadership.

(* From the Alliance for Nonprofit Governance, an organization whose purpose is to promote good nonprofit governance.)