There has been much written about the responsibilities of a well-governed board. However, if we were to take a broad and high-level view at this question a poorly governed organization may include characteristics like this:

• The CEO/Executive Director provides disorganized, incomplete reports that hinder, rather than enable, the board to make thoughtful decisions.
• The staff is distrustful of the board and therefore, provides minimal information in order to avoid interference by the board.
• The board meets infrequently.
• It is common that board members do don't show up for regular board meetings.
• The board spends much of its time on administrative concerns.
• Board members and staff feel uncomfortable raising and discussing difficult issues.
• The culture of the organization is to avoid raising any topic that might cause discomfort on the part of staff or board members.
• The board is ill-informed about the true risks and opportunities facing the pregnancy help organization.
• The board is too small in number to provide resources of time, experience and talent necessary to govern a growing organization.
• The board is too large to effectively reach decisions on key issues.
• The delegation of authority to board committees or staff is unclear.
• How did your pregnancy help organization measure up?  (These are just a few of the attributes of a dysfunctional organization but you get the idea.)
• Is it time to have NIFLA come in for a board training?  Would an organizational audit help?

 Now, read the characteristics of a well governed organization below.

What Does an Effectively Governed Pregnancy Help Organization Look Like?
I've often said that a well governed pregnancy help organization is like beauty, it is hard to describe but you know it when you see it.  However, below is a list of various disciplines that I see in most effectively governed non-profits.

• The board and staff interact in an environment of mutual trust and respect.
• Board members participate in hardy discussions and deliberations at board meetings.
• Each board member feels empowered to ask tough questions.
• The board is confident that the staff of the organization is competent and trustworthy.
• Well-written reports are provided to the board.
• The board is developing a ongoing manual that defines how they will govern the organization.
• The board has adopted and enforces procedures concerning board limits and rotation which balances the need for new leadership with a fresh perspective with the benefit of leadership continuity.
• The board meets regularly and uses committees to make recommendations to the entire board.  Standing committees include governing, personnel, finance, audit, marketing and fundraising.
• Periodic self-assessment of the board's efforts and effectiveness is implemented.
• The board is committed to ongoing board training.

Beth Chase is the Executive Director of The Life Choice Project for the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates. She has been involved with pregnancy help center organizations for over 28 years, serving as President/CEO of two pregnancy help medical organizations and specializing in corporate development, marketing and fundraising. You may reach Beth at (425) 260-4462 or (206) 321-9580.

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