Board retreats serve many valuable purposes. The provide concentrated time in which to address complex challenges in depth. They build camaraderie among board members. They are platforms for future action. And they re-energize boards for their work.
If your board hasn’t “retreated” recently – say in the past two or more years – consider planning for one soon. Many boards begin their year with a retreat to focus their work for the coming months. Here are a few hints for a successful retreat:
- Form a retreat planning committee. At least one board officer and the Executive Director should be on this committee.
- Plan well in advance. The hope is that all or nearly all members will be able to attend; setting the date far enough ahead will make this possible.
- Find a suitable location. Ideally this is not someone’s home nor is it your regular meeting space. A new environment can stimulate new thinking.
- Engage a facilitator. While this will cost money, you will gain a great deal in focus, accomplishment and skilled involvement of all in critical discussions.
- Provide food and beverages. Fuel the bodies in the room and the minds will be more productive. Chocolate is also a very good idea!
If you’re thinking of having a retreat near the beginning of the year, now is the time to start planning. Give us a call at The Nonprofit Center (253-272-5844) or send us an email. We’d be delighted to help you make your next retreat a great success.
Do you have a strategic plan? Does it sit on a shelf somewhere gathering dust? If so, you’re not unusual. You are also not unusual if you’d like a different scenario for your nonprofit. Enter David LaPiana. As described on his website,”…LaPiana Consulting led a four-year research effort resulting in the Real-Time Strategic Planning methodology that engages participants, addresses the Big Questions facing the organization, and cretes an atmosphere where ongoing strategic thinking and acting can flourish. The findings from this research project were published in 2008 by Fieldstone Alliance as a book titled The Nonprofit Strategy Revolution: Real-Time Strategic Planning in a Rapid Response World.”
Participants in the Governance Conference will have an opportunity to learn how to apply this methodology from Tacoma consultant, Sally Perkins. Perkins is using the methodology in her work and will bring first hand experience to the session.
