Many of you filled out evaluations at the conference, and we thank you for that. Now we’re hoping you will share with us the impact the conference sessions had on your role as a board member.

In addition, some of you who attended did not fill out an evaluation form, and we really would like to know what you thought of the conference.

Therefore, please take just a few minutes to complete an online, confidential survey. Once you do so, you will be given a code which you can use to be in a drawing for a free seminar from The Nonprofit Center.

The link to the survey is here. Thanks for your input.

Pathways to Nonprofit Excellence, by Paul C. Light

Pathways to Nonprofit Excellence “is the second major report of the Nonprofit Effectiveness Project, an endeavor of the Brookings Institution’s Center for Public Service.” It “offers substantive advice on both the characteristics of a well-tuned organization and where to begin the journey to improvement.”

The Nonprofit Center has a few copies of this book available at the special conference rate of $15 (a 20% discount) plus shipping (unless you want to pick it up).

This is a valuable resource for all board members. Call the Center at 253-272-5844 right away to get your copy.

Upcoming Governance Training and Resources

We are pleased to present a number of webinars produced by the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. The first of the new year will be: House of Sand or Foundation of Stone: The Board of Directors/Trustees on Wednesday, January 6, from 11 a.m. to Noon. (Location TBA) Click here for registration.

The first webinar of 2010 will examine methods for evaluating and addressing governance risks. The program will examine a wide range of topics including the composition of the board and best practices for empowering the board to discharge its legal responsibilities.

Another excellent resource for governance training is our partner, United Way of King County. They have a number of board-related training sessions scheduled for next year. Here’s the first:

Getting Your Board to Raise Money Joyfully by Susan Howlett will be offered on February 12 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Seattle. The cost is $40 per person ($35 for 2 or more). Click here for more information and registration.

The Washington Nonprofit Handbook is published!!! This outstanding resource for all board members is a comprehensive compilation of the laws and regulations that apply to nonprofits in Washington. It is available online by clicking here (opens a PDF document). Very shortly we will have a couple of copies of the publication in our library if you want to stop by and look at it. This book is a service of Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations (WAACO)

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.