What_you_need_to_know_about_our_Board_of

Purpose of this form	This form provides you with basic information about what ABC requires from its Board members. If you have doubts about your ability to commit the required time, attend scheduled meetings, or comply with these requirements, please advise the recruitment committee before they submit your name for consideration.
Term of office:	2 years. Elected at Annual General Meeting. Directors may serve a maximum of 6 years. Directors may be appointed by the Board to fill vacancies until the next Annual General Meeting.
Fund Raising	All board members are expected to make an annual donation to the organization that is personally meaningful to the director. In addition, directors are expected to attend fundraising events, and participate in annual and special campaign. Some board members participate in United Way fundraising events and make presentations to funders and donors. Next year, we will be starting a capital campaign in which all board members will be expected to play a prominent role.
Time Requirements:	We require a time commitment of about 88 hours per year, or an average of 7 hours per month for board meetings, committee meetings, orientation sessions, and special events, including preparation time. We do most of our work in meetings. We cannot do a good job or meet deadlines without full participation from members.
Board Meetings	The full board meets at least 10 times per year, usually on the last Thursday of each month, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. See below for meeting schedule. *If this schedule poses problems for you, please advise the membership committee.*
Committee Meetings	Committees meet at the pleasure of committee members in order to accomplish certain tasks by established deadlines. Attendance is essential for the committees to do their work.
Orientation Sessions	There will be at least two half-day orientation sessions held on Saturday mornings in the month after the Annual General Meeting. Attendance is mandatory for ALL directors. The membership committee will arrange other orientation sessions as needed.
Other Time requirements	AGM: We hold an Annual General Meeting which includes the presentation of community service awards. Social Events: We normally have at one or two social events per year where staff, friends of the organization and board members can interact. Strategic Planning: We normally hold a one-day retreat each year to review and update our strategic plan. Next year, we will be reviewing our mission/vision/values statement and developing new outcome measures and performance indicators. This will involve several meetings and one day-long retreat (on a Saturday).
Selection Process	Board members and Staff identify prospective board members. These are individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment to values shared by ABC. Prospects receive this information package. If still interested, they are invited to attend a board meeting, orientation session, or other event. If board and prospective member wish to proceed, prospect is interviewed by Membership Committee. On recommendation of Membership Committee, name is placed on the slate for election by the membership at the next AGM. If the recruitment is to fill a vacancy on the board, the candidate may be appointed by the Board to serve what remains of the term.
Approach to Governance	Briefly stated, we believe that the Board's role is to ensure that ABC establishes and maintains the trust of the community by being clear in its mission, prudent and ethical in its activities, and accountable for its actions. Our meetings focus on planning, policy-making, and assessing our progress.
Our Mission and Goals	Mission : (insert your mission statement) Goals: (insert your annual goals / objectives)
Values and Beliefs	The Board of Directors of ABC subscribes to, and acts in accordance with the following values and beliefs. (insert your values statement)
Directors' Code of behaviour	Our board members sign this code of behaviour As a Board member of ABC, I will be committed to the mission of ABC act in a manner consistent with the mission and values of ABC focus my efforts on the mission of ABC and not on my personal goals accept responsibility and share power in order to work as a productive, cooperating member of the Board of Directors avoid conflicts of interest between my position as a board member and my personal and professional life. support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Directors even when I am in a minority position on such actions. never exercise authority as a board member except when acting in a meeting with the full board or as I am delegated by the board. keep confidential matters confidential. be accountable to the membership and the community, for competent, conscientious and effective accomplishment of the obligations of the Board ensure that discrimination is never practised at ABC act in a manner consistent with this Code of Ethics despite personal opinions, values or differences. attend meetings consistently, prepare for meetings, participate fully, and otherwise fulfill my fiduciary obligations to ABCs
Upcoming Meetings & Events	Regular board Meetings * January 28 February 25 March 25 April 29 (Board Evaluation) May 27 June 24 (Auditor’s Report) July / August TBA September 30 October 28 November 25 December 16 * normally held last Thursday of month	Annual General Meeting June 22 Orientation June 28, July 14. Others To be arranged Committee Meetings Board Development TBA Personnel TBA Annual Meeting TBA Strategic Planning TBA Other TBA	Board Evaluation April 29 Social Events summer Picnic TBA End o f year open house TBA TBA = To Be Arranged