We all know the story of the woodsman - instead of charging full speed into the woodpile, every now and then he stepped back and sharpened his ax. That allowed him to chop more wood with a sharp ax, rather than waste his energies with a dull ax.
The same can be said of boards, and the success of nonprofit organizations. Laying skill sets and experience aside, boards need to, every now and then, review their governance responsibilities, set new goals, and prepare for the future. Board retreats can help boards in this process.
The success of any nonprofit is leadership, and that leadership starts with Boards. Board members personify the mission of a nonprofit organization. First and foremost, they are the personal stewards of the mission, and an organization's stalwart supporters. The present and future lie in a Board member's hands.
Alden Charles Associates can assist Board of Directors in their efforts to embody the mission of their organization. A Board retreat can engage members in a thoughtful discussion about an organization's future. Alden Charles Associates can facilitate a retreat,and help boards in their quest to lead and succeed.
Board Retreats have a number of objectives:
- To investigate and evaluate, through facilitated discussion, the role of the Board of Directors, the Board's structure, and its future make up.
- To determine, on the basis of discussion and reaction, attitudes about forthcoming fundraising and capital campaigns.
- To identify and evaluate the role of the Board of Directors and key staff members for future initiatives.
- To afford the organization an analysis of all the information gathered.
