Board Member Agreement
Suggestions for Use
This is an example of a statement of what board members will hold themselves and their colleagues
accountable to, including standards for: contributions, meeting attendance and participation, committee
service, etc. Having agreed expectations is a necessary in order to encourage high standards for board
members, determine who should be re-nominated and inform prospective candidates of the expectations
of membership. The Governance or Executive Committee can review this statement and decide on what
to propose to the board for consideration and adoption.
Sample Board Member Agreement
[Organization]
I understand that as a member of the Board of Directors, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to
ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose
and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward. As part of my
responsibilities as a board member:
Outreach
1. I will interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization,
and act as a spokesperson.
2. I will interpret our constituencies' needs and values to the organization, speak out for their interests,
and on their behalf, hold the organization accountable.
Board and Committee Participation
3. I will attend and prepare for at least ___percent of board meetings and prepare for these meetings
by reviewing materials and bringing materials to meetings. I will inform the board in advance of any
meetings that I cannot attend.
4. I will be an active member of at least one Committee or Task Force and will, if asked, be willing to
take a leadership role.
5. I will also be willing to accept individual initiatives and to share my professional expertise.
Resource Development
6. I will help support the resource development of the organization, specifically
• Make an annual, personally meaningful, contribution to the best of my ability of no less than
_______. I will consider the organization one of my top 2-3 charitable commitments.
• Reach into diverse communities and help identify and cultivate relationships to support the
organization as donors, board members, volunteers, and advocates.
• Actively participate in fundraising activities.
Board Policies
7. I will excuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest.
8. I will maintain the confidentiality of board deliberations and will publicly support the decisions of
the board, including those with which I might have been in disagreement.
9. I will support, where possible, the recommendations of the committees.
10. I will encourage, enable and respect the participation and contributions of fellow board members
11. I will respect and support the Executive Director’s authority, communicate ideas about program or
administrative activities to the Executive Director rather than to line staff, refrain from making
special requests of the staff and avoid discussion of personnel matters with staff
