July 20, 2004 Minutes

A. What a BoD should do/be able to do

* must have structures set up to support the behaviour it expects from its members * have to assess a member * ensure that new Bd Mems have done the orientation, and coordinated this orientation with BoD interviews including formal (questionnaires, self-assessments) and informal session * follow ups and reminders re: tasks and meetings (i.e. invitation for agenda suggestions can act as a means of getting Bd Mems back into BoD headspace) * accommodate flux (in light of A not done, then B won’t happen so C is our likely alternative/outcome -> consequences spelled out clearly) * needs to understand that BoD meeting is not the time for strategizing, i.e. there is only enough time during "formal" Board meetings to cover the basics (such as finance and committee reports), so that additonal meetings will be needed to cover issues such as Board development and PERC policy. * have structures/processes in place that allows the BoD and its Bd Mems to be healthy enough to have a mindset that isn’t satisfied with “good enough”; has a spirit of evolution and development * needs to direct Bd Mems energy where it can be best used

B. what a Bd Mem should do/be able to do

* keep on topic * capable of making progress on a topic/project/etc * listen well to others * ability to focus on a pre-agreed agenda * constructive conflict resolution * ability to take constructive criticism; no personal offence if idea rejected (nicely) * ability to follow up on a commitment * needs to understand that the BoD doesn’t run PERC – sets strategy but does not change the org * longterm? : Bd Mems that have potential sources of funding for PERC; partnerships with other orgs (“liaison member”); a networking delegate

required qualities: time, skills and experience

Time

* 2-3 hours per board meeting (monthly) * 3 hours misc tasks (minutes, follow up, etc) (weekly)

C. what a prospective Bd Mem should do, be able/willing to do

necessary qualities:

* ability to devote approx 3 hours per week * relatively flexible schedule that can accommodate reasonable changes in scheduling (i.e. sometimes may have one busy week with 6 hours of work and one very quiet week with only 1 hour of work) * a personality that can deal with a flexible schedule and changes in planning (?) * participate in PERCevents * do the PERC orientation ! (the interviews re: joining the board could be done at the same time that each of the 6 orientation sessions are completed by the prospective Bd Mem)

questions to ask:

* why do you want to join?

warning flags:

* egotism; collecting board memberships * has already committed their time to another cause

D. dev curriculum for BoD

* PERCshops (i.e. good meeting habits) * PERC Orientation