CHOOSING AN AGENCY: A CHECKLIST
An interview helps both current board members and potential board candidates evaluate the “match.” The following checklist includes structures and materials common to most agencies. It can form a basis for discussion at the initial interview.
 Active board roster of at least 15 members
Regular meetings with at least 75% attendance,
written agendas and minutes
Recruitment packet that includes:
Agency history
Agency by-laws and articles of incorporation
Budget information
Sample board meeting agendas/minutes
Written program descriptions
Written job description for board members
Ongoing orientation and training program for board
members
A committee structure that promotes meaningful activity outside of regular board meetings
Accurate, updated program and financial data
A process for such activities as:
Budget preparation and review
Annual audit
Program oversight and education that reflects defined
goals and outcomes
Evaluation of the executive director
Year-round fundraising
Board evaluation, recruitment and recognition
Written policies and procedures that include the following areas:
Personnel
Finance
Client service
Utilization of volunteers
Written strategic plan/process for continued long-range planning
Program, structures and personnel that excite your interest and invoke commitment
Some agencies will have all or most of the items from the checklist in place. The structure of these boards offers a solid basis for good volunteer experiences.
Many agencies will have some of the listed items in place. Their board members can have a positive experience, and an opportunity to create stronger internal structures.
Some agencies may have only a few checklist items in place. The success of the agency and the quality of board experience can be frustrated by a lack of internal board structures. On the other hand, these boards offer a significant opportunity for their members to affect and motivate the functioning of the agency.
Courtesy of United Way of King County
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