Articles

Richard Male is a recognized leader, trainer and consultant in the fields of leadership development, fundraising, community organizing and public policy for nonprofit organizations and other groups.

Getting back to basics is a good thing, according to Anita O’Gara, vice president and director of development at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation. She and President Mark Ackelson are the staff members responsible for orienting new board members.

You are president of the board of an established land trust that has held a conservation easement for many years. A new owner of the property encumbered by the easement is threatening to make changes that violate the easement’s terms. Notwithstanding numerous discussions between the land trust’s staff and the new owner, the parties have reached an impasse.

The nation’s Capitol is filled with men and women in staid business suits. So a few ranchers walking the halls in Stetson hats and sharptoed cowboy boots can make quite an impression.

Board committees are responsible for accomplishing the detailed work of the board, shaping policies, drafting organizational plans and working to accomplish annual goals. Committees make the performance of the board more effective and efficient, especially if each board director invests time and energy, and staff liaisons provide adequate guidance and administrative support.

I have worked my whole professional life, 25 years, in the nonprofit world and the last 17 with two land trusts.