Articles

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.

All land trusts value land, but our most precious resource is always going to be our people. Who ensures that our land is preserved? Who clears and maintains our trails? Who organizes our fundraisers? Land trust people — board members, volunteers and staff — are the foundation of our work.

Effective land trust boards of directors are essential for the success of conservation, and that effectiveness is directly related to holding productive and compelling meetings. But meetings can be painful, frustrating and occasionally pointless.

In 2006, three neighboring, all-volunteer, 25-year-old land trusts in Maine decided to try something new to facilitate their systems and strengthen their ability to protect lands in their towns and service areas.

Strong land trust boards of directors are vital to the success of conservation. But a strong board never happens by accident. An effective board of directors is the product of intentional effort that represents a significant investment of time and energy. While it is rarely easy, when done right, board development has a huge payoff.