For the New Board Member: An Orientation to Board Governance in the Not-for-Profit Sector

The board of a nonprofit agency is only as good as its members. From the newly elected director to the board chair, members need to be enthusiastic and committed to the cause. At the same time, you must balance that passion with practicality. A board member needs to have a solid understanding of board governance and the responsibilities of the board itself.

You bring the idealism, and For the New Board Member will provide the knowledge and understanding needed to govern with insight and forethought. Think of this book as your orientation into the world of the board of directors. It includes instructions about

• embodying the agency’s purpose,
• developing effective board policies,
• delegating responsibilities to the CEO,
• measuring achievements, and
• monitoring both staff and board operations.

This new guide provides a strong foundation for your knowledge, which you can build on with further research and experience. Author Bruce A. Ryan, PhD, gives you the basics and directs you to additional resources to continue your education. Board members, like the nonprofit’s employees, must be dedicated to self-improvement and growth. For the New Board Member is a great first step in the process!

Bruce A. Ryan, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of child and youth studies in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph.

Ryan has served as a member on many different boards. He was the president / board chair of Family Service Ontario, president of the Guelph Community Health Centre, board chair for the Canadian Centre Accreditation, and board chair for the accreditation committees for Family Service Ontario / Family Service Canada and for the Canadian Association of Credit Counseling Services.

Ryan has worked for thirty years as an on-site accreditation reviewer for family services across Canada. He specializes in agency governance practices.