I last served on a board in 2005 when I was the Faculty Representative at a small private school in Knox County, ME. Looking at that board through the lens of the CFTEA program, I now see how the structure and personalities of that board at that time created a toxic relationship with the faculty and rippled out into the community.
What stood out for me in the first module is that it is not enough to simply state that Board meetings follow Roberts’ Rules of Order. Board members must hold themselves and each other to multiple standards to ensure that the mission and purpose of the organization are being served, that the Executive Director and other stakeholders are supported, and that personnel and financial resources are managed effectively.
This first module also clearly illustrates how, to remain healthy, a board must have diverse strengths which support the mission. If, as was the case with my first board membership experience from 1999-2001, the board is comprised only of those who are passionate about the mission but who lack a broad range of experience in financial and personnel management, marketing, fund-raising, etc., the mission is almost certain to fail. That board was comprised solely of initiative parents who wanted a school for their children but did not have the breadth of experience needed to support all aspects of an initiative school. When the majority financial supporter moved out of state, the school closed.
Prior to the start of this course, my goal was to join the board of a local community arts organization. I currently support them by attending concerts and other programming, and I appreciate their presence in my community. I want to be a part of something I am proud to have in my small city.
Following the first part of this training, I am now thinking more critically about what I bring to their table, aside from enthusiasm and willingness to volunteer. Although I may not personally have financial, marketing, or fundraising experience, by the end of this course I will be better prepared to bring a broader perspective toward the healthy functioning of this board.
Would you like to find out more about the CFTEA Board Leadership Launchpad Program? Gain practical hands on leadership experience by checking out page 33 of the CFTEA 2026 Spring Catalog.