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Nonprofit Board Action without Quorum

When it comes to a nonprofit board's taking action (aka voting), numbers often matter. Most often a board's by-laws instruct how many board members need be present and what portion of that number needs to vote positively on an item.

I'm working with a team right now to update the organization's by-laws and during this process we came upon two questions: what happens when there is no quorum and equally important, what happens when quorum is lost during or more likely, toward the end of the meeting?

In my experience, most boards do not take action on items needing action until a quorum is reached. Often enough, as members leave the meeting, thus actually changing whether there is a quorum, the board just proceeds without noting the departures but applies the same rules the bylaws specify regarding what % of those present voting yes means a decision has been reached (positively and negatively).

After research from one of our team, it turns out that basically, if practicing using Roberts Rules of Order or as otherwise specified in the bylaws,once quorum has been lost, business decisions (action/voting) can no longer be made in the meeting.

Here's one source that clarifies Roberts Rules:

present at a meeting to transact business. While there are some exceptions (see below), no motions or votes should occur unless there is a quorum. As a result, if quorum is lost in a meeting without a statute or rule to the contrary, business stops.
Robert’s Rules Quorum Steps

For organizations that follow RONR due to statute or governing documents (such as some governmental bodies, homeowner and condominium associations, and nonprofits), there are several procedural steps that can be taken even in the absence of a quorum, including:

Setting a continued meeting through the motion to Fix the Time to Which to Adjourn.
Ending the meeting through a motion to Adjourn.
Recessing the meeting, in efforts to obtain a quorum.
Taking measures to obtain a quorum, such as rounding up members in the hall or contacting members.

If some urgent matter can’t be delayed and must be acted upon, the members proceed at their own risk with the hope that a later meeting with quorum will ratify the action. There seems to be an urban legend that business at meetings can continue without a quorum so long as no one raises the issue. Not true! The general rule is that business transacted in the absence of a quorum is null and void. In fact, members who vote on motions at meetings without a quorum can at times be held personally liable for their actions. So don’t do it!

For organizations governed by state statutes (incorporated nonprofits, community associations, governmental bodies), the answer can be more complicated. For instance, the model acts for nonprofits, condominiums, community associations, and planned communities all provide that if a quorum is present at the beginning of a membership meeting, the quorum remains regardless of how many members leave. So, you could end up with only a few remaining members at the end of a meeting making decisions for the entire organization. There are both news accounts and lawsuits of such instances, with the general rule being that if you don’t want a small group of others to make decisions on your behalf, don’t leave the meeting! The rule is generally the opposite for board meetings, where a quorum must generally be present at all times during the meeting.
How to Raise the Issue of a Lost Quorum

In organizations that require a quorum at all times, what is the process for raising the issue that it has been lost? Under most parliamentary procedure manuals, the absence of a quorum is brought to the attention of the chair through a Point of Order (“I believe we no longer have a quorum”) or a question to the chair (“Do we still have a quorum?”). Even if no one raises the issue, the presiding officer has an obligation to make certain that enough members are present for a valid meeting. At the point where it is realized there is no quorum, business (other than the procedural motions discussed above) stops. A guest speaker or announcements might be allowed, but no further votes should be taken. In larger bodies, because no one knows exactly when the quorum was lost, Robert’s Rules of Order provides that prior action is still valid. However, when it can be shown that a quorum was missing for a prior vote by “clear and convincing proof” (such as the record of a roll call listing everyone present at the meeting at that moment), even past actions can be challenged. (For more details on the process, check out the “Quorum” chapter ofNotes and Comments on Robert’s Rules, Fourth Edition, or pages 96-98 of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Parliamentary Procedure Fast-Track.)

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The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven announces the appointment of Christina M. Ciociola as Senior Vice President for Grantmaking & Strategy effective July 28. In this position, which is the senior programmatic staff position at The Community Foundation, Ms. Ciociola will have responsibility for the grantmaking, strategy development and implementation, and community knowledge work of The Foundation. Ms. Ciociola’s appointment is the culmination of a national search conducted with the assistance of Nonprofit Advisory Group of Boston. The position has been vacant since the retirement of Dr. Priscilla Canny in December 2013.
 
Ms. Ciociola has been at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven since 2002. As Director of Knowledge and Evaluation at The Community Foundation since 2008, she has played a central role in The Foundation’s community knowledge work and led its efforts to promote local philanthropy through giveGreater.org® and the The Great Give®. In addition, Ms. Ciociola has led The Foundation’s efforts in the workforce arena through the Partnership for Economic Opportunity. 
 
“Christina has long been an outstanding member of the Community Foundation staff and has risen steadily through the organization over many years,” said William W. Ginsberg, president & CEO of The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. “Christina has led many of The Foundation’s new initiatives in recent years. She has a deep understanding of our community and its opportunities and challenges, and knows our local nonprofit sector intimately. She will bring great commitment, understanding, knowledge and know-how to her new position.”
 
Ms. Ciociola is a graduate of Merrimack College with a BA in psychology and sociology. She received her MSW from Boston University School of Social Work with a specialty in gerontology and her MPH from Boston University School of Public Health with a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics. She is a lifelong resident of the New Haven area who now lives in Killingworth with her husband Tony, a retired New Haven firefighter, and their daughter, Reese. 
 
Thanks to the generosity of three generations of donors, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven awarded more than $24 million in grants and distributions in 2013 from an endowment of approximately $430 million and comprising hundreds of individually named funds. In addition to its grant-making, The Community Foundation helps build a stronger community by taking measures to improve student achievement, reduce New Haven’s infant mortality rate, promote local philanthropy through www.giveGreater.organd encourage community awareness at www.cfgnh.org/learn. The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s 20 town service area includes: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven, Woodbridge. For more information about The Community Foundation visit www.cfgnh.org, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.org/cfgnh or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cfgnh.  
 
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FISH OF GREATER NEW HAVEN, INC. – JOB POSTING
for public dissemination
July 23, 2014

Position:  Executive Director

Overview: 

FISH of Greater New Haven, Inc., is seeking a self-motivated, highly organized, and ambitious Executive Director (ED).  The ED will administer and, in most cases, actively carry out operations of the organization, including program services, finances, development and fundraising, and public relations and communications.  The ED will oversee an extensive corps of volunteers and work closely with an active Board of Directors (BOD).

FISH of Greater New Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit food pantry, delivering groceries and foodstuffs to low- and no-income households in New Haven, Connecticut.  FISH is the only food pantry in the area that delivers directly to clients’ doors and is staffed almost entirely by volunteers.  Additional information can be found at www.fishgnh.org.

Responsibilities:

Program Services: Coordinate acquisition of groceries and foodstuffs via Conn. Food Bank, local vendors, and food drives.  Coordinate packing and delivery of groceries, including determination of proper foods to be included.  Coordinate and supervise volunteers.  Maintain proper records and data on all clients for the purposes of both Quality Assurance and reporting. Prepare regular reports based on these records to deliver to the BOD. 

Finances:  Keep clear and well-organized records of all cash and in-kind revenue and expenses.  Work with BOD Treasurer to affect proper accounting, including a projected and year-to-date budget, updated monthly.  Administer all facilities-, utilities-, and service-related accounts. 

Development & Fundraising: Develop a clear plan-of-action for revenue, annually. Administer, manage, and execute all grant applications and grant reports. Organize and execute regular fundraising efforts and events (with BOD assistance). Solicit and cultivate relationships with individual donors (with BOD assistance). 

Public Relations & Communications: Administer and oversee production of quarterly newsletter/e-newsletter (with BOD assistance).  Communicate with the FISH network of volunteers, donors, etc., via social media, email, direct mail, and telephone, including maintenance of a network database.  Cultivate relationships with community partners (e.g., service organizations and religious congregations) and sister-organizations (e.g., Community Soup Kitchen, Loaves and Fishes). Represent FISH in the City’s Food Policy Council.  Conduct regular community outreach efforts (with BOD assistance) via speaking engagements, etc.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree plus at least 3 years of relevant experience in a nonprofit and/or human services setting.  Master’s degree in social services, social work, nutrition/health, public administration/policy or other related field preferred. 

Must possess excellent organizational skills.  Must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including interpersonal skills and a basic knowledge of client and donor confidentiality and privacy practices.  Must be able to work both individually and collaboratively, as well as in a managerial capacity.  Experience overseeing volunteers and knowledge of nutritional standards are pluses.  Must possess excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite, Adobe suite, web-based reporting programs, file management, social media, and mass-email communications.  Past experience working with low- or no-income households and/or food assistance is a plus.  Spanish proficiency is preferred.  Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license.

Supervisory Relationships:  Reports to the Board of Directors.  Supervises all volunteers.

Salary Range:  $45,000 - $60,000 (commensurate with experience)

Schedule: 40 hours per week, regularly scheduled (TBD); occasional nights and weekends.

Application: Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references via email to Patrick Pearson (ppearson@fishofgreaternewhaven.org).

FISH of Greater New Haven, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or unfavorable discharge from military service.

 

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Nonprofit Board Beyond Bylaws

Here's an interesting set of thoughts from Dr. Eugene Fram who discusses nonprofit board roles "beyond the by-laws". I'm interesting in learning your takeaways. Also, as another thought, I propose that what's not contained in a board's by-laws might be contained in the board's governing policies. John Carver proposes that such policies be divided into those that are focused on mission (mission, purpose and values and strategic direction); those that are specific to the board; those that are the board's & exec's; and those that are the exec's. This is an acceptable framing in terms of pretty much convering indeed what is not in the by-laws and the process for deriving these ensures at least during the development stage, some consciousness of roles. The one exception I would pose to singularly using Carver's construct is his insistence on the limitations as the definers. I think these policies can be framed in the positive, for the most part.

Anyway, here's Dr. Fram's thoughts.

Beyond the Bylaws: A Clarification of Nonprofit Board Responsibilities

By: Eugene Fram

A nonprofit director’s duties may be much more difficult than those of a for-profit board member. Both types of directors have the same basic duties: fiduciary responsibilities; establishing, with staff input, mission vision and values; setting policies/strategies; over-viewing outcomes/impacts and conducting annual meetings.

I suggest nonprofit directors may not be fully addressing some duties specified in the bylaws and some which are culturally driven. This latter group might be called “latent duties.”

•Fundraising: Nonprofit bylaws can list fundraising as a board duty, but its execution is often left to the CEO and/or a development director. In a recent survey, 76% of 1,341 Nonprofit CEOs gave their boards academic grades of “C,” “D’ or “F’ for their fundraising efforts.* Depending on its status in the bylaws, fundraising can be an overt duty or a latent one. No matter which form it takes, in my opinion, fundraising has to be a partnership between the board and the CEO.

•Legal Requirements: Nonprofit directors have a set of legal requirements not incumbent on for-profit directors.
A nonprofit board is required to participate in development or review the IRS 990 form in detail before it is submitted each year. Nonprofit directors have more specific state regulation to which to adhere. In California for example, “ …a charity may sometimes be required to file a 990 with the Attorney General, even when there is no requirement that a 990 be filed with the IRS.” **

Additionally, I personally find it difficult to understand how so few nonprofit directors and managers are aware of IRS Intermediate Sanctions Act, related to excess benefits transactions. (Section 4958 – IRS Code). If directors or managers provide an excess benefit to themselves, an employee or even a volunteer, they can incur serious personal tax penalties!! Excess benefits might include providing above market salaries, selling something to a volunteer below market value.

•Board-Staff Relationships: As I have noted in other posts, most nonprofit organizations are relatively “flat organizations” and structurally the staff may only be one of two levels below the board. As a result, nonprofit staffs becomes well attuned to the actions of the board and the frequent rotations of board personnel. They know that these changes can have significant impacts on their work. In addition, unlike for-profit directors, they are well aware that board members rotate frequently, leaving the staff vulnerable to new influential directors wanting to make rapid emotionally charged changes.

As an example of what can happen, a friend reported that two new board members succeeded in initiating a board mandated bureaucratic Management by Objectives Program into a nonprofit’s operations. This resulted in staff spending hours completing and reviewing MBO forms, resulting in a disgruntled staff and a reduction in productivity.

To meet the requirements of this latent responsibility, boards need to seek greater contact with staffs at staff celebrations of success, on board-staff committees and at other appropriate occasions. This is a trust building requirement. Board members need to be aware, however, that these contacts can open the door to some staff making “end-runs” around management when a staff member is dissatisfied with a management decision. This problem can simply come with the territory in fulfilling this latent board duty. As a contingency, boards need to have a policy in a place for addressing the issue.

•Who Does The Board Represent? Nonprofit boards legally represent a community, professional or trade association. This allows them to function with tax-free status and acquire other benefits. Some directors can mistakenly assume their jobs are to represent the interests of the staff, not the groups that established the organization. In this instance, they misperceive a responsibility that does not exist.

Example: The field of “talk therapy” has been economically disrupted by the increased use of treatment via medications. The board of a nonprofit counseling organization attempted to keep the organization viable as client levels significantly declined because the board felt that the staff and board were part of a “family,” as one director described the board culture. The board finally closed the agency and transferred remaining staff and clients to a more economically viable agency.

I suggest nonprofit boards periodically need to review duties specified by the bylaws as well as current law to make certain they are in compliance. Gaps can arise because the bylaw duties are ignored or delegated. In addition boards need to be alert to latent duties, not readily overt, such as generating appropriate staff relationships.

* “Nonprofit Governance Index 2012, Data Report #1: CEO Survey of BoardSource Members.” BoardSource, Washington D.C.
**Kamla D. Harris (2008) “The New 990 and It’s Relationship to California Law,” Office of the Attorney General, State of California, Department of Justice.

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Nonprofit Board Meeting Effectiveness

Which of the following tool (s) has the best prospect of making your board meeting THE EVENT of the month or quarter or whatever:

*consent agenda
*planning and choreography (including food)

*actionable agenda items

board-driven conversations

*nonve of the above

*all of the above

I believe if you checked "all of the above" you would be correct. Each of these activities can contribute to making happier and productive board meetings. Without these activities: less happier and productive meetings. Really! Try them out and let me know what if any works for you.

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Nonprofit Governance Matters

An editorial in today's New York Times discussed state and federal government crackdowns on private for-profit colleges and in particular, Corinthian College.

In the editorial, the paper notes:

Last year, the California attorney general, Kamala Harris, sued Corinthian, charging that it had lied to students and investors about job placement rates for its graduates. The company advertised job placement rates as high as 100 percent for certain programs, when, in some cases, there was no evidence that even a single student had secured a job within the prescribed period of time, according to the lawsuit, which is still pending. Furthermore, it charged that Corinthian deliberately singled out low-income single parents who lived near the poverty line, urging recruiters to focus on “isolated” people who had “low self-esteem.” It also asserted that the company advertised programs that it did not offer.

What I miss most from this editorial: what's the difference between these for-profits and their nonprofit and public sector counterparts. I think the difference important as a lesson for the future. That difference, two actually, is that nonprofit and public sector governance and ownership. Nonprofits and public sector colleges have for their oversight and direction, volunteer leaders committed to the goals of their institution and accountable with fiduciary responsibilities including a high bar in the area of care -- for mission and assets. And, these institutions are in effect, owned by the public, at least through the tax structure for the nonprofits and actual ownership for the public colleges. To me, both of these facts mean that the only reason at all to be engaged in education is for outcomes. Now, they may not always get this right and produce perfect outcomes, but the overseers are not personally profiting from the work and the mission inherently drives an intention to "do no harm".

For the for-profits, neither of these two fundamentals are present. Governance matters.

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IRIS is hiring a Case Manager

IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a dynamic nonprofit organization in New Haven CT, has an immediate opening for the full-time position of Reception & Placement (R&P) Case Manager. IRIS helps refugees and asylees— people fleeing persecution in their home countries who are invited to the US by the federal government—to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, and Sudan.

 

General Description

Operating under the Reception & Placement (R&P) requirements of the federal refugee resettlement program, the Case Manager will join a dedicated team in providing case management services to hundreds of refugees and asylees each year.  The R&P Case Manager will ensure that clients’ basic needs are met during their first 90 days in the US; that they learn about US culture and norms and feel comfortable navigating their new communities; and that they make progress towards becoming self-sufficient.  The R&P Case Manager will supervise a part-time assistant, and a team of interns and volunteers.

This job is primarily direct service with refugee clients, along with administrative work required by funders. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Prepare for and welcome newly arriving refugee families and individuals
  • Ensure refugees’ basic needs (housing, food, clothing, etc.) are addressed
  • Provide community and cultural orientation
  • Assist clients in accessing appropriate external services and public benefits, including from Social Security Administration and Department of Social Services
  • Communicate and coordinate closely with other IRIS staff who provide services such as English class, childcare, education, health care, employment, and immigration legal services
  • Help refugees develop a resettlement plan and household budget, and encourage clients to work towards self-sufficiency and early employment
  • Identify and address barriers and challenges to successful resettlement
  • Operate as a cultural broker between refugees, volunteers, and service providers
  • Working with the IRIS Volunteer Coordinator, ensure that proper language interpretation and translation are provided for all meetings with clients and for important documents
  • Maintain and complete case files and documentation for each case, including financial expenditures, reports of client outcomes, and evidence of client self-sufficiency
  • Maintain regular contact with cases, including home visits
  • Other related tasks as assigned

 

Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of relevant experience; strong writing, communication and organizational skills; computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel; and ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.  Ideal candidates will have experience supervising others.  Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to the mission of IRIS and awareness and sensitivity to multicultural issues.  Candidates must be fluent in English. Proficiency in another language is desirable, especially Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Swahili, Tigrinya, French, or Spanish.  Candidates must be able to work occasional evenings.  Candidates must have US driver’s license and be willing to drive clients to appointments. 

 

To apply, send an email to Deputy Director Kelly Hebrank, at humanresources@irisct.org by July 14th with the following:

  • A subject line that says “R&P CASE MANAGER: [Candidate first and last name]”
  • A cover letter describing your relevant skills and experience, and why you are interested in this position
  • An attached resume

 

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IRIS is hiring an Operations Manager

IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a dynamic nonprofit organization in New Haven CT, has an immediate opening for the full-time position of Operations Manager. IRIS helps refugees and asylees— people fleeing persecution in their home countries who are invited to the US by the federal government—to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, and Sudan.

 

General Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for organizing and directing IRIS’s daily office operations.  The goal of this position is to ensure a smooth operation of the day-to-day business of IRIS, making it possible for clients to be served effectively; for staff members to function efficiently; and for IRIS to comply with government requirements.  The Operations Manager provides administrative and case management support to all staff, but works most closely with the Deputy Director, Executive Director, and Manager of Case Management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Serve as receptionist in front office, including answering phones, greeting dozens of refugee clients and visitors each day, and triaging client requests
  • Help staff members troubleshoot IT issues, and serve as liaison with IT consultant
  • Process invoices and mail payments  
  • Compile and submit biweekly payroll
  • Maintain office files, including payroll, grantor documentation, and client finance reports; help prepare for annual financial audit
  • Compile program and financial statistics and information for reports, as necessary
  • Order office supplies and maintain office equipment; communicate and negotiate with vendors
  • Maintain and update IRIS website
  • Provide human resources support, including liaising with IRIS’s insurance company
  • Provide basic administrative support to all staff and departments
  • Maintain a neat, secure, and orderly office by preparing hospitality section (coffee & tea) each morning, and supervising the office cleaner
  • Oversee Diaper Bank and Food Bank distributions
  • Supervise volunteers and interns assigned to administrative and operations tasks
  • Assist with fundraising tasks including appeal letters, thank you letters, and donor database maintenance.
  • Other related tasks as necessary

 

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in an administrative position, non-profit experience preferred; excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills; and the ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidate must be fluent in English. Ability to speak a second language is preferred. Candidate must have a demonstrated commitment to the mission of IRIS and awareness and sensitivity to multicultural issues.  Candidate must be proficient with MS Windows and MS Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.  Experience with Quickbooks, GiftWorks, Salesforce, MS Access or other databases, website maintenance, IT trouble shooting, and social media a plus.  

 

To apply, send an email to Deputy Director Kelly Hebrank, at humanresources@irisct.org by July 14th with the following:

  • A subject line that says “OPERATIONS MANAGER: [your first and last name]”
  • A Cover Letter describing your relevant skills and experience, and why you are interested in this position
  • An attached resume

 

 

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Happy July 4th To All,

 

I received a note from a friend of mine and I would like to share the message with all:

Something to think about as the 4th of July approaches!

Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence?

Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well-educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson,Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.

Remember: freedom is never free! We thank these early patriots, as well as those patriots now fighting to KEEP our freedom!

I hope you will show your support by sending this to as many people as you can, please. It's time we get the word out that patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more MEANING to it than beer, fireworks, HOT DOGS, and picnics......
All the best,
Patricia Illingworth
Chief Docent
Grove Street Cemetery
 
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Every Sunday night, West Haven family child care provider Yanerys Aziz strategizes for the coming week. She thinks about the materials she’ll lay out for children on her theme table, the arrangement of her child care space, and the activities she’ll propose in the days to come. The children she cares for will arrive early the next morning, and Yanerys wants to be prepared to offer them experiences that nurture their curiosity and help them grow and learn. Since 2007, when she opened the doors to her family child care program, Yanerys has exemplified the creativity, perseverance, and commitment to continuous learning that so many of All Our Kin’s providers share.

Continue reading on All Our Kin's blog, All Our Words.13358887090?profile=original

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Nonprofit Board Harm

What should happen when a nonprofit board learns that its CEO does not actually have the credentials he claims?

Recently in Hartford, CT the 17-year CEO of a nonprofit charter school enterprise resigned pretty much on short-notice.  The reporting source, WFSB on-line, tells that word had circulated that the CEO was not a PhD.  According to the report it's not clear that this is the sole reason for the resignation but for sure, impersonating a PhD can create a number of challenges for an academic institution.

While the CEO's resignation reduces the ability of the nonprofit board to take action, it feels appropriate to indeed ask the question: what would action have looked like if the board did learn that it's CEO was not all he/she claimed to be?  Should a board take immediate action citing that such misrepresentation is not ever acceptable and just fire the individual?  Or, and I don't know the rules, but let's say that 17 years ago when the board hired the CEO, it knew the individual was a PhD candidate and understood that pursuit of completing the degree was eventual.  Maybe the board even accepted use of the title believing it would help in developing the schools and because intention was good, no harm was being done.

But isn't this the crux of the question: has harm been done by using a title that is not valid?  If credentialling bodies consider having a CEO who is a PhD more valuable and they certify accordingly, is this incorrect.  And, if students and parents learn that the head of the school isn't who they think it is, is this ok -- does it not convey a message about "how to get ahead".

A nonprofit board must establish the organization's values and live by these.  If it's CEO turns out to have fabricated their worth via a false representation of their academic status, it would strike me as correct to remove that individual.  And, if the individual removes themselves, does this not also mean that the board's obligations to the individual are lesser as well?  

Yes, harm has been done but is it not offset by the good that was done -- an amazing educational center with significant numbers of children who have performed better than they would have had they not experienced this school and this CEO?

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Nonprofit Board & CEO Retirement Policies

It is pretty much the practice of nonprofits to establish board term limits. Most common among these practices is the 2-3 year term and 1 year off rule recognizing that for large organizations, 3-3 year terms takes into account the learning curve that may be needed to create effective boards. Admittedly, there are quite a number of nonprofit boards that I have encountered that do not implement their term limits for all kinds of lame reasons: we don't want to lose our invaluable member (what, once they aren't a board member they will never talk to the organization again?) and, it's too hard to find qualified and capable members (how well have you looked?). But pretty much it is understood that terms and term limits. when practiced, produces better outcomes for the board and organization.

But what about execs? I have been and will continue to maintain that the "habit" of many nonprofits to not establish a "term limit" on the exec can produce its own negative results. A recent Conference Board report illustrates what for-profits are doing around this issue. And one statement is particularly noteworthy to me:

With longevity, the CEO can cultivate closer ties with directors, which may hinder the independence of board oversight and weaken the objectivity of the performance evaluation process. When adequately used, policies on CEO retirement based on age or term limits may offer an additional safeguard to existing governance practices and serve as an integral component of CEO succession planning.

I think the lessons from this report apply equally to nonprofits and nonprofit boards should consider the question of ceo term limits which can in the end, compliment and be a sound part of succession planning. Note, I'm not needing to see all nonprofit execs retire, I'm just, saying that staying forever is not in the long range best interest of the nonprofit.

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Nonprofit Board Diversity

How much does diversity really matter to an organization--externally?  

A New York Times article took a look at how today's organizations may have even put into their policies a commitment to diversifying their boards but have very little to show to this commitment.  The Times asks: Companies today earn points for listening to their shareholders and agreeing to change governance practices that are seen as unenlightened or troublesome. But is there a penalty if a company reneges on its promise of change?  And further into the article: The continuing problem of homogeneity in corporate boards is a case in point. Despite shareholder efforts to bring more diversity to these posts, women and minorities are still few and far between in the boardroom. These hushed precincts still fit the description given by one governance expert: “male, pale and stale.”

As the rest of the article points out, organizations that pay attention and act to diversify the composition of their board can improve their results (e.g. the value of the company worth).  But making these changes can clearly be perceived as too much work.  Really?  And while we are predominantly discussing for-profits, what about nonprofits?  Just how diverse are they?  And what is the impact of diversifying the composition of a nonprofit's board?  I'd welcome hearing about folks' experiences about their non-diverse and diverse boards; the processes used to diversify; and what has been the impact when diversity was a focus.

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Originally posted on new haven speaks:

Over the years, I’ve started many workshops for parents and child care providers with a simple brainstorm activity.  I ask, “What are your dreams for your children, or for the children in your child care?” I’ve completed this activity more than twenty times. Every time, the answers are the same: independence, love, safety, relationships.

This has been an important lesson for me. All people, no matter how diverse, have the same basic dreams for the young children in their lives.

But here in New Haven, many children don’t get the kind of start any of us would hope for.  More than a third of kids in our city live in poverty (37.3 percent, a13358887477?profile=originalccording to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey). Close to twenty percent of children in our county were “food insecure” in 2011—meaning that they lacked consistent access to adequate food.

Continue reading on new haven speaks.

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IRIS- Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a dynamic nonprofit organization in New Haven CT, is seeking a part-time teacher for its Summer Learning Program. The mission of IRIS is to help refugees and other displaced people establish new lives, regain hope, and contribute to the vitality of Connecticut's communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Cuba, Congo, and Sudan.

The Summer Learning Program is a free, safe, academically and socially enriching environment for children ages 5-16, weekday mornings from 9:00am-12:30pm. The Summer Learning Program's focus is on English language acquisition, positive socialization and school readiness. This is a multicultural classroom with youth who often do not hear English spoken in their homes.

The lead teacher will coordinate and facilitate daily programming for approximately 35 refugee students, who will be divided into separate groups or gathered together as the teacher sees fit to best promote academic and social success. The lead teacher will organize, use, and supervise volunteers to assist with facilitating lessons and student supervision. With the support of volunteers, the lead teacher will be responsible for assessing and meeting daily needs of students and for creating the best possible learning environment for students, inside and outside the classroom. The lead teacher will be responsible for helping to organize recreational opportunities and accompany students on field trips to sites around the state and for helping to organize visitors to the program.

The ideal candidate will have or be working towards Elementary Education or TESOL certification, or a related field, and will have experience with children in an educational setting. Candidates should also have experience working closely with other adults and, preferably, supervisory experience. Awareness of and sensitivity to cross-cultural issues is a must.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter to: Tanya Kimball Genn, Education & Youth Services Coordinator, at education@irisct.org
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Autism Walk In Wallingford

Good Day To All,

Usually I like to write about the various persons connected within the cemetery and the walk-about with those persons. But for this note today, I would like to discuss the Walk for Autism which took place in Wallingford two weeks ago.

Needless, to say, it was a wonderful time to give to a great cause. My team was the "Marissa Monsters". Marissa is the daughter of Lisa and George Carranzo, the owners of Grand Apizza (New Haven's Best Kept Secret) located at 111 Grand Avenue, New Haven, 203.624.7646.

The walk is hosted at Rosemary-Choate School and then from this point of central position we walked through the historic part of the city of Wallingford. There was a Dixie Jazz Band and other amusements - like walking on bubblewrap, etc. The day was awesome with the best weather ever and the people were just as great.

So I encourage anyone to commit to this occasion once a year - it is for such a great cause. This past year the group raised around $2500.00 to develop a cure.

If interested call Lisa or George at 203.624.7646 and they will assist in any questions, or concerns you may have with the Walk.

 

Cheers to All,

Patricia Illingworth

Chief Docent

Grove Street Cemetery

 

 

 

    

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I recently observed a nonprofit's board members panicking over the organization's total annual deficit of $23,000. Members seriously questioned the exec's abilities.

The organization's annual budget: $8 million. The deficit, less than 1% of the annual budget.

Many of the board members have grown old with their organization with some having been members for 25 years, since the founding of the organization (that's likely not the best scenario). The nonprofit started as most do with only a bit of money: $25,000. Imagine if at the end of the first year, the deficit had been $23,000. Panic would have been conceivably in place and possibly justifiably so.

One of the realities I would observe of nonprofit board members is that many view a nonprofit's finances in the way they view their own personal finances. Many do not have a lot of experience managing a business or a nonprofit and so their only world view when it comes to money is themselves. The consequence: what appears alot on a personal basis is very small on a business basis.

The panic that was set forth from this news, in my opinion, is to be expected. A loss is a loss whether it's mine or the nonprofit's. But the response to the loss -- this is clearly something that can be managed more effectively.

First, given that the majority of board members do not know what to expect or expect as reasonable when it comes to corporate finances, the Governance Committee would do well to a) learn the level of experience when interviewing prospective board members and b) be sure to include in the orientation and on-going training, what corporate finances are like and how they cannot be assessed at the same level as personal finances, perhaps using comparisons with other organizations. In step (b), adjusting personal culture and awareness is essential.

Next, the Exec and the Treasurer should be sure to always keep members abreast of financial challenges and changes. When something "bad" is coming, it is better to be prepared than surprised.

Finally, it's possible and likely that the characteristics and skills/knowledge of individuals who serve as board members in an earlier stage nonprofit are not the best skills/knowledge and characteristics of those who are best for a more mature, large nonprofit. A so-called, corporate-focused or experienced indiivdual may be much more suited for providing fiduciary oversight of a big-budget nonprofit because their skills and knowledge are better matched. These members will still panic but at a significantly different level than the individual with no corporate experience.

Should the characteristics change as the organization grows? I would suggest: yes. The early stage manager is different than a mature stage manger. I would pose that the same is true for the board.

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Public Art/Percent for Art Coordinator -P/T on Project Basis


The City of New Haven Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism/New Haven Festivals, Inc. seeks individual with public art background to coordinate upcoming Percent for Art project. Temporary P/T with flexible hours. Send resume/letter of interest and salary requirements to Kim Futrell, City of New Haven, Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism, 165 Church Street, New Haven, CT 06510.  Or email to kfutrell@newhavenct.net.

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Work Life Balance and Productivity

Work Life balance is even more challenging if you work in a non-profit that you are passionate about: And work-life balance is a personal responsibility --- right?  In my paying day job I was totally out of balance and the old habits are not easy to shed in my encore choices. 

So I will travel to #NHV from #w06492 to stretch my mind today at The Writer's Circle. 

Before doing so let me share a good read on What is Productivity:  http://intentionalworkplace.com/2014/04/17/how-many-hours-do-we-need-to-work-to-be-productive-reprise/  

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