- Duty of Care
- Exercise reasonable care when you make a decision as a steward of the organization.
- Be familiar with the organization's finances & activities and participate in its governance.
- Attend all board meetings and committee meetings; participate in decision-making and policy setting.
- Read materials and minutes.
- Make sure your vote is recorded.
- Participate in the process of approval of major obligations, fundraising, and compensation arrangements.
- Review financial accounts; review actual to budget comparison.
- Participate in risk assessment and strategic planning.
- Make sure the organization has written policies and controls.
- Encourage board diversity. Assess member skills sets and needs annually.
- Duty of Loyalty
- Always act in the best interest of the organization.
- Never use information obtained as a member for personal gain.
- Be aware of policies regarding conflict of interest.
- Avoid transactions in which you or a family member benefits, or disclose such transactions fully to the board.
- Examine transactions involving board members to ensure there is no conflict of interest.
- Duty of Obedience
- Do not act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization.
- Ensure that the organization complies with all applicable laws and regulations and with its own internal documents and policies.
- Make sure that resources are dedicated to accomplishing the mission.
- Comply with all reporting laws, making sure that employees receive compensation and appropriate taxes are paid.
- Provide copies of tax-exempt forms, federal reports, and financial reports as necessary to the public when requested.