Lead Your Associate Board

I've just become associate board chair. What should I do first?

Get a clear handoff with the staff person who supports your board.

Find out what is already booked, signed or promised, what needs attention, and where the roster, calendar and documents are kept. Raise any promise that cannot be kept with that staff contact this week. Report harassment, abuse or safety concerns immediately through the nonprofit's escalation contacts.

Then agree how you will work together: when you meet, who decides what, and how you resolve a disagreement. Check that agreement against your charter and the nonprofit's policies. The toolkit helps you make those expectations explicit.

Keep contracts, receipts, sponsorship agreements, donor and client data, and media with staff. Clear company and donor names with staff before making contact.

Use the first ninety days to learn, meet every member, and agree with staff on two or three goals and the calendar. Use those conversations to find a useful role for each member.

Get Lead Your Associate Board and its fillable toolkit on CariClub Stream.

General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.