The Arc of Washington County
Influencer Analysis
Identity/Title
Board of Directors, The Arc of Washington County.
Description
The board is the governing body of this nonprofit organization. Eleven citizens of Washington, Sullivan, and Carter Counties serve as directors of the board for The Arc of Washington County. Board members speak on behalf of the owners. Board members protect the values, interests, and welfare of all shareholders who have an interest in the mission and vision of the organization. Members of the board are the eyes, ears, and conscience of the community. The board governs by establishing policy, determining outcomes, and monitoring results to make sure they are in agreement with stated policies.
Issues/Goals
Board membership provides meaning, fulfillment, and personal identity for people. It provides people with an opportunity to contribute something worthwhile to their community. We believe people serve on our board because they are personally interested in helping to improve the lives of persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, their family members, and their community.
Board members know who the owners of the organization are and what their desires are. They help us understand the difference between owners, customers, and other stakeholders.
Board membership is difficult and provides many challenges. Board members are responsible for the achievements of an organization, "often exercising authority over activities they will never completely see, toward goals they cannot fully measure, through jobs and disciplines they will never master…" The purpose of the board is to ensure the organization achieves its purposes.
Board members: 1) approve and adopt the organization’s purpose, bylaws, vision, and mission, 2) assure the organization complies with city, state, and federal laws and regulations, 3) assures the organization adhers to the highest ethical and moral standards 4) select, support, and review the performance of the Executive Director, 5) ensure strategic planning is done well, 6) ensure financial resources are adequate to the mission and vision of the organization, 7) ensure financial resources are managed properly, 8) ensure programs and services achieve excellence in meeting the mission of the organization, 9) enhance the organization’s public relations image, 10) adjudicate disputes not within the executive director’s prerogatives, 11) assess board performance, and 12) celebrate the accomplishments of staff, the organization, and others from the community of partners who share the vision and mission of the organization.
Potential Impact on our Organization
A knowledgeable and involved board can make a significant difference in the lives of persons with mental retardation and developmental disabilities, their parents, and fellow community members. The board can influence the quality of life for all citizens in the community. This influence is directly felt by staff who is guided by the vision and mission established by the board. By shaping and monitoring the direction of this organization; encouraging and rewarding staff commitment and excellence, and publicly sharing the accomplishments of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities in community life; the board can influence the quality of community life for all citizens. Without this leadership, this organization will sink when it hits the first iceberg in its path.
Board members with special competencies and/or interests can become consultants for persons served, parents, and staff. Expertise from the medical profession, attorneys, parents, business leaders, educators, and the clergy are some professions and/or callings that can provide important consultation to this organization. As increases in technology and expectations for more and improved services accelerate, the need for consultation becomes important for the success of this organization. As the shift from institutional care to community living continues, the need for board members who can support the integration of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities into the mainstream of community life will become more important. As models of acceptance and through encouragement of staff efforts; board members can create the conditions for organizational focus and success in helping people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities becoming valued members of community life.
Best Communication Channels
The following communication channels are important to the success of the board and the organization:
- Regular board meetings that are focused on outcomes important to the mission of the organization.
- Consultation in their areas of expertise with staff, volunteers, and other shareholders important to the organization.
- Standing and Ad Hoc committee meetings.
- News Bulletins, proposals, and concept papers.
What Type of Information Do They Need/Want?
Board Members want information that will tell them how well the organization is achieving its purposes. They want to know if our owners are satisfied and/or pleased with the results of their stewardship. They want to know that funds are being used for the purposes they were approved. They want to know of any problems, issues, or concerns that affect the reputation or high standards of quality expected of or for this organization. They want to know if they are doing a good job in the governance of this organization. They want to know what the staff is doing, their greatest achievements and victories, and those things that keep us from achieving excellence. They want to know what is happening in the world that affects this organization. They would like to personally know the staff of this organization. Board members want to personally know if they are doing a good job in performing their duties. Board members want to be appreciated.
What Outcomes do we expect from this Influencer?
We would like for the board to use their collective talents to help us achieve our mission, support our efforts to update and modernize the office, and be more involved in the governance of our organization. We would like to have an elected board and we would like to know more about the visions of board members including their personal purpose in being a member of The Arc of Washington County. We would like to see representation from people with disabilities, family members, professionals, and leaders in the community on our board. We would like to call upon board members as consultants from time-to-time as community standards, conflicts, medical, legal, funding, educational, and other issues create barriers in our ability to provide services. We would like recognition from the board for the important work we do on behalf of persons served and our organization. We would like to meet and get to know the members of the board. We would like the board to concentrate on policy development and make sure our activities support the policies they design and promote.
January 19, 1999
General Staff Meeting
Johnson City, Tennessee
