Does your organization hold an annual retreat for board members? And, if you do have an annual retreat, is fundraising on the agenda?
Why Should Your Nonprofit Have a Board Retreat?
Board retreats serve many purposes:
- Team building
- Strategic planning
- Deep thinking
- Training opportunities (particularly fundraising)
- Generating excitement
A board retreat is a wonderful opportunity to depart from your your normal routine, get out of the office, and take time to be thoughtful and intentional.
It’s a time to encourage board members to get to know one another on a more personal level, which will help them work better together at your nonprofit moving forward.
Top 6 Reasons to Plan a Board Retreat this Year
Here are my top six reasons why your nonprofit should plan to have a board retreat this year (and ideally every year).
1. To fulfill your mission.
The reason your organization exists is to fill a gap in the world. Your board is an instrumental part of that process. Your board should be engaged and involved, and occasional meetings just aren’t cutting it. It’s time to regroup, reconnect, and recharge.
2. To reenergize and reengage your board.
Be sure to include a “mission moment” and reignite the passion for the mission in board members. Have a client speak, read a letter from a grateful patient or parent, show a short video, etc. Anything to remind them of why they are there.
3. To review roles and responsibilities.
Provide a board member expectation worksheet and ask each board member to sign it. Expectations of your board members should include attendance at meetings, making a personal donation, serving on at least one committee, acting as an advocate for your cause, and helping with fundraising.
In addition, set aside time at your retreat to have board members do a self-assessment. Ask how they think they did during the previous year (both individually and as a board).
4. To plan for the year.
Retreats are used to prepare and plan for the year. Review your strategic plan and discuss possible updates. At some point during the day, break into committees and set goals and action steps for the coming year.
5. To raise more money.
Retreats are fantastic opportunities to engage your board members in giving and getting. Discuss the importance of 100% participation and provide specific opportunities for each board member to get involved in the fundraising process. Retreats are an excellent opportunity to provide fundraising training.
6. To network and socialize.
It can be difficult to work with strangers. It’s also more fun to go to meetings if you get to connect with friends and colleagues. If you want your board to work well together, they’ll need to feel comfortable and even enjoy each other. Provide ample social and networking time.
Final Thoughts on Your Next Board Retreat
Here’s a few final suggestions regarding how you should have your next board retreat.
- Where to have it — Aim to hold your retreat outside of your office. This provides a change of pace and environment that often leads to increased creativity, focus, and collaboration among board members.
- Who will facilitate — If possible, hire an outside facilitator. This will enable your staff members to fully participate. A good facilitator should be able to keep the discussion on point, stick to the agenda, and move things along.
- How long it should be — Ideally, board retreats should be at least a half day. (A full day is even better.)
Do you hold an annual board retreat? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below.
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