Capacity Partnership Group

Good Governance— Leadership Excellence

2011-01-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here!

Glen Peterson

Good Governance—
Leadership Excellence

A Workshop in #Policy Governance®

Saturday, February 26, 2011

9 AM – 2 PM; Lunch included

Whittier Area Community Church
8100 Colima Road, Whittier, CA 90605

“Boards: Bar Fights, and Beautiful Music:

how to avoid the one, and make lots of the other”

A workshop in board governance for nonprofit and community benefit organizations, we will examine the practical usage of Policy Governance, a comprehensive model of board governance. This is a new paradigm for governance and ensures organizational results and accountability that is safe and fair. We will look at the foundational work of the board—the work that no other group of volunteers can be expected to do.

A board of directors needs to know its job and have the right tools. The job of governance is about values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. This workshop looks at how a board of directors brings added value to a new organization. The workshop is designed as an introduction and to help everyone from beginners to veterans. It is for new board members and executives.

As workshop participants, board members and staff leaders will gain an appreciation of leadership through governance; define the roles of management and board distinct from one another; identify the unique job outputs of the board; and learn how to avoid meddling and "rubber-stamping" by boards.

There is a nominal fee of $85 for the first person from an organization and $25 for additional persons from the same organization will be charged. Lunch and materials are included. All fees are due and payable in advance.

Future Policy Governance workshops to be offered in 2011 include: Ends Policy Writing, Policy Writing Blitz, Monitoring, Connection to Ownership.

For more information call Glen at 562/400-4739.

More from Capacity Partnership Group here.

Post Office Box 693

Whittier, CA 90608

gpeterson@capacitypartnership.com

562/400-4739 [mobile & voice mail or text]

Please leave a comment.

Governance Process Training and Technical Assistance--Dates coming, check back soon!

2010-11-12T09:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

I am working on a concept to bring affordable training and technical assistance to implement Policy Governance(r) for community organizations in 2011. This would be a series of trainings that include hands on policy writing, ends policy development, monitoring reports, linkage to ownership and other sessions. Take a look at this link: 2011 Policy Governance training and technical assistance and then let's talk about doing this in your community.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Salaries at Community Organizations

2010-11-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I get questions about compensation often. And, twice in the last week the subject has come up. Here is a quick look at some national median salaries for CEOs at nonprofits with various levels of income from the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

For a more complete look at compensation, the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management publishes an annual compensation and benefits survey for the State of California. It is pretty reasonable to purchase if you participate in the survey. You can usually read the most recent survey at their office in Los Angeles.

It is the responsibility of the board of directors to set the compensation of the organization's CEO and to monitor its own policy on compensation for the entire organization.

A sample board level policy on compensation:

"With respect to employment, compensation, and benefits to employees, consultants, contract workers and volunteers, the CEO shall not cause or allow jeopardy to financial integrity or to public image. Further, the CEO shall not…

Change the CEO’s own compensation and benefits, except as his or her benefits are consistent with a package for all other employees
Promise or imply permanent or guaranteed employment
Establish current compensation and benefits that deviate materially from the geographical or professional market for the skills employed
Create obligations over a longer term than revenues can be safely projected, in no event longer than one year and in all events subject to losses in revenue
Establish or change pension benefits so as to cause unpredictable or inequitable situations, including those that . . .

A. Incur unfunded liabilities

B. Provide less than some basic level of benefits to all full time employees, though differential benefits to encourage longevity are not prohibited

C. Allow any employee to lose benefits already accrued from any previous plan

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Mustard Seed Foundation visits Los Angeles area

2010-10-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here!

Some of our clients who are church based ministries have partnered with the Mustard Seed Foundation. They will be in the Los Angeles area to provide information to prospective grant seekers. I recommend you take note of a meeting near you. No RSVP or registration is required, just show up.

This is the information that I have received:

Last year, the MSF awarded 137 new projects around the world, to local churches located in megacities like Jakarta, Lima, Mexico City, Cairo, Bogota, and Los Angeles. The Foundation also paid out grants and scholarships that were approved in previous years, all together, we paid out just under $4.8 million to over 880 projects and scholarships around the world.

So far this year the Foundation has paid out $3.3 million to over 530 projects and scholarships, with the goal of paying out a total of over $5 million worldwide.

We will be looking to partner with congregations with a parish mentality; that are ministering to the people in their own specific neighborhoods.

The Foundation does NOT fund building acquisition, construction, or rehab projects. The MSF does not give funding for vans or vehicles. The Foundation does not supply funds for on going costs. We do not like to get involved in citywide events or mass evangelism that make use of TV or radio or the passing out of tracts.

The Foundation is looking to help fund smaller, targeted, relational projects.

If you want to hear more about the Mustard Seed Foundation:

Learn about our vision, goals, and funding biases
Get step by step instructions on how to apply for our funding
Pitch an idea to the staff person who will be receiving all grant applications from LA County
Or want to hear more about what we see God doing in the world's megacities

Please feel free to attend one of the following sessions listed below:

Monday October 25th
1-3PM
Community Christian College
9000 Sunland Blvd. Sun Valley, CA 91352 (818) 252-7940

Tuesday October 26th
9-11 AM
910 W. Gladstone San Dimas, CA 91773

Tuesday October 26th
7-8:30 PM
Emmanuel Reformed Church
15941 Virginia Ave. Paramount, CA 90723

Wednesday October 27th
9-11 AM
Kingdom Causes Long Beach office
2107 Cherry Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755

Thursday October 28th
1 – 3PM
The Alhambra Retirement Community
2400 S. Fremont Ave, Alhambra, CA 91803

The Foundation will accept grant applications that are written by and are financially supported by the individual applicant’s congregation, provided it is located within LA County. We do not accept grant applications from parachurch ministries.

Please leave a comment.

The Policy Governance® Model

2010-09-14T08:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here!

For a clear couple of paragraphs on what Policy Governance is, read it from the source on the Carver Policy Governance website, click here.

Then contact me to help you implement this system for your board of directors, equip your board to accomplish its non-competitive job outputs, and empower your organization to accomplish what it should and avoid unacceptable situations and circumstances.

Please leave a comment.

John Carver's Boards that Make a Difference (2006)

2010-07-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

There are some good books on boards, group process, decision making, servant leadership, consensus building and other topics that are helpful to boards and board members. I have found only one that provides an operating system covering a comprehensive approach to board governance that allows board to reach their full potential to board and organizational accountability, a tool for defining values as explicit board level policies and linkage to real or "moral" ownership. For those interested in learning more either before or after a training session with Capacity partnership Group on board governance (Policy Governance), I recommend:

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Introduction Questions for Board Leaders

2010-07-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

These questions are to help you begin thinking about your role as a board member and work of boards of directors for your organization. Think about these and give it your best shot to answer them on paper and bring your thoughts to our training workshop.

What is the board for?
What job outputs should the board produce?
What is the relationship between a board and the organization’s staff?
What difficulties has your board faced?
What questions do you have today about boards?
Does the board have a model or resource to look toward for help, structure or advice?

Boards do not necessarily do what they need to do or hold themselves accountable for job outputs. After you have thought about these questions, go to this link and read some basic definitions and review your answers. This is were we will begin our work together at the training workshop.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Introduction to Board Development--Board Retreat Prep

2010-07-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I have posted this as preparation for participants in an upcoming workshop on board function and board governance for a nonprofit organization. If you are one of those participants, we will begin by reviewing these concepts sand setting a direction for our training session and framing the work of the board. I hope that you find this challenging and stimulated to participate in discussion.

Introduction to Board Development

The essential work of a board of directors of any organization must be to add value with job outputs that are specific to the role of the board (not competitive with staff) and for which the board holds itself accountable.

Explicit Board Level Policy. Articulating clearly what the organization is to accomplish for its moral ownership (or membership)—more than what is keeping the organization busy but what will make a difference in the world because the organization does what it says it should.
Monitoring of results and activities. Develop accountability as an organizational characteristic and providing assurance that the expected results were produced and unacceptable situations and circumstances were avoided, and the cost was worth the result.
Linkage to real or “moral” ownership. As the board understands its trustee function, it develops a strategy of linkage to and understanding of the membership to act on its behalf.

These job outputs are the unique contribution of a board of directors that no other person or group can accomplish. It is further the board’s responsibility, once these job outputs are understood, to hold itself accountable for its own work. It is through this that the board can accomplish its duty of care, duty of loyalty and duty of obedience.

Governance Definition

Board governance is the job of the group granted full accountability and full authority for value produced on behalf of those who morally if not legally own the organization. It is the servant-leadership work of the highest and initial authority within the organization.

In this training we design and utilize a comprehensive set of integrated distinctions that, when consistently applied, allow governing boards to realize their accountability. The process is called Policy Governance®.

By making policy, the board governs proactively through explicit statements of values rather than reactively or through event-specific decisions. Boards must be at least as disciplined as they expect their staffs to be.

To learn more, see this link.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Development of organizational ends

2010-06-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Development of organizational ends in the Policy Governance framework is the hardest part of policy development. Doing it right and well and completely and logically to answer what result for what recipient and at what relative cost is worth the effort as a tool that leads organizations to achieve what it should.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Lo que es Policy Governance

2010-06-21T11:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here!

Policy Governance es un conjunto comprensivo de principios integrados que, cuando se aplican de manera consistente, permiten a las Juntas de Gobierno lograr organizaciones responsables ante sus dueños.

Please leave a comment.

~ Confucius

2010-06-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here!

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."

Please leave a comment.

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

2010-05-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

My colleague, Terri Larson is presenting a workshop on Asset Based Community Development for Faith-Based Organizations.

May 19 – 20, 2010

Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Templo Calvario CDC

2617 W. 5th St.

Santa Ana, CA 92703

Cost: $50.00 per person
(Price includes: workshop materials, continental breakfast and lunch)

REGISTRATION
Register on-line at www.kingdomcauses.org

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)
In many communities, churches and organizations attempt community transformation by asking what is wrong in the community, what has to be fixed. ABCD approaches community transformation by asking what is right, what is working and how can everyone contribute their skills and passion to make life better!

We invite you to join us for an engaging and interactive event where we will learn how to look at our community as places of great treasure! Training includes:

• Theology of Development
• Needs-Based vs. Asset-Based
• Social Service vs. Community Building
• Gifts of Individuals
• The Negative Power of Labels
• Gifts of Associations & Institutions
• Stewardship Role of the Local Church
• Discovering What People Care About
• Listening Conversations
• Community Transformation Model
• Role of Connector/Catalyst
• Setting the Table for Community Partnership & Collaboration
• The Community Organizing Process – ABCD into Action
• Asset-Mapping – Circles of Care
• Champions for a Stronger Community – Next Steps

My workshop notes on how to form a nonprofit organization

2010-04-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Can now be downloaded here. It is a pdf document and should download when you click here.

Advocacy, nonprofits, the Supreme Court Decision

2010-02-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

I pondered this question out loud a couple of times over the last week. Here is information from Alliance for Justice. More information on this and other advocacy issues and nonprofits can be found here. I pretty much figured this was the answer.

Question: Does the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United mean that a 501(c)(3) organization can now support or oppose candidates for public office?

Answer: NO. 501(c)(3)s remain subject to federal tax law’s absolute prohibition on intervening in an election campaign on behalf of or opposition to a candidate for public office. Therefore, little will change for public charities and private foundations as a result of this opinion. For more information about what Citizens United Means for Tax-Exempt Organizations, see our report: http://www.afj.org/connect-with-the-issues/citizens-united-overview.html.

If you have any questions about lobbying or other issues related to nonprofit advocacy, please call Alliance for Justice's toll-free technical assistance hotline at 1-866-NPLOBBY or email us at advocacy@afj.org.

This is from Alliance for Justice's weekly Advocacy Digest. Further questions should be directed to them. I am not an attorney and nothing I say or put on this blog should be construed as legal advice.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

New Topics for Workshop training and technical assistance for application

2010-01-24T20:13:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

2010 Workshop Topics

This is a partial list of topics and concerns that Capacity Partnership can address for your group or organization. Topics can be presented as training workshops or combined with a process to implement and integrate the content with your organization or church. Three of the topics are newly tested and received high evaluations from the participants.

Nonprofit Basics: through advanced Board Governance for nonprofit organizations: Good Governance—Leadership Excellence, Governance Matters, “Board Rooms Bar Fights and Beautiful Music—more of the later, less of the later”
Nonprofit Basics: Strategic Planning—a road map for accomplishing organizational results and improving its capacity to do that better. Moving away from “strategic planning is stupid” to planning as a process to inform the life of your organization.
Nonprofit Basics: Strategic Resource Development—finding the partners and resources to move toward your vision and fulfilling your mission.
Nonprofit Basics: Navigate your Nonprofit Status, Discover the benefits and responsibilities afforded by a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt status
Nonprofit Basics: Policies and Procedures: Clarify your organizational values with clear, written policies and procedures.
Nonprofit Basics: Assessment and capacity building.
Nonprofit Basics: Collaboration and Partnerships
Nonprofit Basics: Financial Management and Systems. Financial literacy for people person who think they don’t understand numbers and dollars.
Visioning. If you can you see your community, the people who live and work there in a new and better way there is a way of getting you there.
Justice and Compassion Ministry for the Church. Does the Bible really say all that about the poor, the widows, the orphans and the strangers? Then how do we move to a response that will really help?
Immigration and immigrants, Christian perspective. Christians at the Border: a biblical look at immigrants and immigration. Cristianos en la frontera: una mirada bíblica en los inmigrantes y la inmigración.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Organizational Transparency

2010-01-22T17:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Some great thoughts here about transparency and a safe accountabilit from the CFO (Chief Euphoria Officer) at Ben and Jerry's. For people who were in today's workshop on Policy and Procedure, this is a good follow-up on this topic and great question that came up during the Q & A.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Training events coming up [Updated]

2010-01-14T06:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! Let me know if we can serve you through these training events.

Thursday, January 21, 2010, 9:30 am – 12 noon
How to Navigate Becoming a 501 (c) 3
"Is 501(c)3 the Suitable Thing to be for your Entity?"

Find out the benefits of tax-exempt status under IRC 501 (c) 3. Determine whether, when and how to proceed with this important step. Discover what additional responsibilities, reporting and legal obligations come with this status. Participants will know how to determine the most advantageous status for their organization. Founders, board members, and directors will benefit from this workshop.

Friday, January 22, 2010, 9:30 am – 12 noon
Organizational Policies and Procedures
"Advantages of Well-considered Policies and Procedures"

What makes for clear and efficient expression of an organization's values? This workshop will demonstrate how a system of explicit policies and procedures can and should do that. Policies define why your organization exists and the difference it will make outside of its own walls. Policies and procedures provide guidance on how organizations treat people and handle money and other resources. Monitoring organizational behavior as an essential practice will be explored. Founders, board members, directors, new and established organizations will find this workshop helpful.

Glen Peterson has led and been a catalyst within grass-roots, community, and faith-based organizations in Miami, Chicago, Indianapolis, South Los Angeles, Pomona and other geographies. Glen has worked with immigrants, youth, parolees, recovery, and other specialized populations. He is passionate about transformation in people and communities across cultural, economic and social barriers. Organizational development expertise is in board governance function using Policy Governance®, strategic planning, resource development planning, economic development through traditional wage employment programs, self-employment and microenterprise, asset development and financial literacy programs. Capacity Partnership Group can help you with any nonprofit, community or faith-based organizational development or program need.

For the context of when and where and to whom this training is to be offered, click here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Governance and Tax-Exempt Organizations

2009-12-10T13:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Because of some behaviors of some nonprofit organizations, the IRS has published new guidelines for nonprofit organizations and new documents for examiners in the case you are being examined by the IRS. Take a look at those here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations

2009-12-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. You can read more about that at the IRS website here.

And here is a video:

And in Spanish:

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Consulting Services Available Now

2009-11-27T22:52:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! Updates to my resume and interests in consulting and self-employment

Summary

Project conceptualization to completion, management, compliance, evaluation, and communication strategy
Written communication and project reporting
Assessment of organizational and community needs, capacity building planning, coaching, mentoring
Outcome and asset mapping, community partnerships and linkages
Integration of Christian faith with compassion and justice, economic & community development, microenterprise, microfinance and workforce development
Board governance process and function using Policy Governance® model, board policy design
Nonprofit startup, strategic planning, program design, board recruitment
Experienced in faith based community development and nonprofit leadership

Recent Consultant Roles

Board Development and Governance Function Since 2003
• Focusing board on exchange it has with the world as outcomes and impacts outside of its own walls
• Implementation, training, monitoring, comprehensive governance model for boards
• Development of training materials, policy writing and monitoring tools

Organizational Growth, Program Design, Evaluation Since 2003

Designed and implemented community and economic development projects, workforce development
In depth organizational assessment, leadership mentoring, growth planning and management
Community development, partnerships and collaborations

Workshops & Teaching Since 1989

Designed curriculum, workshops for adults, evaluated results, and one-hour to multiple-day conference workshops all areas of nonprofit management, community development, immigration, mentoring
Classroom teaching, adult learning, workshops, public speaking—board governance process, board development, economic development as microenterprise, financial literacy and fiscal management, resource development, fund raising strategy

Professional History

World Vision Southern California Metro Los Angeles and Pomona, CA
Program Manager 2006-2007

Managed $875,000 project to provide training, coaching, and technical assistance
Designed a sub-award program including competitive application process, application evaluation, completion
Assessed, mentored leadership in community organizations in south Los Angeles and Pomona
Communicated results to internal and external clients, including US government partners

Mennonite Economic Development Associates Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Indianapolis
Regional Manager 2003-2005

Managed a $3,750,000 project to increase capacity of 40 organizations in 5 in the USA.
Planned organizational development strategies with leaders of community and faith-based organizations.
Designed grantmaking program, evaluated applications and made award decisions.
Monitored and evaluated progress of capacity building projects with organizational clients and consultants.

Job Starts, Inc. Los Angeles, CA
Executive Director 1989-2004

Designed and implemented faith-based microenterprise, workforce development, financial literacy, and Asset Development programs to improve the economic wellbeing of families in south Los Angeles.
Developed linkages with businesses, financial institutions and community partners to reach mutual goals and outcomes

Education

Master of Divinity, Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado
Bachelor of Arts, InterCultural Studies, Biola University, La Mirada, California

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Governance All-day Workshop October 17, 2009 in Whittier, CA

2009-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Good Governance—Leadership Excellence

A Workshop in Policy Governance®

Saturday, October 17, 2009
9 AM – 3 PM; Lunch included
Whittier Area Community Church [WACC]
8175 Villaverde Dr., Whittier, CA 90605

“Boards: Bar Fights, and Beautiful Music: how to avoid the one, and make lots of the other”

A workshop in board governance for nonprofit and community benefit organizations, we will examine the practical usage of a comprehensive model of board governance. This is not best-practices in the sense of increasing the board’s busyness. We will look at the foundational work of the board—the work that no other group of volunteers can be expected to do.

A board of directors needs to know its job and have the right tools. The job of governance is about values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. This workshop looks at how a board of directors brings added value to a new organization. The workshop is designed as an introduction and to help everyone from beginners to veterans.

As workshop participants, board members and staff leaders will gain an appreciation of leadership through governance; define the roles of management and board distinct from one another; identify the unique job outputs of the board; and learn how to avoid meddling and "rubber-stamping" by boards.

A nominal fee of $50 for the first person from an organization and $20 for additional persons from the same organization will be charged. Lunch is included. WACC will provide scholarships for Whittier organizations that serve the poor or disadvantaged of the community.

For more information call Glen at 562/400-4739.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Good Governance—Leadership Excellence--Workshop, October 17, 2009, Whittier, CA

2009-10-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

"Boards, Bar Fights, and Beautiful Music: how to avoid the one, and make lots of the other."

Saturday, October 17, 2009; 9 AM – 3 PM; Lunch included. Whittier Area Community Church, 8175 Villaverde Dr., Whittier, CA 90605

A board of directors needs to know its job and have the right tools. The job of governance is about values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. There are 3 job outputs that a board of directors must accomplish that no other group of volunteers can. Do you know what those are? You will if you attend this workshop. This workshop looks at how a board of directors brings added value to a new organization. The workshop is designed as an introduction and to help everyone from beginners to veterans.

As workshop participants, board members and staff leaders will gain an appreciation of leadership through governance; define the roles of management and board distinct from one another; identify the unique job outputs of the board; and learn how to avoid meddling and "rubber-stamping" by boards.

A nominal fee of $50 for the first person from an organization and $20 for additional persons from the same organization will be charged. WACC will provide scholarships for Whittier organizations that serve the poor or disadvantaged of the community.

Board Governance is the job of the group granted full accountability and full authority for value produced on behalf of those who morally if not legally own the organization. It is the servant-leadership work of the highest and initial authority within the organization.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Governance All-day Workshop October 17, 2009 in Whittier, CA

2009-09-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Good Governance—Leadership Excellence

Saturday, October 17, 2009; 9 AM – 3 PM; Lunch included. Whittier Area Community Church, 8175 Villaverde Dr., Whittier, CA 90605

A board of directors needs to know its job and have the right tools. The job of governance is about values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. This workshop looks at how a board of directors brings added value to a new organization. The workshop is designed as an introduction and to help everyone from beginners to veterans.

As workshop participants, board members and staff leaders will gain an appreciation of leadership through governance; define the roles of management and board distinct from one another; identify the unique job outputs of the board; and learn how to avoid meddling and "rubber-stamping" by boards.

A nominal fee of $50 for the first person from an organization and $20 for additional persons from the same organization will be charged. WACC will provide scholarships for Whittier organizations that serve the poor or disadvantaged of the community.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

8th Annual Foundations & Corporations Roundtable

2009-07-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

Brought to you by:

Southeast Communities Prevention & Intervention Programs, Inc.
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT NETWORK
8th Annual Foundations & Corporations Roundtable
You are invited to join us as we meet and build relationships with foundations and Corporations

SAVE THE DATE:
Thursday July 23, 2009
Foundations & Corporations Invited:
John Gogian Foundation Vineyard Bank
Union Pacific Rail road Annenberg Foundation
Crail Johnson Foundation
Guest Speaker : Jim Clarke, Mayor’s Office Stimulus money for Nonprofits

LOCATION: California Endowment Foundation
1000 N. Alameda Street, ( Mojave Room )
Los Angeles, CA 90012
TIME: 8:30 – 9:00 Registration & Breakfast

Guest Speaker Jim Clarke, Mayor’s Office: 9:00 - 10:00
Stimulus Money for Nonprofits

Funders Panel: 10:00 – 11:00
One on one visits with Funders 11:00 – 12:00

Registration deadline July 20, 2009 space is limited
Early registration $ 75.00
On Site registration $ 90.00

For additional information contact: Eddie Mae Williams at (323) 290-3593 or emaewilliams@scpip.org

Breakfast Served

Also on Facebook.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Ready to PANIC?

2009-04-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Apparently, panicking is an acceptable substitute for forethought, contingency planning or actually taking productive action. ~Seth Godin

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Your Meeting Problem

2009-04-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I have told people that if there is no agenda published for a meeting that includes clear objectives that require a meeting, then I will assume the meeting is canceled.

Here, Seth Godin, gives more good ideas for meetings, including a full refund if not completely satisfied.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Exectuive Compensation and the Board of Directors

2009-03-31T17:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

At our workshop I pointed to new IRS reporting requirements and California Nonprofit Accountability Law requiring boards of directors of nonprofit organizations to set executive compensation and monitor that expense. In the context of smaller nonprofits we often don't worry about overpaying. But is can be and is a problem. The recent corporate scandals involving the financial sector demonstrates that and the Wall Street Journal says nonprofits need to watch out too!

". . . the IRS has signaled more aggressive oversight of charities as various compensation scandals crop up among nonprofits." Wall Street Journal, Pay at Nonprofits Gets a second look

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

BBC reports Obama agrees with me

2009-03-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The chief executive and chairman of troubled US car maker General Motors will step down at once, at the request of Barack Obama. --BBC

In my workshops with board of directors of community and faith-based organizations I often use boards of equity corporations as examples of both good and bad behavior of boards, CEO's and to illustrate the concept of ownership.

Recently I have been commenting that the CEO's from US automakers and financial institutions who are sitting in front of Senate hearings explaining why their companies have failed to produce a profit or even enough money to sustain ongoing operations demonstrated that boards of directors are not achieving accountability on behalf of stockholders. My understanding that a CEO should lead an equity corporation to achieve increased value of equity for stockholders would be the only criteria for continuing employment.

So, the boards didn't live up to their responsibility, stockholders didn't act at a stockholders meeting, therefore, the Whitehouse took some kind of action. GM's CEO will be stepping down at Barack Obama's request. I'll post more news as I find it. BBC is reporting it here.

Los Angeles Times General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner to step down.

Wall Street Journal: Chrysler CEO Not Likely To Follow GM Wagoner's Fate.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Books I Recommend to You as a Community Nonprofit Leader

2009-03-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I made these book recommendations to the group on Saturday:

On board governance model as presented:

The 24-page introduction to the 10 principles that I presented: CarverGuide, Basic Principles of Policy Governance (J-B Carver Board Governance Series) (Vol 1)

The larger text book on Policy Governance: Boards That Make a Difference (J-B Carver Board Governance Series)

The Q & A book with short chapters that answer a bunch of basic questions: Nonprofit Board Answer Book: Practical Guidelines for Board Members and Chief Executives

On business and organizational theory by Jim Collins:

This is a popular book that helps successful companies become more successful: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't

A short follow up, stand alone chapter where Jim Collins addresses some specific issues for social sector organizations: Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great

I appreciate complements whenever they come: Colleen Marks told me that our session was "dope" and "out-of-the-bun." So, there you go!

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Twenty things to do through the crises (and all the time for that matter)

2009-03-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!
A panel of nonprofit and community organization leaders got together last week and talked about what people need to know and what they are doing and consider the way through the current situation and beyond. Here are some highlights:

Assess where you are today—board, staff, programs, think strategically
Evaluate things you already have available volunteers, clients (can help solve problems), board members, donors, who else?
If already in trouble, don’t panic, get help
Make changes
Communicate and increase donorship and stewardship
Get everyone involved in fundraising—get everyone at the table
Focus on mission (production of ends) and beneficiaries
There are no problems that are new or unique—someone has survived this problem before you.
“Credit is a ghost, dead and gone” –Merrill Lynch (Bank of America)
Transparency and accountability—have a communication policy and plan
Siloing and adversarial relationships are not helpful.
Be proactive, not reactive
“Shop outside of your own closet” encourage communication
Ask why board members endorse your organization—do more of that (hedgehog)
Demonstrate credibility with consistent and clear marketing and market position.
Crisis is an opportunity. Get the message out how now is the time for your donors, volunteers, and others to engage
New opportunity for volunteer service—new funding coming down for National Service Corporation
Be aware of new IRS accountability and reporting. Changes on charitable giving
Make a plan for planned giving
Use this as a mobilizing moment—how important is it that we will keep doing what we are doing? Engage others in this passion.

Capacity Partnership Group can help you negotiate your way through this.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Free Board Governance Workshop in Whittier on March 28

2009-03-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

This is the first time I have offered this free of charge to participants. Three and a half hours of board governance introduction and it includes lunch! Thanks to the great people at Whittier Area Community Church and their Serve Weekend project.

Good Governance--Leadership Excellence
Trainer: Glen Peterson
Whittier Area Community Church
Saturday, March 28, 2009
9 am - 1 pm
Lunch included

We can bring this workshop and
others to your geography.
Let's work on something together.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Expand and Strengthen National Service

2009-03-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Washington D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the most significant overhaul and expansion of national service programs in 16 years, acting on President Obama’s call to increase service opportunities for Americans of all ages to help address the economic crisis and usher in a new era of service and responsibility for our nation.

For more look here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board of Directors or Booster Club?

2009-03-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Last week I was at an educational event for leaders of nonprofit organizations where I heard that the fundamental work of a board of directors must now be that of fundraising because some nonprofit organizations may fail because of recent adjustment of the worldwide economy. In an environment where support and resources will be in short supply, it seemed that some are saying that boards no must become booster clubs to attract diminishing sources of support.

There is a foundational disconnect with this idea that dismisses the reality that the board has real work to do that is really governance and is an essential value added to the organization.

Board fundamental job remains the same.

Articulation of board level values that describe what difference the organization will make in the world, who will benefit from that change and at what cost that change will be worth the investment
Hold the organization accountable for achieving that change without violating prestated situations and circumstances that are unacceptable
Linkage to the moral ownership or membership or the community on behalf of which the organization accomplishes #1 above.

It is clear that the above tasks may require certain skills of individual board members who may or may not also possess those characteristics required to be a part of this new requirement of promoting the cause to prospective funders and supporters. I highly recommend that within operations, and that may include people who also serve as board members, as many people with the right skills and attitudes be empowered and encouraged to apply all of their skills and energy into efforts that will bring the required resources to the table for organizations to continue their important work of creating a difference in the communities where they work.

The fundraising efforts and the board governance work both must be done and one cannot be achieved without the other. Capacity partnership Group provides training, assessment and evaluation and technical assistance for implementation of a complete system of board governance that equips boards of directors to accomplish the 3 job outputs listed above. These job outputs work for nonprofit organizations and for equity corporations. If boards of directors had done this work, in the financial sectors, there would be much less news about bailouts and bonuses today.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Madoff Affect

2009-03-12T17:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome back.

Today, Bernie Madoff pled guilty for some outrageous criminal behavior related to other peoples money. This will have a deleterious affect on anyone who is in a business that requires trust and transparency. Fundraisers who raise money for very many worthwhile causes may be looked at with a more wary eye in the Madoff aftermath.

Nonprofits should practice transparency in their reporting far beyond what is merely required in difficult time such as these. Donors should pay attention to where their dollars are donated and invested into projects, programs and organizations that make communities and the world a better place.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Two day Tax and Election Law Training for Nonprofits

2009-03-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

. . . is offered in San Francisco, March 19-20.

The Alliance for Justice is offering:

Tax & Election Law for Nonprofits

What Every Nonprofit Lawyer or Accountant Needs to Know About Advocacy

More information is here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

The Secret of Success

2009-02-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

"There are no secrets to success
It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure"
~Colin Powell, former Secretary of State

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Workshop on Policy Governance in Whittier

2009-02-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Save the date for a workshop on Policy Governance (3-hour version) in Whittier, CA on March 28, 2009, 9 am to noonish. If this one fills up, we'll do it again.

Watch this space for further information.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Simply Inexcusable

2008-12-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

In a study from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, initiated by Bank of America

The #1 reason, cited by almost 60% of respondents, is that they were "no longer feeling connected to the organization."

And how many stopped giving? 38% of wealthy donors stopped giving to one organization in 2007; 26% stopped giving to at least two organizations.

HT: The Agitator

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Looking Ahead: Leadership Strategies for Turbulent Times

2008-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

The Center for Nonprofit Management will present a moderated panel discussion on nonprofit strategies during the current financial crisis, Looking Ahead: Leadership Strategies for Turbulent Times, on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 3 pm - 6 pm. More information and registration here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

What is the definition of Governance?

2008-10-27T10:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome back!

I often try to answer questions that come up in our workshops and presentations. On one of the evaluation forms, someone stated the need for a definition of governance. I believe that is definition is extremely important and is foundational to a clear understanding of what the board's job outputs need to be and what the board should expect to do.

Here is the definition:

The job of the group granted full accountability and full authority for value produced on behalf of those who morally if not legally own the organization. The servant-leadership work of the highest and initial authority within the organization.

By making policy, the board governs proactively through explicit statements of values rather than reactively or through event-specific decisions. Boards must be at least as disciplined as they expect their staffs to be.

This definition is clearly different that how many boards define their work. Many boards with which I have worked have started without any clear definition of the work that they are to do. Then act as though the believe that there work is in competition with the role of their chief executive officer or executive director. The role of governance is not management with a megaphone. The role is strategic leadership about the difference the organization is to make in the world, outside the walls of the organization. It is to assure that the difference is made and that unacceptable situations and circumstances are avoided. It is to link the organization to its membership or moral ownership and act on its behalf.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Alternative Board Governance Workshop Title

2008-10-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

Welcome back!

A friend just sent me this suggestion for the name of my workshop:

"Boards, Bar Fights, and Beautiful Music: A case study in how to avoid the one, and make lots of the other."

I am going to use it in my introduction.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Policy Governance Workshop in Los Angeles, October 28

2008-10-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I will be giving a workshop at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles. I hope you can come and learn about the most comprehensive system of board governance that installs accountability as an organizational characteristic and adds value to the organization.

More information is here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Workshop/Talk about board governance in Miami, Florida

2008-10-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! I will be in Miami, Florida talking about Policy Governance.

Friday, October 24: 3:00 - 4:15 PM
Miami, Florida

SHALOM IN THE BOARDROOM
A board of directors needs to know its job and have the right tools. The job of governance is about values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. This workshop looks at a case study of how one board brought added value to a new organization; helps everyone from beginners to veterans.

Co-presenter: GABE VEAS
Room: Granada

The event is: CCDA's 19th ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 22-26, 2008

HYATT REGENCY MIAMI & JAMES L. KNIGHT CENTER

MIAMI, FL

www.CCDAMiami08.org

There is also a workshop coming up the following week in Los Angeles at the Center for Nonprofit Management.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Transparency and Accountability

2008-10-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The IRS has been in the process of updating its reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations. Specifically, on the filing of Form 990. We had thought that by now the process of changing the form and pubic comment would have been completed. However, they seem to still be in the process of revision and completion of that work. They do have some new items posted for nonprofit including this, on transparency and accountability:

By making full and accurate information about its mission, activities, finance, and governance publicly available, a charity encourages transparency and accountability to its constituents. The Internal Revenue Code requires a charity to make its Form 1023 exemption application, Form 990, and Form 990-T, available for public inspection. The Internal Revenue Service encourages every charity to adopt and monitor procedures to ensure that its Form 1023, Form 990, Form 990-T, annual reports, and financial statements, are complete and accurate, are posted on its public website, and are made available to the public upon request. Organizations that file Form 990 will find that Part VI, Section C, Lines 18 and 19, ask whether and how an organization makes its Form 1023, Form 990 and Form 990-T, governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public.

--Governance and Related Topics - 501(c)(3) Organizations, Posted February 4, 2008. irs.gov

For a board that uses the Policy Governance system, the board level policy document will nicely serve as one of the governance process documents to be made publicly available.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Assessing Impact Of Financial Crisis On Nonprofits

2008-09-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

NPR's All Things Considered does a story today the impact for nonprofits. You can listen to the story here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Should an executive director be a voting member of the board?

2008-09-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The answer to the question of whether the CEO, often called an executive director in nonprofit organizations, should be a voting member of the board of directors is found in defining the role of the CEO and the role of the board.

The leadership role of the board is to define why the organization exists, what good is created, who or what will benefit, and at what cost that good will be created. Once they define this organizational result, it is to monitor the extent to which that change is effected in the world and that unacceptable situations and circumstances are avoided. The board’s work is thinking work. It demands discipline, intellectual vigor, and unconflicted commitment to the cause of the organization that is served.

The leadership role of the CEO is in operations—leading the staff of the organization to accomplish the results required by the board and to avoid unacceptable actions even if they work. Authority to get the job done and accountability to the “moral ownership” of the organization through the board of directors define the CEO’s role.

With this clear definition of roles, the CEO has the authority necessary to be a strong leader in the organization. He or she is likely the most informed expert at the table during any board or committee meeting regarding any topic related to the operations of the organization. When the CEO has both the authority and accountability that is clearly articulated and understood there is no reason that a vote on the board would be an effective tool for persuasion whether that vote is in the majority or minority of the board’s vote on any given decision. This is the case with the founding CEO or one that the board has hired.

I recommend that nonprofit boards use a comprehensive model of governance from the beginning whether they consider themselves a “working” board or a policy board. The only thing that a board in name only does is it sends the message to the IRS and congress that the nonprofit world needs more regulation from the federal government. That is not a good plan for governance. The responsibilities required of any board and the servant-leaders that populate them is important and one that should be well considered. The relationship with the CEO is to be both safe and empowering.

It would be great to talk further about the foundational function of the board of directors in your nonprofit organization. Please feel free to contact me directly.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

[UPDATE: New Date and TIme] Policy Governance at the Center for Nonprofit Management

2008-08-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

My next workshop on Policy Governance at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management will be Tuesday, October 28 2008, 1:30pm - 4:30pm. Details on the workshop and registration are available at the Center's website.

Course Description

Policy Governance® enables a board to:

Lead on the larger issues
Delegate with clarity
Control management's job without meddling
Rigorously evaluate the accomplishment of the organization
Truly lead an organization

This is a groundbreaking model of governance designed to empower boards of directors to fulfill their obligation of accountability for the organizations they govern. As workshop participants, board members and staff leaders will gain an appreciation of leadership through governance; define the roles of management and board distinct from one another; identify the unique job outputs of the board; and learn how to avoid meddling and "rubber-stamping" by boards.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

IRS information on the new Form 990

2008-08-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The IRS website has a summary of the changes we are anticipating for the Form 990 for the 2008 tax year. You can read that information here.

There will be some new reporting requirements including disclosure of business or family relationships on the board of directors. There will also be a requirement to describe the board's role in reviewing the the board's responsibility for the information on the Form 990.

I will post more about the changes when the new instructions are released and after I hear from other clients about their concerns and thoughts.

Previous CPG clients will already have satisfactory conflict of interest policies to regulate and monitor related individuals and self-serving.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Are corporate bylaws filed with the Secretary of State?

2008-08-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! This question has been asked again recently. For the state of California:

Corporate bylaws are not filed with the Secretary of State. Bylaws are kept at the corporation's principal executive office (if located in this state) or the corporation's principal business office in this state. The bylaws shall be open to inspection by the shareholders at all reasonable times during office hours. If the principal executive office of the corporation is outside this state and the corporation has no principal business office in this state, it shall, upon the written request of any shareholder, furnish to such shareholder a copy of the bylaws as amended to date.

The source of this information is California Business Portal, Secretary of State Information site.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Member Recruitment [New and Improved]

2008-07-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! I put out the question a couple of days ago on the My Questions feature on LinkedIn. I got some very good input and made some revisions to my training packet. The new version of the Characteristics handout:

What characteristics should we look for in prospective board members once we have articulated the job outputs of the board of directors? Do not confuse management skills as substitutes for any of these characteristics.

People who can think about principles and values
People who can enjoy creating the future rather than merely evaluating the past
People with moral courage strong ethics, possess integrity
People who are willing to let others be strong
People who are intelligent and willing to learn, creative, open-minded
People who can be team players
People with an ability to empathize with the owners
People who have demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of the organization
People with connections to the “moral ownership” and resources
People with time and energy to meet
What other characteristics would you add?

The work of the board is thinking work more than doing. People who have the interest and discipline to work in the abstract might be good board members. The big job of a board of directors is to ensure the organization does what it should while avoiding unacceptable situations and circumstances. Job outputs include: (1) explicit board policy to articulate the values of the organization, (2) monitoring, and (3) linkage to the moral ownership.

A couple of really good suggestions that I haven't added to the handout, but I will certainly share in the workshops:

From Dan: I would add under characteristics "Alligator hide" and a no "BS" sort of guy/gal or in more appropriate words "intentional and focused, result oriented." I am always repeating this to ED's and management.

From JB: "While I think a creative thinker is important, I also believe it's important for board members to be able to think independently and question the status quo. Whether the status quo is represented by staff or other board members. I've been on enough boards to know that many board members don't ask tough questions and are willing to let the past guide the future. While history is important, it's also the board's responsibility to set the future of the organization and understand what the organization must have for today to be successful. Ultimately the board must ask the question, what is the reason for this organization to exist, and is it still valid today."

And for those who suggested management skills such as fundraising, I am still not convinced. While there is a board role in resource development it is not the core of governance. Successful organizations are going to hire those skills as part of operations and hold the results accountable. Individual board members will certainly participate as volunteers but not in a role confined to board members. My experience clearly shows that there is no reason to confine the fundraising work to the board. Some significant donors and volunteers told me that they are . . . "happy to give and volunteer--but don't put me on the board, that's just not my thing."

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Member Recruitment

2008-07-23T21:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!
What characteristics should we look for in prospective board members once we have articulated the job outputs of the board of directors? Do not confuse management skills as substitutes for any of these characteristics.

Ability & discipline to think
Recruited for demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of the organization
Connections to the “moral ownership” and resources
Creative Thinker, Open Minded, Team Player
Time and energy to meet
Strong Ethics, Possess Integrity
What other characteristics would you add?

Foreclosure Prevention Seminars

2008-06-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Foreclosure Prevention Seminars

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and NeighborWorks® America are hosting a series of one-day informational seminars in high-foreclosure cities around the country to help support counseling, mitigation and outreach efforts to distressed homeowners.

These seminars will provide participants with an overview of the foreclosure process and industry access that will be helpful in providing guidance to their clients and constituents at risk of foreclosure. Discussions will focus on opportunities and strategies for working with financial institutions and loan servicers in each area to help troubled borrowers.

For information on these seminars, click here.

The event is Los Angeles is Tuesday July 29, 2008.

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
5711 West Century Boulevard,
Los Angeles, California 90045
(310) 410-4000

**There is no fee to register, but space is limited so register early. Online registration. The agenda is here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Travel to Oakland, CA

2008-06-04T22:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I will be in Oakland, CA on June 23 for a meeting that ends at 1 PM. I don't have to be at the airport until about 6 PM. If you'd like to meet, give me a call or an email and we'll make plans.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Administrative Assistant Position

2008-06-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation buscan un(a) Asistente Administrativo, los requisitos estan listados en el link a Craigslist en la parte de abajo, un requisito importante es que vivan en el Este de Los Angeles, Commerce, Montebello, Whittier, Pico Rivera, Downey, Norwalk o ciudades circunvecinas.

For more information see here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

OC Marriage Resource Center Executive Director

2008-06-02T20:00:00.001-07:00

Welcome back!

The executive director of the Orange County Marriage Resource Center (OCMRC) will lead the movement of churches in OC to strengthen marriages and significantly reduce the divorce rate within Orange County.

If you'd like to know more, let me know and I will send you the announcement.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Workshop on Board Governance

2008-05-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Governance Matters

I will be presenting this workshop at the Southern California Center for nonprofit Management on June 12, 2008 as a volunteer facilitator. I contributed the following article to Nonprofit Directions.

Governance is vital for any organization. In an environment where resources are scarce and news of resource misuse seems to be rampant, good governance is becoming increasingly important for the success of all organizations.

Boards of directors add value to the organization they serve through certain job outputs. The board holds itself accountable for these roles of:

Clearly articulating what the organization should accomplish and who should benefit on behalf of its members or moral ownership. More than just the activities and busyness, this result will make a difference in the world outside the walls of the organization.
Developing accountability as an organizational characteristic. The board provides assurance that the expected results were produced and unacceptable situations were avoided; and the cost was worth the result.
Understanding their trustee function and acting on behalf of its membership.

These job outputs are the unique contributions of a board of directors, and no other person or group can fill these roles. Once these job outputs are understood, the board is responsible to hold itself accountable and to accomplish its duty of care, loyalty and obedience.

On Thursday, June 12, we will discuss the unique value that a board brings to an organization. Ideally, the executive director and board chairperson will participate in this workshop together to determine if adopting a comprehensive set of governance principles will help the board more effectively do its work.

Good Governance is Leadership Excellence
Thursday, June 12, 2008
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Half Day)
Special Fee: $200 (Covers Executive and 1 Board Member)

Registration Information Here.

Policy Governance® is the registered trademark of John Carver and Carver Governance, Inc.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Technology Strategies for your Nonprofit

2008-05-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Presenters: Thomas Hsieh, Splinterrock; Marcos Ramirez, Idealistics; Glen Peterson, Capacity Partnership Group

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Technology Planning Workshop at UYWI 08 on May 16

2008-05-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Friday, May 16, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM
Technology Planning Workshop
For Executive Directors

Presenters: Thomas Hsieh, Slinterrock; Marcos Ramirez, Idealistics; Glen Peterson, Capacity Partnership Group

Youth ministries and nonprofits have limited resources while the expanding available new technology is limitless. How can you as the organizational leader decide what is needed and how to put into place technology that will really produce results? A strategic technology plan can help you budget your time and resources to best meet your needs. This session will introduce a good planning outline and process: (1) establish technology leadership group,
(2) define your needs (what problems technology can solve for your organization), (3) assess current situation and resources, (4) explore solutions, (5) put your plan in writing including a timeline, (6) develop a funding strategy, (7) implement, evaluate, and revise the plan.

Room: Duke 603

Please leave a comment.

Board Governance: Capacity Building Workshop at UYWI08

2008-05-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

This Week!

If you are going to the Urban Youth Workers Institute at Azusa this week, it'd be great to meet you. Workshop 1:

Thursday, May 15, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM
Leadership Excellence—Good Governance
For Executive Directors and Board Members

How can you attract and retain good board members? Give them the right job and the right tools. Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The job of governance needs to emphasize values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. Workshop participants (board members and staff leaders) will (1) gain appreciation of leadership through governance, (2) define roles of management and board distinct from one another, (3) identify the unique job outputs of the board, (4) avoid meddling and “rubber-stamping.”

Room: Duke 106; Azusa Pacific University

For a complete list of workshops, here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Good Governance is Leadership Excellence

2008-05-08T23:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Governance Matters

In a workshop at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management on June 12, 2008, 1:30 we will discuss the unique value that a board brings to an organization that no other group of volunteers can produce. Ideally, the executive director and the board chairperson will experience this workshop together to determine if adopting a comprehensive set of governance principles will help the board do its work.

In an environment where community organizations struggle to find the resources to do their work and larger national nonprofits have been in the news with misused resources there is much talk about what governance really is. The board of any organization is to add value with job outputs that are specific to the role of the board and for which the board holds itself accountable.

Clearly articulating what the organization is to accomplish for its membership or other moral-ownership—more than what is keeping the organization busy but what will make a difference in the world because the organization does what it says it should.
Develop accountability as an organizational characteristic initiated at the board level. Further, the board is to provide assurance that the expected results were produced and unacceptable situations and circumstances were avoided, and the cost was worth the result.
As the board understands its trustee function, it develops a strategy of linkage to and understanding of the ownership or membership to act on its behalf.

Leadership Excellence—Good Governance

2008-05-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I am teaching an elective for executive directors at the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI08) on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at Azusa Pacific University. If you are going to the conference, I hope you will check out this workshop. Time: 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM Room: Duke 106

How can you attract and retain good board members? Give them the right job and the right tools. Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The job of governance needs to emphasize values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. Workshop participants (board members and staff leaders) will (1) gain appreciation of leadership through
governance, (2) define roles of management and board distinct from one another,
(3) identify the unique job outputs of the board, (4) avoid meddling and “rubber-stamping.”

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Community Economic Development and Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals

2008-04-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The US Department of Health & Human Services
Administration for Children and Families

Released the program announcements for both of these funding sources. Our teams still has room to help a few good agencies submit a competitive application for these federal dollars. Contact me right away if you are interested.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

IDA Conference September 11-13, 2008

2008-04-07T10:16:00.001-07:00

Welcome back!

The 2008 Assets Learning Conference – Advancing America’s Assets Agenda: Expanding Opportunity, Promoting Prosperity and Mobilizing Communities, September 11-13, 2008 in Washington, DC. is for organizations interested in using Individual Development Accounts as a strategy to help low income families accumulate assets for education, home ownership, or business (microenterprise) assets.

Contact me for more information about how Individual Development Accounts (IDA) work in community organizations with microenterprise development programs.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Employment Specialist Position available

2008-04-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! For more information see this announcement on Idealist.org.

Position Summary
Responsibilities include recruitment of targeted individuals, coordination with retail and pharmaceutical stores in Los Angeles, calling on stores managers and other employment service programs who serve targeted clients, data collection, record keeping, reporting, communication, financial management and other services as needed for the KCCD Youth Workforce Program project. This project is part of the grant from U.S. Department of Labor to assist at-risk and adjudicated youth and young adults.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Leadership Seminar at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management

2008-04-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

More information has been posted at the Center's website. Check the link below.

Date: June 12, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Title: Good Governance is Leadership Excellence
Location: Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management, 1000 N. Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Course Description:
Gain a solid understanding of this established model and make it work for your organization. Policy Governance® is a comprehensive and integrated governance system shown to increase organizational accountability and effectiveness. This class is your introduction to clear and deliberate governance.

Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The job of governance needs to emphasize values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. Workshop is for board members and staff leaders who will (1) gain appreciation of leadership through governance, (2) define roles of management and board governance distinctly from one another, (3) identify the unique job outputs of the board, (4) avoid both meddling and "rubber-stamping."

Instructor’s Bio:
Glen Peterson coaches leaders and equips organizations to improve capacity and infrastructure with goals of improved sustainability, increased results and stronger community impact. Glen’s strategic engagements produce capacity development results that in turn help organizations conceptualize and implement new community and economic development projects. For boards of directors, Glen facilitates the development, adoption and installation of a comprehensive board governance system that goes beyond mere compliance and managed details. Glen is a member of the International Policy Governance® Association and trained by John and Miriam Carver at the Policy Governance® Academy™.

Glen has 20 years of experience as a consultant and staff leader. He has served organizations in Los Angeles and Pomona, south Florida, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Glen now provides services through Capacity Partnership Group (www.capacityparternship.com).

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Good Governance is Leadership Excellence

2008-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Date: June 12, 2008
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Title: Good Governance is Leadership Excellence
Location: Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management, 1000 N. Alameda, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Course Description:
Gain a solid understanding of this established model and make it work for your organization. Policy Governance® is a comprehensive and integrated governance system shown to increase organizational accountability and effectiveness. This class is your introduction to clear and deliberate governance.

Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The job of governance needs to emphasize values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. Workshop is for board members and staff leaders who will (1) gain appreciation of leadership through governance, (2) define roles of management and board governance distinctly from one another, (3) identify the unique job outputs of the board, (4) avoid both meddling and "rubber-stamping."

Instructor’s Bio:
Glen Peterson coaches leaders and equips organizations to improve capacity and infrastructure with goals of improved sustainability, increased results and stronger community impact. Glen’s strategic engagements produce capacity development results that in turn help organizations conceptualize and implement new community and economic development projects. For boards of directors, Glen facilitates the development, adoption and installation of a comprehensive board governance system that goes beyond mere compliance and managed details. Glen is a member of the International Policy Governance® Association and trained by John and Miriam Carver at the Policy Governance® Academy™.

Glen has 20 years of experience as a consultant and staff leader. He has served organizations in Los Angeles and Pomona, south Florida, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Glen now provides services through Capacity Partnership Group (www.capacityparternship.com).

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Poverty Guidelines from the Federal Government

2008-02-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

The 2008 Poverty Guidelines have been published on the Federal Register.

This information will be necessary for your 2008 applications for funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and other governmental resource development.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Organizational Assessment and Capacity Development

2008-02-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Workshop at the Center for Nonprofit Management

Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Half Day)
Fee: varies (see chart)
Instructor: Glen Peterson
Course Code: FR 76

Course Description
Organizational capacity is the foundation for growth and sustainability. Organizational assessment is important to recognize and celebrate strengths—both used and untapped—and to identify areas for growth. A good assessment process will help draw out diverse viewpoints within the organization, bring blind spots into view, and strategically address a variety of capacity areas. We will explore the cycles of organizational development and provide tools for building an appropriate plan for capacity development.

Registration
You can register by fax or by mail . Phone registrations are not accepted.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Community Economic Development Projects

2008-01-29T21:03:00.001-08:00

Welcome back!

Our team is currently interviewing organizations to apply for Community Economic Development Grants.

The purpose of the grant program is to promote and support projects that address economic self-sufficiency for low-income persons and distressed communities by awarding funds to CDCs to create employment and business development opportunities.

FY 2008 CCF Funding

2008-01-29T19:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

This was posted on the ACF Compassion Capital Fund website today, January 29, 2008

For the 2008 grant cycle, Congress did not provide funding for new Compassion Capital Fund (CCF) grant awards. Unfortunately, this means that there will be no funding opportunities for the CCF Demonstration program, the CCF Targeted Capacity Building program, or the CCF Communities Empowering Youth program this year. Funding for future grant cycles will be determined, as always, by future congressional appropriations.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

By the Numbers

2008-01-16T10:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! How would you adjust your fundraising efforts if you knew this?

3% of the nonprofit sector's total annual income is from private, community and corporate foundations and supporting public charities, such as the United Way.
The growth of giving by individuall donors in the past 30 years, as a percentage of adjusted gross income is 0%.
219% is the overall increase in commercial activity as a revenue generator for nonprofits from 1982 to 2002.
60% of the nonprofit sector's total annual income is generated from fees and payments made directly in exchange for services rendered.

Cited from various sources by Fieldstone Alliance, St, Paul, MN.
Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

A 3 hour version of the Good Governance is Leadership Excellence Workshop

2008-01-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

3-hour version
Introductory Workshop on the
Policy Governance® Model
By Glen Peterson, Capacity Partnership Group

Thursday, January 17, 2008
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Half Day)

A new standard for leadership and accountability for boards of directors for organizations large and small

The one-day workshop is intended to transform the way you understand and practice the governing board job and the board-management relationship.

The board is not just another group of volunteers that are to managed by the staff. They have a unique value that, as a group, brought to the organization ensures that it accomplishes what it should and avoids unacceptable means.
Of the elements of the management of enterprise, none is less studies and less developed than the governing board. Because governance has rarely been the subject of rational design, boards persistently fall into trivia, CEO-centrism, meddling in—or conversely, rubber stamping—management’s work, and other failings. They do so even when composed of intelligent, experienced, caring members. Governing boards have relied on the patchwork, inadequate job design we have all inherited.
The problem is chronic, pervasive, and long standing. Public and nonprofit boards, frequently in the absence of a market judgment, fail to govern what results are worth what cost. Corporate boards are prone to over-identify with management, seeing themselves more as advisors than commanders, allow unconscionable executive compensation and questionable practices. Even as the practices of management have made great strides in sophistication, governance remains in sad disrepair. These conditions are true worldwide.
The message in today’s workshop is not intended for boards in trouble, though they can benefit. It is intended for boards that want to reach for a new level of excellence. Our topic is not how your board can solve the problems that keep it from the ideal. It is the ideal itself that is flawed. No less than a true paradigm shift is required to set us on a more powerful, more sensible, more responsible track.
Today we will question many of your cherished beliefs about boards and chief executives. Financial oversight, committee work, policymaking, planning, accountability, monitoring, board-staff relationships and other important aspects of organization will acquire refreshingly new meaning.
Consider this an adventure in exploring an old topic with new eyes. Welcome to Policy Governance®, a new design for accountable leadership of governing boards.

Registration Must Be Made in Advance by Mail or Fax.
Seminar space is limited and registration will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis. Seminar fees are based on an organization's annual budget.
Registration Information is here.

The Center for Nonprofit Management offices are at the California Endowment's Center for Healthy Communities. Their new address is:

1000 N. Alameda Street
Suite 250
Los Angeles, CA 90012
ph: 213-687-9511

Policy Governance® is the registered trademark of John Carver, www.carvergovernance.com.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Governance Workshop at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles

2008-01-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Greetings and Happy New Year! I hope you are looking forward to a great year in 2008. [Please forward to your network or within your organization as you think appropriate or helpful.]

I will be presenting an introductory workshop on Policy Governance® at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management January 17, 2008, 2 pm – 5 pm.

Leadership Excellence—Good Governance is my usual workshop title:

How can you attract and retain good board members? Give them the right job and the right tools. Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The job of governance needs to emphasize values, vision, empowerment of both board and staff, and the strategic ability to lead leaders. Workshop participants (board members and staff leaders) will (1) gain appreciation of leadership through governance, (2) define roles of management and board distinct from one another, (3) identify the unique job outputs of the board, (4) avoid meddling and “rubber-stamping.”

More information and registration can be found here.

It would be great to hear from you. Registration for the workshop must go through the Center for Nonprofit Management.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

New Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations

2008-01-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Beginning in 2008, small tax-exempt organizations that previously were not required to file returns may be required to file an annual electronic notice, Form 990-N, Electronic Notice (e-Postcard) for Tax-Exempt Organizations not Required To File Form 990 or 990-EZ. This filing requirement applies to tax periods beginning after December 31, 2006. Organizations that do not file the notice will lose their tax-exempt status.

Click here to read more from the IRS website on this topic. Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Dr. Carver, is the board's job a simple one?

2008-01-02T11:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! [Originally posted 2005]

". . .we all know that simple and easy are not the same thing. Many things are simple in their expression, yet difficult to achieve. Pilot, we want the plane on the runway with the rubber parts down. Surgeon, we want a working kidney. Explorer, we want a new route to China. Researcher, we want a cure for cancer. We want the homeless in housing. We want the hungry well-fed. We want world peace. We want a person on the moon who returns safely to earth. We want a chicken in every pot.

"Those aims are simply expressed, but by no means easy. Simplicity does not enable us to expect effortlessness. And difficulty in no way detracts from importance."

From a speech given at the 2nd Annual Conference, "Good Governance in Action", of the International Policy Governance Association, June 3, 2005.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Good Governance is Good Leadership

2008-01-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome back. [Originally posted 2005 on Policy Governance blog]

Some board members have told me that it is major work just to keep up with the work of the staff. This statement assumes that board work is one step up from management and it is the boards job to keep up with staff. Of course, the board should make every effort to remain informed about the work of the staff, the outcomes of the organization's efforts, and that unacceptable means are avoided. This is a result of the monitoring function.

The more important leadership role of the board is to be explicit about what the organizations should accomplish, for whom and at what relative value. This is accomplished through writing appropriate ends policy. And, they do this on behalf of the moral ownership. A board that takes this visionary leadership role and then empowers the executive director (CEO) through delegation makes excellence in leadership the output of its work.

The board's work is one step down from ownership. Who is the ownership of your organization?

Your ideas matter, leave a comment

Value of Volunteer Time

2008-01-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Independent Sector continues to publish the value for 2006 as the most recent with the promise of the 2007 value coming in spring 2008.

The dollar value of volunteer time for 2006 is estimated at $18.77.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Building good relationships with your board

2007-12-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

In the Coalitions Online Newsletter, Larry Hermen, long-time expert on senior management development, points out that the old way of thinking that a CEO's relationship with the board chairperson may not be a good substitute for relating well to the whole board. This is, in my opinion and the opinion of the writer (click on the title of this post to read the whole article), consistent with the Policy Governance principle of the whole board being responsible for its activities, outputs and job products. His article is short and worth a couple of minutes to read.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Governance responsibilities and job outputs

2007-12-29T12:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! [originally published 2005]

Most descriptions or list of governance responsibilities include activities. In Policy Governance the emphasis is on job outputs.

These board products are the unique job contribution of the board and are undelegable. The board cannot responsibly govern without accomplishing this list of job products.*

The board's first direct product is the organization's linkage to the ownership. The board acts in trusteeship for someone, usually a group, as the "ownership", and serves as the legitimizing connection between this base and the organization.
The board's second direct product is explicit governing policies. The board has the obligation to fulfill fiduciary responsibility, guard against undue risk, determine program priorities, and generally direct organization activities
The board's third direct product is assurance of organizational performance. Once the board has explicitly stated its values as policy, it must ensure that the staff faithfully serves these.

There are other optional, delegable outputs. These include: Fund raising, public image, legislative impact, etc.

What kind of activities are required for a board to accomplish these outputs?

* Derived from the writings for John Carver and Miriam Mayhew Carver

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Governance Class at the Center for Nonprofit Management

2007-12-13T18:26:00.001-08:00

Welcome back!

I will be teaching a workshop on board governance: "Board Development and Governance Process" on Thursday, January 17, 2 PM until 5 PM at the Center for Nonprofit Management, 1000 N. Alameda, Suite 250, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Registration and a fee is required and can be submitted by fax or mail.

NOTE: if you receive Nonprofit Directions from the Center for Nonprofit Management the correct start time is 2 PM. 2 AM is an error.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

New IRS Compliance Requirement for Small Nonprofits

2007-12-05T10:53:00.001-08:00

Starting January 1, 2008, all public charities, regardless of size, are required to file with the IRS. For organizations that do not currently file a “regular” Form 990 because their annual revenues are normally less than $25,000, there is a new, simple online form (Form 990-N) that must be filed. The new form asks a few basic questions about the organization, such as name, mailing address, website address, EIN, name and address of an officer, fiscal year, size of budget, and whether or not the organization is still active. Unfortunately, the form is not available yet because the IRS is still finalizing the online system.
The form must be filed 4 1/2 months after the close of an organization’s fiscal year. Failure to file the form for three consecutive years will result in termination of an organization’s tax exemption. To reinstate tax-exempt status, an organization must reapply (and pay a hefty “user fee”) and provide a good reason why it did not file earlier.
For more information, visit the IRS web site. Keep up-to-date with all IRS charity and exempt organization issues on their website here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

$1.2 million to aid flood victims in Tabasco

2007-12-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Wal-Mart, Inc. contributed $600,000 and leveraged an additional donation from the United Nations Development program in Mexico to total $1.2 million in relief funds to Visión Mundial Mexico. Wal-Mart Foundation Mexico presented the donation to Josue Gonzalez of World Vision Mexico that will be used in relief projects aimed at re-activating the economic systems that contribute to the wellbeing of families in the region of Tabasco affected by the flooding.

Source: Reuters and AlertNet.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

US Poverty Guidelines, Research, and Measurement

2007-11-29T22:02:00.001-08:00

Welcome back!

The Federal Government publishes guidelines indicating what level of income defines poverty in the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services publishes their requirements here.

LIHEAP Clearinghouse has the 2008 numbers published here. This site also includes levels of poverty above the poverty line in a useful chart. LIHEAP is Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. This is important information as organizations search for appropriate funding sources and information to benefit people in their communities. Have a question? Leave a comment.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

When is a best practice just a quick fix?

2007-11-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Many of the board members that I talk to tell me that they use "best practices" as the normative principles for their work as a board member. When the work of the board is assessed there is a lack of underlying principles that help the board understand what it should have accomplished. Something like fixing these mailboxes with duct tape. OI have heard that duct tape can fix just about anything. (As long as these mail boxes don't need to collect mail, it worked!)

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

photo © Kimmo Palosaari for openphoto.net CC:PublicDomain

Advantages of doing governance right

2007-11-14T09:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

There are certain advantages to doing governance right:

Focus on the right thing--organizational results
Accountability for results and all of the important issues of finances, treatment of people, risk management--it goes on and on.
Linkage and accountability to the community that owns the results.

The only systematic, comprehensive approach to these and other other board governance issues is found in the Policy Governance(r) approach. You can add as many "best practices" as you want, but unless to foundation is there, there is no there there.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Policy Governance for the Busy Executive Director

2007-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

Do you need a refresher on the role of the Executive Director or CEO in an organization utilizing Policy Governance(r)? I recommend these 16-page summary booklets:

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Grant Funding Opportunities

2007-11-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

More information is available on the Internet by clicking on the links provided. The information is provided to you from the sources. Any links are the responsibility of the source.

Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program – Deadline: December 13, 2007
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance is seeking applications for funding under the G.R.E.A.T. Program. The Program is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum. The Program’s primary objective is prevention and is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership. Funds of up to $150,000 will be awarded to state, local or tribal jurisdiction or law enforcement agencies with an active G.R.E.A.T. Program, or committed to starting a G.R.E.A.T. Program, in cooperation with a local education agency. All awards will have a 12-month project period.

Entertainment Software Association Foundation Grant – Deadline: April 15, 2008
The Foundation is dedicated to supporting positive programs and opportunities that make a difference in the quality of life, health and welfare of America’s youth. The Foundation seeks to harness the collective power of the interactive entertainment industry to create positive social impact in our communities which supports geographically diverse projects and programs. Applicants must seek funding for a specific project or program that is or will be in two or more states and serves youths 7-18. Applicants must also provide youth programs in one or more of the following areas: Skills & Personal Development, General Health & Welfare, Risk Behavior Prevention, Education, Multimedia arts/ technology related or applied.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines

2007-11-07T21:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome back!

2007 Federal Poverty Guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Quote of the Day

2007-10-31T17:14:00.001-07:00

Welcome back! Quote of the Day

"One must be able to get indignant."

- Abbé Pierre

“If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together.”

- African proverb

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

One Size Fits All Governance

2007-10-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! The question is a good one, is it possible to define governance function in its most theoretical sense that can be used by any governing board. This is John Carver with Miriam Carver explaining the answer.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Recommended books [UPDATED]

2007-10-06T08:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

I've been asked a couple of times recently about what books I recommend for nonprofit professionals. Here is a sampling of what I recommend.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Member Recruitment, Selection, Election, Retention

2007-10-02T20:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

The most important issue for selection of board members is to first define what the board is to do, then determine the kind of person needed to do that job with a group. Most boards that are frustrating their staff because the are micromanaging were selected for their management skill. It does not see too surprising that they would therefore manage things.

These are sample characteristics that I recommend when looking for good board members:
Ability & discipline to think
Recruited for demonstrated commitment to the values and mission of the organization
Connections to the “moral ownership” and resources
Creative Thinker, Open Minded, Team Player
Time and energy to meet
Strong Ethics, Possess Integrity
You might think of some others…

Look for board members who will help the group produce the job outputs that your organization needs, the board’s contribution must include:

Linkage to “ownership”
Explicit governance values
Assurance of organizational performance

Additional tasks that the board may assign itself may include:
Donor fundraising

Personal/corporate donations
Legislative impact
You may think of others. . .

If you need the board to do these things, establish characteristics of people who have that capacity. If you are looking for legal help, you likely do not need another board member, you need to find pro bono legal help. If you have in Los Angeles County check with the nonprofit Public Counsel.

Increasing the board's size cannot ensure that the board will do more. Especially if the board has not articulated what it should produce as a group.

How the board elects and installs new members is in your bylaws. Look there first. If it does not serve the needs of the organization, revise them within the limits of the laws of you state or province.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Key Principles of Policy Governance®

2007-09-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome back! These are the foundational principles upon which we build a comprehensive system of governance.

Governance is a function of ownership not management.
Boards are the highest authority under ownership.
Boards are the initial authority within the organization
Board authority is group authority
Boards are accountable to the ownership for everything within the organization
Boards need to empower those to whom they delegate authority while remaining fully accountable for the use of their authority.

I will be speaking about these principles and their application on Thursday, October 4 at the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership. More information here.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Fund raising is not begging

2007-09-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

In a great discussion with a good friend who is the Executive Director of a new organization that he has founded about fund raising I said, it's not about begging for money. In fact, I said, it is giving people the opportunity to participate in what we are doing through giving. I stumbled across this article this evening at The Extreme Fundraising Blog.

Click here to read!

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Board Goverance Workshop at Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership October 4

2007-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

"Board Leadership - Governance Excellence" is the 3-hour workshop that I am presenting at the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership on Thursday, October 4, 2007; 3 PM until 6 PM.

Your participation is welcomed and encouraged. There is a rather nominal fee of $30 for LBNP members and $45 for “not-yet-members for the workshop and you need to pre-register at the lbnp.org.

This is what the workshop is about:

How can you attract, motivate and retain good board members? Give them the right job and the right tools. Governance is the highest level of organizational leadership. The role of governance needs to lead with values and vision, and empower both board and staff, and practice the strategic ability to lead leaders. The board’s role is servant leadership. Participants in this workshop – board members and staff leaders will:

Access value for leadership through governance with Policy Governance® model
Focus contributions to fulfill their role as servant leaders and avoid meddling or “rubber-stamping”
Define roles of management and board distinct from one another
Identify a conceptually complete system of governance that ensures organizational results on behalf of the moral ownership

This workshop will not be a rehash of information that you have heard before and will not be a lot of stories about how boards have failed to do their job. It will provide an introduction to a comprehensive system of board governance that when used well will ensure that the board accomplishes its job outputs, keeps the organization on track with its fiduciary responsibility and makes a difference in the world.

The Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership is located at 3635 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807; (562) 290-0018

I am giving a shorter version of this workshop in St. Louis, MO on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. Please contact me for further information. The workshop is also available for organizations and their boards of directors in 90-minute, 3-hours, and all day formats. The training is also included as part of a complete package of board development services that in addition to training includes technical assistance to define the boards role, the writing of board level policies, monitoring of organizational activities and production of results.

For more information, check out our capacitypartnership.com and contact me gpeterson [at] capacitypartnership [dot] com.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Should the executive director, especially the founder of an organization also serve as Board Member?

2007-09-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

This is a question that I get asked often. There are a lot of passionately held opinions about this. It is really a question about clarity of roles.

When an organization’s founder suggests to me that he or she should be a voting member of the board it is because that person perceives that there is a need to vote as an exercise of power. Frankly, I cannot think of a situation that this kind of power to vote against other board members either to break a tie or to exercise a dissenting vote against the majority would ever be a good idea.

The real answer is that the executive director, founder or not, has a role distinct from that of the board. The role of the board is to govern the organization, first articulating what the organization is to be for and then holding it accountable for accomplishing what it should while avoiding unacceptable situations and circumstances. The role of the ED is to carry out that direction from the board. The founder of an organization will be prudent to have well articulated what the expected results are to be produced, from whom those results should be produced and something about the value of how competing results should be prioritized.

A wise board will ensure that the person in the role of the ED will have the expertise required to accomplish this. The ED will likely be the most informed person in the room when the board is ready to learn what it needs to know to make a good decision. The ED is a colleague and expert to the board of directors.

We provide training and technical assistance to boards of directors to help them fulfill their governance responsibilities, write explicit board level policies, represent the moral ownership and hold organizations accountable. Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions or need assistance. Because poor governance costs more than learning to govern well, the board ought to invest in its governance capacity—the best time to do this is at the start-up stage of any organization

Note: When asked this question recently, it was suggested that good conflict of interest policy would make it ok to have the ED serve as a board member. Having a good conflict of interest policy in place is wise and prudent regardless of whether the executive director has a voting position on the board of directors. Again, the real question is that of clear role distinction and serving those roles.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Quotation

2007-08-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

"If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."

-- Thomas Edison

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Pro Bono Legal help for Nonprofit Organizations

2007-08-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Welcome back!

Lots of questions at our workshop on Friday. That is good. Some of the questions were related to legal issues that I declined to answer, even though I may have expressed my opinions or told you what I had heard attorneys say to others. For real legal help you can contact Public Counsel.

Nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles County can access pro bono (free) legal help for your organization through Public Counsel.

For organizations working in the area of community development, you can go directly to this. Other areas of specialty areas are listed here and include immigrant rights, consumer law, child care law, children's rights, and homelessness prevention.

You may want to get legal counsel before entering into a contract, incorporating, developing a partnership where two parties will have responsibilities and benefits. Realize that it may take some time to get your legal counsel. But if you are not in a hurry, this is the place to go. Public Counsel may choose not to help with issues that are already or going to litigation.

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Capacity Partnership Group

Good Governance— Leadership Excellence

Governance Process Training and Technical Assistance--Dates coming, check back soon!

Salaries at Community Organizations

Mustard Seed Foundation visits Los Angeles area

The Policy Governance® Model

Recommended Board Member Notebook Contents

John Carver's Boards that Make a Difference (2006)

Introduction Questions for Board Leaders

Introduction to Board Development--Board Retreat Prep

Development of organizational ends

Lo que es Policy Governance

~ Confucius

Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)

My workshop notes on how to form a nonprofit organization

Advocacy, nonprofits, the Supreme Court Decision

New Topics for Workshop training and technical assistance for application

Organizational Transparency

Training events coming up [Updated]

Governance and Tax-Exempt Organizations

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Donations

Consulting Services Available Now

Board Governance All-day Workshop October 17, 2009 in Whittier, CA

Good Governance—Leadership Excellence--Workshop, October 17, 2009, Whittier, CA

Board Governance All-day Workshop October 17, 2009 in Whittier, CA

8th Annual Foundations & Corporations Roundtable

Ready to PANIC?

Your Meeting Problem

Exectuive Compensation and the Board of Directors

BBC reports Obama agrees with me

Books I Recommend to You as a Community Nonprofit Leader

Twenty things to do through the crises (and all the time for that matter)

Free Board Governance Workshop in Whittier on March 28

House Passes Bipartisan Legislation to Expand and Strengthen National Service

Board of Directors or Booster Club?

Madoff Affect

Two day Tax and Election Law Training for Nonprofits

The Secret of Success

Workshop on Policy Governance in Whittier

Simply Inexcusable

Looking Ahead: Leadership Strategies for Turbulent Times

What is the definition of Governance?

Alternative Board Governance Workshop Title

Policy Governance Workshop in Los Angeles, October 28

Workshop/Talk about board governance in Miami, Florida

Transparency and Accountability

Assessing Impact Of Financial Crisis On Nonprofits

Should an executive director be a voting member of the board?

[UPDATE: New Date and TIme] Policy Governance at the Center for Nonprofit Management

IRS information on the new Form 990

Are corporate bylaws filed with the Secretary of State?

Board Member Recruitment [New and Improved]

Board Member Recruitment

Foreclosure Prevention Seminars

Travel to Oakland, CA

Administrative Assistant Position

OC Marriage Resource Center Executive Director

Workshop on Board Governance

Technology Strategies for your Nonprofit

Technology Planning Workshop at UYWI 08 on May 16

Board Governance: Capacity Building Workshop at UYWI08

Good Governance is Leadership Excellence

Leadership Excellence—Good Governance

Community Economic Development and Job Opportunities for Low Income Individuals

IDA Conference September 11-13, 2008

Employment Specialist Position available

Board Leadership Seminar at the Southern California Center for Nonprofit Management

Good Governance is Leadership Excellence

Poverty Guidelines from the Federal Government

Organizational Assessment and Capacity Development

Community Economic Development Projects

FY 2008 CCF Funding

By the Numbers

A 3 hour version of the Good Governance is Leadership Excellence Workshop

Governance Workshop at the Center for Nonprofit Management in Los Angeles

New Annual Electronic Filing Requirement for Small Exempt Organizations

Dr. Carver, is the board's job a simple one?

Good Governance is Good Leadership

Value of Volunteer Time

Building good relationships with your board