Online board meetings can be an efficient method for nonprofits and their staff to conduct business. Like any other meeting, a variety of factors can impact the effectiveness of an internet board meeting. This article highlights tips on making your virtual board meetings efficient and discusses common pitfalls that can be avoided.
The lack of engagement
Many boards of non-profit organizations struggle to keep attendees from remote locations engaged during meetings. This is especially true if your organization has made the transition to remote meetings from face-to-face sessions. Meetings can suffer from low participation when your board members aren’t used to interacting via video or if they’re struggling with the technology itself.
It can be difficult to convince participants to attend an online meeting when committee reports are the least interesting part of the agenda. Encourage your committee chairs to include in their reports a question or request for feedback from the Board.
Inadequate meeting minutes
Minute-takers from your board are accountable for recording all important discussions and decision from virtual meetings. They should be careful not to describe informal discussions or personal opinions, and aim for a balance of concision and thoroughness. It is also important that the minutes are recorded accurately and that you have a system in place to ensure safe storage of all documents, including governing documents, financial reports, and more. This will prevent confusion and help improve accountability.
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