Before proposed position statements go to your board for consideration, you want to make sure they’ve been fully vetted and ready for board approval. This includes making sure the board has all the information they need to make an informed decision about position statements. But how? If committees are responsible for creating proposals or position statements for your board, what’s the best way to vet them?
There are structure and process solutions available.
Structure Solutions
As a structural solution, some associations have a resolutions committee that reviews and vets proposals before they come to the Board. Some are further charged with recommending support or opposition to the Board. This tends to address concerns about too much power being vested in an executive committee.
Process Solutions
As a process solution, some associations require a background paper be submitted with every proposed policy position or resolution. Some associations require the proposer to complete the background paper; others have staff interview the proposer. This practice almost always more fully illuminates all the potential dimensions of an issue. Some further require a particular format be used for the submission and make staff available to help the proposer format their submission correctly.
Background Papers
Most background papers are structured as questions that have to be answered. Examples of such questions include:
- What do we know about the needs and preferences of our members relative to this issue?
- What do we know about the current and anticipated environment relative to this issue?
- What do we know about the capacity and strategic position of the association relative to this issue?
- Are there ethical implications?
- Why is there a need for this policy?
- What will be the impact on members?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking this position?
- What are the key arguments of proponents?
- What are the key arguments of opponents?
- Why is this appropriate issue on which the association should take a position?
Our experience suggests that the process requirement of a thoughtful “briefing” can prevent inappropriate submissions from coming to the Board. We also observe that it is essential to promoting informed decision-making when they do.
To learn how TI consultants can help your organization, please call us at 215.493.8120 or e-mail at [email protected].
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