Governance Policy: New Board Members Orientation and Education

First Session—The Basics--1.5 hours

1. Introduction of Attendees:

• New Board Members
• Key Members of the Board of Directors attending
• Executive Director and Senior Staff attending

2. Orientation Objectives:

• To understand OUTSERVE-SLDN’s history, values and ethics
• To be informed about OUTSERVE-SLDN’s programs
• To learn the basics of OUTSERVE-SLDN’s structure and characteristics
• To clarify the role of the Board of Directors and the staff
• To learn the Board’s Nomination and Re-Nomination Procedures

3. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s History:

• Ten Year Timeline on DADT
• Major Accomplishments

(Distribute Board Policy Manual, including last Annual Report. an updated Directors List (with addresses), D & O insurance information, current Strategic Plan and this Orientation Outline)

4. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s Values and Ethics- Main Policies:

• Statement of Core Values
• Code of Ethics and Whistle-Blower Protection Policy
• Anti-Harassment Policy
• Confidentiality Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy
• Diversity Policy

5. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s Programs (basics):

• Law and Policy
• Communications
• Development
• Finance and Administration

6. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s Structure:

• Volunteer Structure: Board and Committees-Terms of Reference
• Officers of the Board and Committee Assignments
• Staff Structure: Organizational Chart

7. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s Characteristics:

• Independent
• Autonomous
• Private Voluntary Organization: governed by a volunteer Board
• Charitable, Nonprofit, Tax Exempt, 501 (c) (3) Organization

8. Role of the Board and the Staff :

• Director’s Position Description
• Executive Director’s Job Description

Second Session—The 101’s--3 hours

1. Board’s Nomination and Re-Nomination Procedures:

• Board of Directors Recruiting and Nomination Form
• Board Member Performance Self-Assessment Form
• Board Member Re-Nomination Process
• Vetting Policy: Procedures for Identifying and Approving New Board Members

2. OUTSERVE-SLDN’s Current Strategic Plan

3. Legal Services 101

4. Development 101

• Obtain commitments?

5. Communications 101

6. Financial and Fiscal Matters 101

• Budget
• Audit

Adopted October 1, 2005

Re-affirmed March 21, 2010