Advisory Boards in Salvation Army: Key to Success

The Salvation Army Western Territory Advisory Boards: A Vital Key to Success

Advisory Boards Essential Volunteer Partners A strong advisory board is a Salvation Army officer s surest way to success. Board members can raise more money in the shortest amount of time, working hand-in-hand with Army officers. Jerry Panas, Co-founder and Chairman, The Institute for Charitable Giving

What will be covered today? Is there just one kind of board? What s the difference between a board of directors and an advisory board? Mutual expectations of officer and board members Advisory board structure How to run effective meetings

Advisory Board Discussion Topics, con t. Importance of strong communication Advisory board as a working board Advisory board as fundraising board Board job descriptions Recruiting new board members Q & A

Purpose of Advisory Organizations Different kinds of organizations, similar purposes Provides input (advice), support (financial, time), and key influence with external constituencies (door opening and advocacy) Provides vital support and influence as Army leadership engages strategic opportunities and challenges, seeks to make wise decisions, and pursues the resources needed to carry out the Army s mission in a particular community.

Types Advisory Organizations Women s Auxiliary: Functions similar to a friends of organization Advisory Council: Smaller group that performs functions similar to an Advisory Board Service Extension Committee: Usually in rural areas where there is no Salvation Army facility. Same function as Advisory Board Service Center Advisory Board: Similar to SEC, but found where there is an Army facility

Types of Advisory Organizations cont. State or Divisional Advisory Conference: Members from advisory boards in state or divisions Service Center Advisory Board: Similar to SEC, but found where there is an Army facility State or Divisional Advisory Conference: Members from advisory boards in state or divisions National Advisory Board: Prominent leaders from across the country

Advisory Board Structure: 5 Committees Executive/Board Development Committee Public Relations and Development Committee Property and Facilities Committee Programs and Services Committee Finance Committee Special ad-hoc committees and/or subcommittees may be designated on a time- limited basis pursuant to a resolution of the board.

What Happens in a Meeting? Call to order Invocation Reading/Acceptance of minutes Committee reports Unfinished business New business Representative s or Officer s Report Adjournment

Keys to effective Advisory Boards Set clear expectations Job description Financial requirements Variety of industries represented Attendance requirements Observe three-year terms

Keys to effective Advisory Boards Good communication Listen Seek advice Return board members calls promptly Be transparent

Key to Effective Boards Recruitment and Retention Strive for corporate leaders at highest levels Strive for local philanthropists at highest levels Resist members recommendations that do not meet standards

Key to Effective Boards Provide feedback: Annual evaluation Meeting attendance Event attendance Financial requirement Committee work

Why strong Advisory Boards are critically important One of your major sources of funding announces that they will no longer provide support A crisis involving a facility arises A program participant is injured or killed

Advisory Boards Advance the mission of The Salvation Army Strong community partnerships Key financial support Professional advice Deepen relationships with TSA