Regardless of the size or purpose of the organization, members of the Board of Directors (or Board of Trustees) have basic obligations. These are:
- Stay informed on trends, regulations, and laws relevant to the organization and your role on the Board.
- Listen carefully and respectfully to what your colleagues on the Board have to say. Respect their experience and their opinions.
- Share and defend your point of view openly, frankly, and cordially with other members of the Board so they may benefit from your experience and expertise.
- Recuse yourself from discussions and decisions in which you have a material or personal interest.
- Insist on complete, accurate, and timely information from the organization and your colleagues on the Board.
- Make decisions that best further the objectives of the organization and its stakeholders.
- Make decisions that best preserve the tangible and non-tangible assets of the organization.
- Where appropriate, keep confidential the discussions and decisions of the Board.
- Attend meetings on a regular basis.
- Prepare materials for other Board members as appropriate to your role.
- Read and review materials prepared by the organization and your colleagues on the Board before meetings.