General Responsibilities of the Board:
Members of the board of directors are trustees who act on behalf of an organization’s constituents, including service recipients, funders, members, the government and taxpayers.
Responsibilities include:
- Determine the mission and purpose of the organization
- Select and evaluate the performance of the chief executive
- Strategic organizing and planning
- Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
- Fundraise and acquire resources
- Approve and monitor the organization’s programs and services
- Enhance the organization’s public image
- Assess own performance as the governing body of the organization
Individual Board Member Responsibilities
- Attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings
- Serve on committees or task forces and offer to take on special assignments
- Make a personal financial contribution to the organization
- Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission
- Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization
- Keep up-to-date on developments in the organization’s field
- Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy
- Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing the organization’s annual financial statements
- Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission
Term Limits
Each AAOP board member serves a two-year term barring resignation or removal. Any board member can resign prior to reaching the end of their term by submitting a letter of resignation to board chair and executive officer. The board reserves the right to remove any member who violates the organization’s bylaws or neglects any of the responsibilities outlined above.
Time Commitment
AAOP’s board of directors meets on a monthly basis. A board member can expect to spend 10-15 hours a month (including regularly scheduled board meetings) on action items, committee meetings, trainings or any other task assigned by the board. The time commitment is subject to change given the organization’s needs.
(Last edit - July 2020)