People with limited literacy, diverse backgrounds and intellectual disabilities have been excluded from participating in public policy influence or governmental activities that impacted their lives. Because information is central to decision making and successful community participation, clearly designed materials in “plain” language must be available to ensure all people have opportunities for involvement. We believe expanding membership in civic associations and boards of directors of nonprofit organizations increases effective policy making and meets the needs of our diverse communities. We know people with varied backgrounds can play an active role in shaping with meaningful participation in advocacy and governance activities. Boards for All is a web-based learning series designed for a wide range of people to understand the purpose of a nonprofit board of directors, and the responsibilities of its members. It provides a sequence of tools (videos, worksheets and resources) for users to learn about performing effectively on a board of directors, advisory committee or community council. As a plain language toolbox, Boards for All teaches basic boardsmanship that serves various organizations, from self-advocacy groups and advisory committees to large statewide agencies. The series aims to open doors for community members, who may have been excluded in the past, to seek membership, gain experience and contribute their talents. http://brcenter.org/

1. Board Member Engagement

2. Leadership
Responsibilities
Communication
Accommodations
Planning
Board Members
Engaged Boards

3. Member
Engagement
Relationship
+
Action

4. Engaged members are …
involved, enthusiastic and
further the mission
Motivated and Effective

5. Engaged Boards …
Provide direction and training
Disseminate accessible information
Mentor members

6. Provide orientation for members
Encourage participation
Provide leadership opportunities
Engaged Boards …

7. Involves members in planning
Thanks members for their efforts
Provides leadership and vision
Arranges training and evaluation
• What can we do better?
Board Chair …

8. Meets with members to learn:
What motivated them to join?
Are they satisfied?
What are their strengths?
What is their volunteer mission?
Board Chair …
Handout resource

9. Stay informed
Create their own goals
Develop leadership skills
Get support when needed
Work on board or committee projects
Act as ambassadors for the organization
Board Members …

10. “We have, for too long, only
been included because it is
the feel-good thing.
I want the world to do
better.”
Lisa Cooley
Disability and Human Rights Advocate
Authentic Voices

11. Respectful relationship
• Listen, observe, reflect
Meaningful support
With member, create a support plan
Encourage inclusion during the meeting
Facilitator/Coach

12. The Facilitator
Knows about the organization
Knows the meeting rules
Adapts materials
With member, creates strategies for
support before, during, after a meeting.

13. Plain (Clear) Language
A document is in plain language
if the target audience can -
Read it,
Understand what they read, and
Confidently act on it

14. Outcomes
Leadership with diverse membership
Plans with measurable outcomes
Inspired members

15. http://brcenter.org/lib_library.html