Online board meetings are virtual meetings that make use of a reliable video conference software. These meetings are conducted from home or other locations with internet connectivity. They offer many benefits including greater governance for nonprofits, more efficient meeting times and a wider range of participants.
If you’re planning to hold online board meetings, the first thing to make sure to check local laws and www.board-room.blog/how-characteristics-of-board-of-directors-affect-companys-performance/ regulations and with your mission-driven group. They are generally governed by the internal policies of certain mission-driven companies as well as organizations, and may be illegal in specific states or regions.
Before a virtual meeting, participants should ensure that their equipment (computer headsets, headsets, microphones) is working correctly. The organizer of the meeting should set up an agenda and invite all attendees to attend. They should attach a copy the agenda to the calendar invite to ensure that everyone is aware and is able to add notes, comments or feedback prior to the time. This will streamline the meeting and improve engagement.
Board members must adhere to the rules of an online meeting during the meeting by turning on their camera and only speaking if they are called upon. The chair of the board can solicit volunteers who would like to lead the discussion, and also appoint a notetaker. Additionally, the chair should conduct quick check-ins in order to ensure that all participants are paired up and on the same page.
After the meeting is concluded it’s important to follow-up with any deadlines and actions that were arranged in person or on the board’s online platform. This will increase accountability and allow board leadership to contact any members that aren’t following through with their duties.