Doing Good Better: How to Be an Effective Board Member of a Nonprofit Organization

By Edgar Stoesz

Book Overview

This trusted handbook for nonprofit board service is newly revised and includes new case studies and even more tips and ideas from the trenches of nonprofit board work.

Doing Good Better is approachable wisdom. Edgar Stoesz has made Doing Good Better a guidebook for both board members of nonprofits, whether new to the task, or highly experienced. First, Stoesz identifies two failings common to many boards of nonprofit organizations that are often overlooked:

1. A board's governance role is very different from the role of management. "Making this distinction requires a reorientation for most board member, because in their day jobs, they are managers or employees."

2. Boards often fail at two matters: a.) preparation of their members, and b.) regular evaluations of their own effectiveness and focus.

In practical, pointedly-written chapters, Stoesz covers:
Helping Directors Understand Their Governance RoleA Plan to Fulfill the PurposeReporting Back to the MembersPlanning Effective MeetingsGreat Boards Have a Good Fight (occasionally)Working Your Way Through a CrisisGreat Boards CelebrateLeaving Right
Stoesz deftly interweaves background philosophy, vision, and razor-sharp specific ideas. "Discussion/Action Questions" conclude many of the chapters. In addition, Stoesz offers a "Board Evaluation Form," a "Director's Self-Evaluation Form," and an outline for the "Executive Director Annual Review."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561488240
• ISBN13: 9781561488247
• Release Date: June 2015
• Publisher: Good Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Does a good job

I bought this in tandem with Robert's Rules and this is so easy to read and makes sense. It should be given to every new board member. Board members need to know their job description and this book spells it out in plain english.

Essential Reading for ANY nonprofit board member

This short book is a necessary resource for any new board member. I read it on first going on my local Habitat for Humanity board, and have recommended it to every nonprofit board member I know. To a one, they come back and thank me for the recommendation. "Doing Good Better!" covers all of the essential information one needs to perform the nonprofit board member fiduciary responsibilities and obligations. And it does so succinctly and understandably. It is also written with an uplifting and positive tone -- it makes you feel good about what you're doing as a nonprofit supporter. I regularly refer back to this book both for support and encouragement, and to refresh my knowledge of my duties as a board member.