Spring 2002

Community Literacy of Ontario

Source: The Association Consultants Report, Winter 2002

In most organizations the board positions are filled by elections. It says so right in the bylaws: “the members shall elect…” In most situations, the word “elect” or “election” conjures up images of parties, rallies, canvassing, debates, voters lists, and finally ballots and scrutineers. All very interesting, but in most organizations it’s only a theory.

The reality is that board members are elected—by acclamation! They are acclaimed into office because the number of candidates equals the number of vacancies. There is, at the annual general meeting, the usual question, “are there any nominations from the floor?” And, with few exceptions, there aren’t any.

This generally means that anyone nominated is almost certain to be elected by acclamation. So, in many organizations, the nominations committee has tremendous power and thus an onerous responsibility.

In our experience, the nominations process is a weak spot in too many organizations. We have seen cases where the nominations committee was a secretive group of old-time power brokers who neither sought nor welcomed advice or suggestions. Also, in complete disregard of the fact that the Executive Director probably knows more members than anyone else, we have read bylaws that state, “the Executive Director shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominations committee.”

How then should a nominations committee function? As we see it, the nomination function is a year-long talent scouting process. The committee should invite and welcome input from all board members and committees and particularly from the Executive Director.

Ideally, we prefer to see the nominations committee nominate more candidates than there are vacancies and thus force a vote. We recognize, however, that many organizations are reluctant to take this step. They should then ensure that the nominations process in open, proactive and progressive—that it is a search for new blood, the young, the imaginative, the talented. This approach will guarantee your organization’s future.

THE ASSOCIATION CONSULTANTS REPORT
“Planning, finance, chairing, supervision, presentation, teamwork,
leadership–the list of BOARD SKILLS sounds like a course in business
administration. Which is why staff recruitment specialists attach
importance to an applicant’s resume when it lists serving on the
board of directors of a non-profit organization.”