NASW, OH Chapter Board Orientation

NASW Mission

NASW is a membership organization with three primary functions:

1. Enhance professional growth and development of its members.

2. Create and maintain professional standards

3. Advance sound social policy.

NASW Governance

• Delegate Assembly• 200 elected delegates• 22 voting members of the National board of Directors• 56 chapter executives and the National executive director

with non-voting delegate status • National Board of Directors

• 4 Officers & President Elect• 1 MSW Student, 1 BSW Student• 2 at-large members, 1 elected from a CDF chapter• 13 Regional Representatives

• Executive Committee• 4 Officers, 4 Board Members, and President-elect

Chapter Guiding Documents

Chapter Bylaws National Bylaws Nominations/Election Standards Personnel Policies for Chapters Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan

CLICK ON THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS TO ACCESS

Chapter Boards’ Roles

Honor mission of the Association

Manage Chapter finances responsibly

Conduct program and policy planning and evaluation

Chapter Board Executive Committee

Mandated committee of Board officers

Takes action within general policies, programs, and budget

Board Members are to have knowledge of…

Short and long-term program priorities Contracts or agreements that affect

chapter activities Traditions and culture of the chapter Annual goals and objectives Fiscal health of chapter

Program and Priority AreasBoard members shall become familiar with the

following areas of chapter business:• Legislative/electoral issues

• Issues that impact the chapter

• Membership recruitment and retention

• Social work public education campaign

• Annual conference planning

• Web Communications

• Administration and Management issues

• NASW Governance

Partnership with National

Chapters are extensions of the NASW National Office

National Office fosters peer-to-peer exchange

Collaboration and Partnerships are

Fostered.

NASW, OH Chapter

Chapters and Purpose

NASW has 50 State Chapters and a chapter in:• New York City;• Metro-Washington, DC;• Puerto Rico;• The U.S. Virgin Islands;• Guam; and a• International Chapter

The program and structure of chapters are for the purpose of

encouraging and facilitating member

participation.

The program and structure of chapters are for the purpose of

encouraging and facilitating member

participation.

Chapter Accountability• We are ONE Association• Chapters are accountable to the National Board

of Directors:• Through regular review of annual reports

• Expending funds

• Managing human resources

• Carrying on activities in accordance with the program and policy objectives of NASW

• The National Board has the power to levy sanctions for noncompliance.

National Office Accountability

Committee on Inquiry/Professional Review

•Oversees chapter professional review activity

•Collaboration between the chapter and the National Office on the review process and distinct roles and Responsibilities.

How is the Chapter Financed?

Rebates from membership dues

Supplemental grants at discretion of national board of directors

Non-dues income

Support to Chapters from National is provided through Chapter Services

• Fosters communication• Quarterly Newsletter – The Bridge• Quarterly conference calls with presidents &

Executive Directors• Promotes information on NASW Web site

and Chapter Extranet

• Training• Provides leadership training and development

Chapter Services

• Assists with Executive Director Transitions• Assist with ED transition plans

• Serves on ED search committee

• Facilitates contract process with NASW’s office of General Counsel

• Monitors Chapter Development Fund for chapters with 1,000 or less members• 3% of each member’s dues are allocated to CDF

chapters.

Chapter Services Staff

Samuel Read, Division Director, Customer Service

Sue Jashinsky

Richard Loomis

BOARD MEMBER AND CHAPTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Roles and Responsibilities

Functions of Chapter Board Effective organizational planning Provision of adequate resources Manage resources effectively Determine and monitor the Chapter’s programs

and Services Support Association’s social work public education

campaign Support the executive director and review her or

his job performance Assess its own performance

What is your role as a Board Member?

•Keep mission current•Articulate vision for future•Develop strategic and annual plans•Establish and dissolve committees and task forces•Ensure financial solvency•Enhance organization’s public image•Build membership

What is the role of Chapter Executive?

•Oversees and is responsible for, the chapter’s day-to-day operations

•Participates in, and supports, the board policy process

•Administers and implements board policies

A Board Member Brings…

Expertise in a variety of areas Knowledge of the community Ability to be spokespersons Support for a democratic process Capacity for critical review of ideas and issues. Varied experiences and interests.

New energy and perspectives.

Executive Directors Bring

Professionalism and expertiseBasic knowledge of the AssociationAbility to interpret board policyCapability to coordinate board

activitiesIdentification of potential problems

Directors’ and Board Officers’ Liability Insurance

Specific insurance policy to safeguard board members and the association

Coverage against lawsuits resulting from performing board duties

D&O insurance is a separate policy from the general liability policy.

Legal Responsibilities

Duty of Care

Duty of Obedience

Duty of Loyalty

Legal Responsibilities

BOARD Exercises fiduciary

role Maintains corporate

status

EXECUTIVE Informs the Board Compiles information

for annual filing Implements financial

and business arrangements

Signals if problems are likely to occur

Prepares budget

Financial Responsibilities

BOARD Reviews periodic

financial reports and changes in financial position

Ensures proper controls are in place

EXECUTIVE Oversees

preparation of periodic financial reports

Implements proper financial controls

Planning Responsibilities

BOARD Supports the mission

and proper direction for Association.

Reviews program plan and progress and evaluates programs.

EXECUTIVE Develops specific

program goals and objectives based onboard specified mission

Develops reports to demonstrate progress.

Personal Responsibilities

BOARD Adopts/reviews

personnel policies Hires executive

director and evaluates performance

Approves executive’s salary and compensation.

EXECUTIVE Implements personnel

policies Hires all other

personnel and evaluates performance

Recommends staff salaries and compensation.

Revenue Raising Responsibilities

BOARD Establishes fundraising

foals Participates in

fundraising efforts Approves membership

recruitment and retention plan.

EXECUTIVE Makes recommendations

and assists in fundraising efforts

Implements the fundraising plan

Implements membership recruitment and retention plan.

Board Governance Responsibilities

BOARD Maintains board minutes and

manages lapsed board members

Provides committee oversight

Conducts bylaws reviews

Conducts the nominations and elections process

Conducts board self-evaluations.

EXECUTIVE Archives board minutes

Provides committee support

Implements bylaws amendments

Provides support for nominations and elections committee

Provides support for board self-evaluations.

Short Legal Checklist Do meeting notices

meet requirements of bylaws?

Have minutes of meetings been approved by the board?

Are motions clearly stated and votes recorded?

Are all local, state, and federal reports accurate and timely?

Are contracts current? Are budget reports and

balance sheets distributed regularly?

Are board actions in compliance with bylaw?

Are bylaws reviewed regularly?

Is that national Office consulted on legal issues that arise?

Board Code of Conduct

Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and accountability

Proclaims support for good governance and commitment for its observance

Expresses the moral framework of the Association

Observes rules that are in the best interest of the Association.

Robert’s Rules of Order

NASW refers to Robert’s rules of Order for guidance on meeting facilitation and management

The rules articulate the proper parliamentary procedure to address the order of business

At the chapter level, it is not mandatory to follow Robert’s rules verbatim.

Governance Documents

NASW Standards for Chapter Operations Conflict of Interest Policy Removal of Board Member Policy Evaluation of the Executive Director Strategic Plan PowerPoint

CLICK ON THE ABOVE DOCUMENTS TO ACCESS