Description
Book SynopsisTemplates for Trustees is a four-part series designed by the Museum Trustee Association to focus attention on key processes and tasks of governance. The books and web-based customizable templates include tools that collect information and then guide the board in using that information to organize their thoughts, identify their priorities, and plan their actions. All templates in the series have two parts: a printed guide and an on-line website. Purchasers of the books have access to the ongoing assistance of MTA staff. Building Museum Boards examines emerging practices in nonprofit governance including diversifying board composition, improving board effectiveness, and strengthening the governance committee. The text and templates guide the governance committee through every step of the nomination and board-building process including identifying and cultivating board prospects; crafting job descriptions for members, officers, and committees; ensuring compliance with conflict of interest standards; and orienting and activating new board members. The entire process is summarized in an interactive calendar.
Trade ReviewAs soon as I got my hands on this nifty publication, I knew I could use it to re-fresh the responsibilities and expectations of senior board members AND have a great tool to help orient new board members to their important work. The 21st century museum trustee will be well-served by this handy publication. -- Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, president & CEO, Abbe Museum
I can finally retire my earlier edition of Building Museum Boards, and its vintage compact disc. Daryl Fischer and Laura Roberts have brought an essential text and tools (now online!) completely up to date. Museums of every kind, size and stage of development will find clear, sympathetic guidance and advice for building their boards. Many thanks to the Museum Trustee Association for its continuous support of Building Museum Boards and the other guides in the Templates for Trustees series. -- Maureen K. Robinson, author, Nonprofit Boards that Work: The End of One Size Fits All Governance
The Museum Trustee Association series on working with Boards is a wonderful resource for them and the director. The templates lay out best practices for board members--participating in strategic planning, engaging in accreditation, and empowering them to work with the director ensure the museum’s financial stability. -- Nancy Doll, director, Weatherspoon Art Museum, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MTA’s templates have been extremely helpful to our Board of Trustees and our staff. They provide relevant and useful information that is easy to use. Their 'real world' orientation makes them essential tools for any museum. -- Bruce Eldredge, executive director, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, WY
The MTA templates are a most useful tool for governance and board development committees everywhere. They are simple to customize and to collate--great attributes for museums like ours. I've even used them for non-museum organizations wishing to survey the talents and skills on their boards. -- Lynn Homeier Rauch, vice president, Board of Trustees and chair of Governance and Board Development Committee, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD
The Building Museum Boards materials are a one-stop shop for organize the governance process. With minor rejiggering, I have made them work for my new organization outside the museum world. The Profile Summary has been particularly helpful not only for identifying areas that we need to fill, but has also broadened my knowledge of the skills and areas of influence of my new Board. -- Joy Peterson Heyrman, executive director, VCCA
The Museum Trustee Association templates are a conversation starter for any Board looking to transform or grow its governance process. The series balances best practice standards with customizable content to address the needs of museums of all sizes. As a new Executive Director I used the templates as a self-guidance tool to set priorities for my first year. They served as a catalyst for dialogue with my Board about how to most effectively implement mission and vision. -- Annette LeZotte, former executive director, Kauffman Museum
Table of ContentsAbout Templates for Trustees Using the Templates for Trustees Online App Best Practices in Museum Governance Building Museum Boards User’s Guide Chapter 1: Understanding the Nominations Cycle Chapter 2: Gathering Feedback from Current Board Members Chapter 3: Identifying New Board Prospects Chapter 4: Clarifying Board Roles Chapter 5: Delineating Committees and Task Forces Chapter 6: Securing Commitments from Board Members Chapter 7: Assessing the Process Chapter 8: Orientating New Board Members Resource Guide for Building Museum Boards Appendix One: Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Task Forces - Sample Purposes and
