Board Member Commitment Form

I understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Colquitt County, I have a legal, fiscal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in the development and pursuit of its goals.  I believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward.

As part of my responsibilities as a board member:

• I will interpret the organization’s work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson.

• I must volunteer on at least one committee of the board.

• I will attend all board meetings and committee meetings possible.  I understand that if I miss 50% of the meetings asked to attend in a calendar year, I may be notified that my board membership might be discussed at the next executive board meeting per the By-Laws of the organization.

• Each year I will make a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to me.

• I will make every effort to attend other special United Way sponsored events such as the annual Day of Action, Celebration Luncheon or Dinner and Kick-Off Breakfast and Fundraisers.

• I must serve on one of the allocation panels during the Annual United Way Allocations. (Typically, two half days during the month of May)

• I will act in the best interest of the organization and excuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest.

• I will resign from the board if my personal or business conduct will create a negative impression for the organization.

• I will stay informed about what is going on in the organization.  I will ask questions and request information.  I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other board matters.

• I must participate in Small Business Blitz by selecting three – five small businesses to contact during the United Way Campaign season.

• I will work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners towards achievement of our goals.  I will recognize my responsibilities as a board member in the leadership of the organization and respect staff’s responsibility for management of the organization.

• If I do not fulfill these commitments to the organization, I will expect the board president to call me and discuss my responsibilities with me.

• United Way is involved with a variety of fundraising efforts.  It is encouraged that I participate, support, or promote these efforts where possible.

In turn, the organization will be responsible to me in several ways:

• I will be sent, without request, bimonthly financial reports and board meeting prep packets that allow me to meet the “prudent person” standards of the law.¹

• Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the executive director and the board president the organization’s programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, I can request such opportunities.

• The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about issues in the industry and field in which we are working, and by offering me opportunities for professional development as a board member.

• Board members and staff will respond in a clear, concise, and timely manner to questions that I feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal, and moral responsibilities to the organization.  Board members and staff will work in good faith with me towards achievement of our goals. 

• If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board president and executive director to discuss the organization’s responsibilities to me.

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