BB Advisory Board Best Practices by Best Buddies International

Best Practices

Best Buddies Advisory Boards

What is the Advisory Board? A group of leaders in our local community with diverse backgrounds who work with local staff to raise funds and awareness and advance the mission of Best Buddies in our

area. • 12-20 members

• Recruitment can be ongoing – all nominations approved in December

Advisory Board Purpose  Engage the community to join our global

volunteer movement  Raise public awareness  Assist the staff in establishing strategic priorities  Support staff in generating the revenue necessary to

keep our local programs up and running 3

Advisory Board Structure

Leadership Roles  Advisory Board Chair • Plans, leads and supports follow-up of each advisory board meeting in partnership with BB staff • Plays a leadership role representing Best Buddies with their employer, in the community and with all organization fundraising initiatives, and annually at BBLC • Holds state Advisory Board members accountable and supports effective communication and volunteer management between Advisory Board and staff.

 Advisory Board Vice Chair  Committee Chair (optional)  Secretary (optional)  Nominating Chair (optional) 5

Committees Advisory Board Committees are not required but can be helpful. Possibilities include the following:

 Nominating Committee  Media / Public Relations Committee  Fund Development Committee  Program/Jobs Committee

Member Responsibilities  Participate in two signature events annually and local events where possible  Develop a donor prospect list (businesses/individuals)  Make a personal gift  Meet local individual fundraising requirement  Attend bi-monthly board meetings  Serve a two year term (up to three renewals) 7

Things to Keep in Mind… Prospect criteria to consider:  Previously commitment to mission

Expectations should be uniformly applied

 Time availability

to all members

 Access to corporate or community resources

Member Evaluations Advisory Board members should be given multiple opportunities to fulfill their role

 Commitment checklist annually  Chair and/or staff partner reviews checklist at the end of the year with each member 8

Recruitment & Onboarding  Reference Recruitment Packet  Diversity (age, ethnicity, gender, industry, geographic location, mission-focused (i.e. parents/nonparents)

 Adult Program Participant  Staggered terms for continuity and Advisory Board management  Professional and community connectedness  Appropriate representation from Citizens and school-based partners

Matrix Use this matrix to help determine what gaps in talent and expertise exist on your

Advisory Board and what types of candidates are still needed.

Staff Management  Advisory vs. Governing Board  Chair & Staff Partnership  Meeting Best Practices

Advisory vs. Governing Board ADVISORY BOARD  Advocates publicly for the program

GOVERNING BOARD  Advocates publicly for the program

 Assesses program impact

and provides technical

assistance

 No governing authority

 Governing authority

 No legal responsibility

 Legally responsible

 Works collaboratively with staff (does not manage)

 Manages staff  Fundraises

 Fundraises 12

Advisory Board vs. Staff Ultimately a Partnership BUT Important to understand differences in roles

Staff Responsibilities: Strategic Planning Approving Revenue Plan* Evaluation and Monitoring *strategy to help raise revenue

Meeting Best Practices  Bi-monthly or monthly meetings (60 minutes)  Consistent meeting location  Annual strategic planning meeting

 Advisory Board Chair leads the meeting  Agenda and previous minutes emailed 7 days before 

Advisory Board Chair along with staff partner develop agenda

 Members confirm attendance prior to meeting

Questions?