TDM Board Member

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* Board members steer TDM towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure this nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

* When there is paid staff in place, rather than steer the boat by managing day-to-day operations, board members provide foresight, oversight, and insight: think of them as up in the crow's nest scanning the horizon for signs of storms or rainbows to explore! Yes, board members - your role as stewards of the nonprofits DOES involve fundraising.

What’s the role of the board of directors of a nonprofit corporation? Just as for any corporation, including nonprofit corporations, the board of directors have three primary legal duties known as the "duty of care," "duty of loyalty," and "duty of obedience."

In sum, these legal duties require that nonprofit board members:

1. Take care of the nonprofit by ensuring prudent use of all assets, including facility, people, and good will; and provide oversight for all activities that advance the nonprofit’s effectiveness and sustainability. (legal "Duty of due care")
2. Make decisions in the best interest of the nonprofit corporation; not in his or her self-interest. (legal "Duty of loyalty")
3. Ensure that the nonprofit obeys applicable laws and acts in accordance with ethical practices; that the nonprofit adheres to its stated corporate purposes, and that its activities advance its mission. (legal "Duty of obedience")