Online board meetings are a convenient method for nonprofits and their staff to conduct business. However, just like any other meeting, the effectiveness of a board meeting online is affected by various factors. This article outlines how to make virtual board meetings more productive and common pitfalls you should avoid.

Inactivity

Many nonprofit boards discover that they face challenges in keeping attendees from board portal tools for effective governance remote locations entertained during meetings. This is especially true if you’ve changed from face-toface meetings to remote sessions. Meetings may suffer from low participation if your board members aren’t accustomed to interacting via video or are struggling with the technology itself.

Committee reports are usually the least interesting items on the agenda, which is why it’s difficult to get people to participate in discussions about them in an online meeting. Encourage your committee members to include in their reports a query or request for feedback from the Board.

Inadequate meeting minutes

Minute-takers from your board are responsible for recording all important discussions and decisions made during virtual meetings. They should be careful not to describe personal opinions or informal discussions and should aim for a balance between clarity and thoroughness. It is crucial to keep your minutes verbatim and have a system for storing all documents with security including governing documents and financial reports. This will prevent confusion and improve accountability.