I understand that, as a member of the Board of Directors of Civitan International, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization performs its best work in 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:
1. I will interpret the organization’s work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson.
2. In turn, I will interpret our constituencies’ needs and values to the organization, speak out for their interests, and on their behalf, hold the organization accountable.
3. I will attend board meetings, committee meetings, and special events.
4. Each year, without having to be asked, I will make a personal financial contribution and participate in fundraising programs.
5. I will actively recruit, encourage, and support new membership annually.
6. I will recuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest.
7. I will stay informed about what’s 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 matters. I will not stay silent if I have questions or concerns.
8. While I am a member of this board, I will make every effort to vote in every public election.
9. I will work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward the achievement of our goals.
10. When board decisions are made, I will unite and support and represent the decision as my own.
11. I will be a responsible steward of the organization’s financial resources, ensuring they are managed prudently and used to further its mission.
12. I am responsible for the Region finances and will prudently manage the revenues and reserves.
13. If I don’t fulfill these commitments to the organization, the board president will discuss my responsibilities with me, and if issues persist, the board may take appropriate action as outlined in the bylaws and policies.
The organization is responsible to the board members for . . .
In turn, the organization will be responsible for me in the following ways:
1. I will be sent, without having to request them, financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow me to meet the “prudent person” standards of the law. (The “prudent person rule,” applied in many legal settings in slightly differing language, states that an individual must act with the same judgment and care as, in like circumstances, a prudent person would act.)
2. Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the executive vice president and the board president the organization’s programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, I can request such opportunities.
3. 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.
4. Board members and staff will respond straightforwardly to questions that I feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal, and moral responsibilities to this organization. Board members and staff will work in good faith with me toward the achievement of our goals.
5. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board president and executive vice president to discuss the organization’s responsibilities to me.
