Board of Trustees Pledge: Sample Template
Are you looking to create a Board of Trustees that operates with a shared vision, fosters open communication, and demonstrates a strong commitment to your mission? Imagine working with a team of dedicated individuals who bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, sharing collaboratively to make informed decisions and drive positive change. It all begins with clarifying expectations the moment someone becomes part of the Board team!
In this blog post, we'll be sharing a fantastic template that churches and Spiritual communities can use to ensure their Board members fully understand the expectations of behavior when serving on a board. By implementing this pledge, organizations can foster a harmonious and productive environment where everyone is aligned towards a common goal. So, let's dive in and discover how this pledge can help your community thrive!
What is the Purpose of a Board Pledge?
One thing we've learned through our work with teams over the years ... most people don't set out with the intention of being a bad team player! It usually evolves out of a lack of understanding about what is expected and how to be a successful team member. That's why a Board Pledge activity is so essential!
A Board Pledge or commitment is an essential tool that helps set the tone for a successful and harmonious Board of Trustees. It serves as a guiding light, outlining the expectations of behavior and conduct for all board members.
By making a commitment to uphold the values and principles of the organization, board members demonstrate their dedication to the mission and vision of the church or spiritual community they serve. This pledge not only fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among board members, but also ensures that everyone is working towards the common goal of creating a positive and impactful experience for the community. It is a powerful reminder that each board member plays a vital role in shaping the future of the organization and that their actions and decisions have a direct impact on the lives of those they serve.
With a Board Pledge in place, board members can confidently navigate their roles, knowing that they are part of a team committed to excellence, integrity, and the highest standards of service.
How to Share the Pledge
All too often, new Board members are handed their commitment pledge, told to read it, sign it, and turn it in to the minister or Board President before their first meeting. Is anyone besides us surprised when the Pledge is not taken seriously, and rarely if ever actually drives performance?
Here's the best way to create a Board Pledge that drives exceptional team performance, building the foundation for a Board that really works!
What's Included in a Board Pledge?
Creating the wording of the Pledge is an important part of this experience -- and deserves your dedicated time and attention. If you do not currently have a Pledge, creating one is a powerful activity for a Board to do together. (This is another whole process -- contact us if you'd like us to facilitate the process for your Board!)
What follows is a template for a Board Pledge. Remember, it is only a sample -- not an absolute! Use it to create a Pledge that works for you and your Spiritual Community.
I, _________________________, recognizing the important responsibility I am undertaking in serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, hereby pledge to carry out in a faithful, trustworthy, and diligent manner the duties and obligations in my role as a Board member. I understand that our By-Laws outline the overall policies of this ministry and that this pledge outlines my personal commitment as a Board member concerning how we govern the ministry.
MY ROLE:
I acknowledge that my primary roles as a Trustee are as follows:
- To hold sacred the spiritual trust of the congregation of this ministry;
- To contribute to defining, implementing, and cultivating our strategic objectives, vision and mission by helping to govern the fulfillment of both;
- To carry out the functions of the office of Trustee and/or Trustee Officer as stated in the By-Laws and policies;
- To hold sacred my own prayer life and spiritual growth, so that I may set a Spiritual-centered example for others.
MY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
I will enthusiastically exercise the duties and responsibilities of this office with prayer, integrity, and care. My commitment is as follows:
- To establish as a high priority my attendance at all Board meetings and committees on which I serve;
- To be prepared to discuss the issues and business addressed at scheduled meetings;
- To work with and respect the opinions of my peers who serve on this Board and to leave negative personal biases out of all Board discussions;
- To hold in confidence all matters deemed confidential by the Board;
- To represent this ministry in a positively supportive manner at all times and in all places;
- To display Spiritual-centered conduct in all Board and committee meetings;
- To refrain from intruding on administrative issues that are the responsibility of the Operations Team, except to monitor results and methods that conflict with Board policy;
- To support in a positive manner all actions taken by the Board of Trustees, even when I am in a minority position on such actions;
- To avoid conflicts of interest between my position as a Trustee and my personal life. (If such a conflict arises, I will declare that conflict before the Board and refrain from voting on those matters.)
- Attend agreed-upon meetings, and oversee the accomplishment of the meeting objectives.
- Participate in:
- Sunday services and classes, Board and membership meetings, spiritual community socials, and spiritual retreats;
- Board self-evaluation programs;
- Board development workshops, seminars, and other educational events that enhance my skills as a Board member.
TRUSTEE CODE OF ETHICS:
As a member of this Board I will:
- Listen carefully and attentively to the views of fellow Board members;
- Respect the opinions of the Minister(s) and fellow Board members;
- Respect and conscientiously support the majority decisions of the Board;
- Recognize that all authority is vested in the full Board, only when it meets in legal session;
- Keep well-informed on developments relevant to issues that may come before the Board;
- Bring to the attention of the Board any issues that I believe may have an adverse effect on the Ministry or those to whom we minister;
- Refer legitimate complaints to the Board for review;
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
- Recognize that one of my roles is to ensure that the Ministry is well-managed— and not to manage the ministry;
- Represent all those whom this Ministry serves and not a particular interest group;
- Consider myself a “trustee” of the Ministry and do my best to ensure that it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interests of those we serve;
- Always strive to perform my responsibilities with integrity.
As a member of this Board I will not:
- Criticize the opinions and/or decisions of the Minister(s) or my fellow Board members outside of the Boardroom. (While healthy disagreement is welcomed during Board meetings, our differences will not be aired outside our meetings.)
- Use the Ministry for personal advantage (or that of my friends and relatives);
- Use my position to threaten;
- Discuss the confidential proceedings of the Board outside the Boardroom, or promise how I will vote on any issue before the meeting.
- Interfere with the duties of the Minister(s) or undermine the Minister’s authority with Staff members.
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Signature of Board Member
We affirm this will be helpful in creating a Board of Trustees that is successful -- and fun to work with!
