NOVEMBER 2019
BY LOIS MAHARG
Nonprofits periodically need to take stock of where they are and where they’re going, and see to the well-being of the organization itself. So amid plans for a program expansion, NAMI Washtenaw County’s board of directors met for an all-day retreat on Oct. 12 at University Commons.
“This is the best board retreat I’ve ever been to,” said board member Mark Creekmore in a debriefing session at the end of the day.
Activities in work sessions included reviewing the rules of basic board governance; clarifying the roles of and relationships between board members and staff; and discussing how to welcome, orient, integrate and retain new board members.
NAMI Washtenaw staff and past and future leaders were invited to participate in some activities, bringing the total attendance to 25 people. Seated around tables, they listened as bank vice president Nancy Heaston, a specialist in human resources, talked about how organizations like NAMI can better manage generational differences among volunteers and staff. Then, one by one, NAMI program leaders got up in front of the group to describe and answer questions about their peer-led programs. Opportunities to socialize and network included getting-acquainted activities and lunch catered by board member Chuck Hughes with help from volunteers Debbie Mayberry and Kellie Mayberry.
Soon, the board is expecting to acquire new members. Another board retreat will be held in the spring.