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3 Tips to Make Your
Board Meeting More Effective |
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Leaving a board meeting feeling energized, focused, and even a little inspired? That’s the goal. But let’s be honest… not all meetings feel that way.
Whether you’re a board member, nonprofit staffer, or someone who’s just sat through a few too many long agendas, these tips are for you. They’re designed to help you lead better meetings, feel more connected, and get more done—no matter your role.
In this issue of Changemaker Mondays ☀️ ☕ 🌍, we’re digging into three simple shifts that can make your next board (or team!) meeting way more effective.
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Tip 1: Share the Agenda Early
Nobody likes to feel caught off guard.
That’s why it’s essential to send out your agenda and any related documents at least a week in advance (and set the expectation that members should look in their inbox for it then). It helps everyone walk into the meeting be prepared, focused, and ready to participate.
✨ Try this: Time-box your agenda items (e.g., 10 minutes per topic) to keep the meeting on track and wrap up on time. Tip 2: Engage Board Members Actively
Great board meetings aren’t just about updates—they’re about meaningful conversations that lead to real decisions.
So how do you get your board members talking and contributing in a focused way?
Try prompting them with intentional, strategic and sometimes open-ended questions like:
- “Can you help us stay mission-aligned?” → Invite questions that keep the conversation centered on long-term impact.
- “I’d love your high-level perspective.” → Ask for oversight on strategy and results—not day-to-day tasks.
- “Where can you help us remove barriers?” → Encourage board members to use their networks or influence to move things forward.
- “What risks or opportunities do you see?” → Welcome honest, constructive feedback to strengthen your approach.
- “Can we take a moment to reflect on what’s going well?” → Celebrate wins and reignite energy.
✨ Try this: Choose one of these questions to add to your next board agenda and see how it shifts the tone and depth of the conversation. Tip 3: Use Technology to Make Life Easier
We know that scheduling, document sharing, and setting reminders can be time consuming. That’s why board management tools—designed specifically for nonprofits—can be a game-changer.
Tools like Boardable, OnBoard, or even Google Workspace can:
- Store agendas, notes, and resources in one place
- Automate reminders and meeting logistics
- Save time and cut down on email back-and-forth
✨ Try this: Of course, getting people to use new, unfamiliar technology can sometimes be a challenge - so just start with one small tech upgrade at a time, like using a shared document (like Google Docs) for board goals or to track board goals or a free online poll (Google Forms) to find the best meeting time for everyone. Have a favorite meeting tip of your own? Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear what’s working for you. 😊
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- Due by May 15: The Ameriprise Financial Community Relations Program provides grants to nonprofits tackling basic needs, arts access and community development, and other causes.
- Due by June 2: The AWS (Amazon Web Services) Imagine Grant program supports nonprofit organizations in the United States that are using cloud technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. (Range: Up to $200,000 + service credits)
- Due by June 30: The DWF Foundation provides small grants to organizations in several countries tackling issues such as education, employability, environment, homelessness, health, and more.
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Keep an eye out for future workshops and events open to the public! In the mean time, need an event speaker or workshop trainer in 2025? Learn more about my services here.
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Enjoy this week's newsletter? You might find this video helpful, too.
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3 more ways I can help you
- I have lots of free content for you! Check out my library of 300+ educational videos on nonprofits, social entrepreneurship, fundraising, and more on my YouTube channel. If you like what I'm trying to do, help me reach more people like you - who want to make an impact - by subscribing to the channel and sharing it with a changemaker friend! 😁
- Need extra support to build or grow a nonprofit or social enterprise? Check out my Changemaker Accelerator membership. Learn more and join.
- Need a speaker or training workshop for your social impact event? I'm currently booking 2025-2026 speaking engagements -- check out my speaking and workshop opportunities to learn how I can help you make your event inspiring and actionable!
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Hey, Changemaker!
I'm Amber, writer of the Changemaker Mondays newsletter! I'm a nonprofit founder, speaker, and social entrepreneur on a mission to equip you with the tools you need to create positive change where ever you live -- whether you're starting a nonprofit or socially-conscious business, looking for a social impact job, or leading a volunteer project in your city. Don't hesitate to connect (socials below), or reply to this email if you ever have any feedback on how we can make Changemaker Mondays the best newsletter for supporting changemakers in the world!
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