Q&As

Using catch phrases or acronyms makes it easy to remember certain principles or guidelines. Here are a few that will remind board members what their organization expects of them.

3 Ds refers to the legal obligations of board members. They are the duty of care, duty of obedience, and duty of loyalty. These duties require that a good board member makes prudent decisions, respects laws and the organization's legal documents, and puts the interests of the organization above personal interests.

The 3 Gs mean give, get, or get off. Many boards expect their members to bring in money by making a personal contribution or participating in fundraising, or both. If a board member does none of these, he or she may be asked to leave.

3 Ts and 3 Ws take a more holistic approach to board service. The Ts refer to treasure, time, and talent, and the Ws refer to wealth, work, and wisdom. Besides participating in securing finances (treasure and wealth), board members are expected to participate in activities (time and work), and contribute their knowledge and expertise (talent and wisdom.)