Individuals with varied backgrounds can play a role in shaping their world through meaningful participation in advocacy and governance. It is believed that expanding access to fuller engagement for some, by providing access to understandable information and support, enriches opportunities for all. The online video series, Boards for All, with plain language training and tools for all users can help community citizens learn about performing effectively as a member of a provider agency board, councils or advisory committees. This award winning (ClearMark Award, Center for Plain Language 2012) is a straightforward training in board governance and facilitation that opens doors for individuals to contribute.

1. Mark Starford I 2014
APSE
Board Member Engagement

2. Leadership
Responsibilities
Communication
Accommodations
Planning
Board Members
Engagement

3. Engagement
Relationship
+
Action

4. Engaged members are
involved, enthusiastic and
further the mission
Motivated and Effective

5. National Organization
Provides direction and training
Disseminates information
Mentors regional leaders
Promotes leadership opportunities

6. Regional Boards
Provide orientation for members
Create goals and plans
Encourage participation
Provide leadership opportunities
Support the national organization

7. http://www.brcenter.org/BRC_Board_Training/training2.shtml

8. Provides Leadership and Vision
Assures policies are adhered to
Arranges board training/evaluation
• What can we do better?
Board Chair

9. Communicates expectations
Involves members in planning
Thanks members for their efforts
Board Chair

10. Meets with members to learn:
What motivated them to join?
Are they satisfied?
What are their strengths?
What would they like to accomplish?
Board Chair

11. Stay informed
Create their own goals
Develop leadership skills
Get support when needed
Work on board or committee projects
Community networking
Board Members

12. http://www.brcenter.org/BRC_Board_Training/training2.shtml

13. “We have, for too long, only
been included because it is
the feel-good thing.
I want the world to do
better.”
Lisa Cooley
Disability and Human Rights Advocate
Authentic Voices

14. Respectful relationship
• Listen, observe, reflect
Meaningful support
With member, create a support plan
Encourage inclusion during the meeting
Facilitator/Coach

15. The Facilitator
Knows about the organization
Knows the meeting rules
Adapts materials
With member, create strategies for
support before, during, after a meeting.

16. Plain (Clear) Language
A document is in plain (clear) language
if the target audience can -
Read it,
Understand what they read, and
Confidently act on it

17. http://www.brcenter.org/BRC_Board_Training/training5.shtml

18. Outcomes
Leadership with diverse membership
Plans with measurable outcomes
Inspired members

19. Delivering the Message
Steve Jobs said, “This is a
complicated world, it’s a noisy
world, people will not remember
much about us.
We have to be clear about what we
want them to know about us.”
1997 Think Different Campaign

20. mark@brcenter.org/molly@brcenter.org
http://brcenter.org/lib_library.html