Using a policy model for governance by a board of directors gives the organization operational definition. Beyond the board of directors establishing policies describing the desirable outcome or ends they must set out an authorization for someone to act to make those end results into the desirable results. It creates calmness where chaos once ruled.
For consideration, the following are some examples of policies a board of directors might adopt. These examples are incomplete and intended for starting thinking about policies.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will be active in all five avenues of service as described in Article 6 of our Club Constitution. Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to implement activities and programs in each of the five avenues of service.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will annually provide financial support and participate in the programs of the Rotary Foundation. Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to support the activities and programs of the Rotary Foundation.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will not have a weekly meeting once during each quarter and have a social event for all members and their partners on the day of the regular meeting. These social events will be intended to promote the first Object of Rotary, “The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service.” Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to implement these social events.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will provide financial support, participate in the programs of and encourage members to provide leadership to District 5300 of Rotary International. Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to support the activities and programs of the Rotary District.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will be diligent in maintaining and expanding the current level of membership. Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to support the activities and programs of the Rotary Foundation.
- It is the policy of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Somewhere that this club will establish and pay a suitable stipend for the president-elect to attend the Rotary International Convention in the year prior to becoming the club president. Before the beginning of the Rotary year the president will appoint a chairman and members of this club to serve on a committee to support the activities and programs of the Rotary Foundation.
Please keep in mind that these are only the partial examples of what policies should like. Next week we will talk more about what policies are and how they should look.