There are times when your organizations members ask to attend your board
meetings. Other times you may want to invite guests to make a brief
presentation. Either way a guest policy is required or an appropriate signal
to them that it’s time for them to leave…….. This can be awkward
especially if this timing coincides with an in camera meeting or even if you
just want to get some business done without someone standing over your
shoulder.
One method in dealing with this seems to stand out. It is simple
communications from the Board Chair to the guest letting them know the
organization has a policy (yes, you do need a policy) that all guests review
and initial their Guest Board Attendance Card. A sample copy is below. It’s
preferable to send this to the guest in advance rather than handing to them
as they walk in the room.
