Characteristics of an Effective Board of Directors

1.    Effective boards understand Independent Living Philosophy and are willing to support it.

2.    Commit their time to meetings, training, and getting involved in organizational efforts.

3.    Demonstrate leadership qualities through setting goals and providing direction for achieving those goals.

4.    Represent cross disabilities and total community representation.

5.    Knowledgeable about finance, law, management, and social policy and other influential members of the community.

6.    Plan and receive periodic training regarding their responsibilities, roles, and mission.

7.    Understand the board by-laws and demonstrates legal responsibility of the CIL.

8.    Have job descriptions outlining board and committee responsibilities for each position.

9.    Have board member manuals, which define, board responsibilities and responsibilities delegated to the center employees.

10.  Communicate with center employees through the center's executive director.

11.  Geographically represent the entire service catchment area.