By Tricia Fusilero
Association Manager
Big Buzz Idea Group
In the vibrant world of nonprofit organizations, time is precious. Every minute spent in a board meeting is a minute invested in moving a mission forward. To make those moments count even more, many nonprofits are turning to a handy little tool: the consent agenda. This ingenious approach transforms board meetings into streamlined gatherings, where routine matters are bundled up neatly, leaving more room for the good stuff—like brainstorming big ideas and making magic happen.
At its core, a consent agenda is a bundle of uncontroversial items and everyday tasks that need a thumbs-up but won’t set off fireworks in the discussion (ex. approving minutes from previous meetings or giving a friendly nod to routine committee updates). By packaging these bits together, organizations can fast-track decision-making, giving board members more time to focus on more strategic planning without getting lost in the weeds.
One of the biggest perks of a consent agenda is its time-saving superpower. By sending out materials ahead of time and giving board members a chance to familiarize themselves, meetings become turbo-charged. Of course, the secret sauce is ensuring everyone actually reads the information before the meeting! If there’s something that needs discussion, provide flexibility in the agenda to allow for that. Instead of drowning in the details of routine reports, the Board can swiftly tackle these items with a collective thumbs-up, which is especially handy for board members juggling a million other commitments.
When sending out the Board packet, make sure to spotlight the strategic topics slated for discussion and furnish any pertinent supporting materials to aid board members in their pre-meeting preparations. Additionally, if a vote is on the agenda, be sure to flag it in your email notification. It’s ideal to send out the Board packet with a comfortable lead time of a few days, preferably a week, giving individuals ample opportunity to delve into the contents. Recognizing that board members are volunteers with busy schedules, allowing for evening or weekend reading of reports can greatly facilitate their engagement with the material.
The consent agenda boosts Board engagement. With less time spent on the humdrum, meetings allow space for brainstorming and strategic planning. Plan at least 20 minutes for strategic planning discussions. This shift from paperwork to power moves lets board members unleash their creativity and expertise, driving the organization toward its goals.
The consent agenda is also a champion of transparency and accountability. By bundling all the routine stuff into a neat package, members and stakeholders get a crystal-clear view of what’s cooking in the organization’s kitchen. This transparency builds trust and shows everyone that the Board is keeping a watchful eye on things while keeping the wheels turning smoothly.
By embracing the consent agenda, nonprofits can keep the leadership train chugging along smoothly. With a standardized process for routine matters, the organization becomes less dependent on individual board members or their encyclopedic knowledge. This consistency ensures that the show goes on, even if some key players are taking a breather, keeping the organization strong and steady.
See below for a sample of a consent agenda based on a 90-minute meeting. If your Board only meets for an hour, you can remove the second discussion topic and adjust timing accordingly.
Name of Organization
Date & Time of Meeting
Meeting Location or Zoom Information
Mission Statement: (Putting the mission statement on your agenda reminds the Board about the importance of their work. If they are struggling with a decision, they can ask themselves, “Does this serve our mission?”)
Board Roster with Positions: (Include all names and positions as this helps not only keep track of attendance but provides an historical account of Board members’ roles and responsibilities at a particular time within their board service.)
AGENDA
| TIME | TOPIC | LEADER |
| 8:30 am | Call to Order | XYZ, President |
| 8:35 am | Roll Call | XYZ, Secretary |
| 8:40 am | Consent Agenda
· Minutes · Executive Director Report · Committee Reports · Event Status |
XYZ, President |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE
Motion: Second: Vote: |
||
| 8:45 am | President’s Report | XYZ, President |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE | ||
| 8:55 am | Treasurer’s Report | XYZ, Treasurer |
| 9:05 am | Discussion Topic #1: | |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE | ||
| 9:25 am | Discussion Topic #2: | |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE | ||
| 9:50 am | Old Business | |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE | ||
| 9:55 am | New Business/Announcements | |
| ACTION REQUIRED/NOTE | ||
Next Meeting – DATE
