The Benefits of Virtual Board Meetings

As the disease continues to spread it becomes more difficult for nonprofit board members to meet in person to discuss important issues and provide strategic direction. In the aftermath, increasing numbers of organizations are deciding to hold online meetings during this crisis. While it might seem like a hassle, it could actually be an excellent option for nonprofits and charities to make their meetings more effective and efficient.

In addition to lowering expenses, online meetings are more convenient for everyone attending. There is no hassle of battling traffic and tight schedules to keep track of or stress from travel that can cause attendees to become distracted during the meeting. This increases the chance of board members attending virtual meetings and taking part in discussions.

A good program for managing meetings will allow you to record your meetings and archive them. This means that even if you are not able to attend a meeting, you can still access the minutes and other documents later. You can then go through and analyze your decisions and actions following the meeting.

To ensure that your virtual meetings are as productive as possible you must plan the meeting prior to. It is important to ensure that everyone is able to attend the meeting at a time that is convenient for them. You should also ensure that everyone calls from an area that is quiet to minimize background noise. Also, it is important to call a roll call at the beginning of the meeting to ensure that there is a quorum. You should also make benefits of virtual board meetings use of the voting functions of the meeting tool to ensure that everyone is engaged and avoid having to resort verbally or via "show of hands".