In December, we were asked to accompany a non-profit organization in the cultural sector … on a Saturday.

The aim was to ensure that the volunteer board members agreed on the outlines of a memorandum so that the association would be fully prepared to make the right arrangements with the new town council.

A non-profit organization with volunteer board members on a Saturday …. Passionate culture lovers of all ages now acting in  a well managed team.

The day went smoothly.  And now a year after that sunny Saturday in January, I ask the president the question “what was the impact of the board day ?

His answer is twofold

– The content we talked through that day helped us well in dealing with changed expectations from the town council. We had enough content and unity to deliver not only a memorandum but also an evaluation.

– More importantly, some board members who were wavering in their commitment have now jumped back on the bandwagon completely. We have made decisions to ensure that each person feels a connection back to the mission and can contribute from their expertise.

For more information on group life phases in volunteer organizations, Joris Piot’s model is a very nice framework.