A video conference enables remote board members to view each other, even with different types of devices. For meetings, nonprofits can choose among a variety of video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, GoToMeeting WebEx, and Google Meet. Nonprofits may also opt to use a board management software that has an interface for meetings that allows for remote participation without leaving the platform.

The ability to observe the faces of participants can help encourage more interactive and participatory meetings. To ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, the chair should invite board members who are yet to speak, and limit the number speaking simultaneously. This ensures that the discussion doesn’t get focused on a single person and provides a more balanced decision-making process. To minimize background noise, make sure that everyone turns off their phones and use the mute function when they’re not talking.

Certain directors might not be familiar with the virtual meeting platform, and will be reluctant to speak out. This can hinder their participation and efficiency. This issue can be solved with an interface that is easy to use for meetings and a session of training that helps attendees become familiar with the software, and letting them practice before the meeting. The board could also design an agenda that is strict and has time limits for each item. This will ensure that the meeting runs smoothly and that the goal is accomplished. Board members can highlight digital documents and take notes to increase their participation and speed up the meeting. They can share their annotations with members to improve collaboration and the quality of the minutes of meetings.

market guide for board portals

Anderson Anselmo