Canada’s charitable and nonprofit sector is the 2nd largest in the world. In our country alone there are and estimated 170,000 nonprofits and charities employing over 2 million people.
This massive sector is governed by volunteer boards of directors. That’s right, passion driven volunteers are legally responsible for 8.1% of our GDP – larger than the automotive or manufacturing sector - and represents $106 billion dollars.
Given the magnitude of responsibility that these individuals carry it is a little disconcerting that governance remains the number one weakness in the vast majority of organizations. If we are going to improve the health of the charitable sector we need to start first with addressing the challenges of working with a volunteer board of directors.
At the International Fundraising Congress in the Netherlands last fall I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about these issues with one of the worlds most acclaimed non profit governance experts.
In this uncensored, candid and thought provoking conversation Simone and I have a chance to really get to the heart of how to help your board of directors be as successful as possible.
Watch this space for my next podcast with Simone when we discuss her choice to be deliberately provacative and the risks of what she refers to as “dysfunctional politeness”.
Simone Joyaux, ACFRE, Adv Dip is described as “one of the most thoughtful, inspirational, and provocative leaders in the philanthropic sector.” Simone guides organizations and professionals through consulting and coaching, teaching and writing. Her three books receive rave reviews – and she’s contributed to several others. Simone speaks worldwide and teaches in a university masters program. She regularly serves on boards, often as chair, and has founded two nonprofits. You can follow Simone on twitter at @spjoyaux
Kimberley MacKenzie, CFRE is deeply passionate about building the capacity of the charitable sector. Kimberley is Editor of Hilborn, Charity eNEWS and also works with a variety of organizations to advance a culture of philanthropy among staff and senior volunteers, and ultimately raise more money for their missions. She serves as a member of the Advisory council for the Rogare Think Tank in Plymouth University and is Director of Education for the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County. Contact her via @kimberleycanada, or visit www.kimberleymackenzie.ca.
