Posted May 13, 2026

I think people tend to avoid serving on committees, if they can help it. Ask people about committee work and you’ll likely get an earful about the lack of meeting attendance, the need for more direction, no clear understanding of the purpose or goals, and too few results. 

For some, the only thing worse than serving on a committee is being asked to serve as a committee chair. When I ask committee chairs how they became chair, I frequently hear, “I think I was 'volunteered.'” 

I was once asked to co-chair a committee by the chair. I agreed and then didn’t hear from that person again for two years. With no process or historical documentation, no role description, and no support, I came away feeling discouraged, frustrated, and unproductive. 

Despite the common challenges of committee work, the reality is that nonprofit boards and organizations need strong committees to be successful and sustainable. 

As a consultant, I’ve worked with clients to review and finetune their governance structure by guiding discussions with board and committee leaders to identify their goals, needs, gaps, and opportunities for collaboration. 

In my 10 years of learning about and working on nonprofit board governance, I have seen the need for written committee charters, nomination policies, role descriptions, succession plans, and standard operating procedures in young and mature nonprofits, large and small. These resources can be used to attract new committee volunteers and give leaders guidance and confidence, helping everyone feel more connected to the organization’s mission, increasing member engagement and satisfaction. 

I recommend that boards develop and keep updated and easily accessible the following documents and resources, including:

• Committee charter and committee member selection/nomination process and policies

• Agenda and meeting minutes/notes templates and an example

• Standard operating procedure template and an example

• List of committee member expectations 

• Contact information for other committee leadership to encourage collaboration

• Contact information for previous committee leadership to encourage the sharing of historical and institutional knowledge

• Access to previous and ongoing committee goals, meeting notes, agendas

• Document storage instructions or shared drive access

• Upcoming board meeting schedule to better coordinate committee meetings

• Committee reporting template for board meetings and an example

• Current organizational strategic plan

Boards can improve communication with and between committees by bringing together committee leadership annually (outside of Board meetings) to review expectations, to explain the role of the committees within the broader organizational context, and to address questions and concerns.

Admittedly, this process takes coordination and time, but it’s time well spent for the short and long-term effectiveness of the organization. If you need additional support to get a handle on your committees’ work and structure, I’m here to help! Let’s connect to discuss your needs.

Cathy