The Maine Association of Nonprofits has summed up the critical importance of regular self-assessments for boards: "A strong, vibrant board of directors is a clear indicator of a healthy organization. Yet even the best organizations need a periodic check-up to ensure that they cannot just survive but will really thrive in today’s environment. To check your board’s vital signs, or to put in place practices and strategies for a healthy and energized board, the best place to start is with a board self-assessment."
The most effective boards are those that regularly and candidly ask themselves: "How can we do better?" This page from the National Council of Nonprofits offers a variety of resources to support the process of engaging in board self-assessments.
