I understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of Jennings County United Way, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals.

I believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward.

I understand Board Members have certain legally required (fiduciary) duties, including duties of care, loyalty and obedience.

Duty of Care

The duty of care describes the level of competence that is expected of a board member, and is commonly expressed as the duty of "care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise in a like position and under similar circumstances." This means that a board member owes the duty to exercise reasonable care when he or she makes a decision as a steward of the organization.

Duty of Loyalty

The duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization. This means that a board member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain, but must act in the best interests of the organization.

Duty of Obedience

The duty of obedience requires board members to be faithful to the organization's mission. They are not permitted to act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization. A basis for this rule lies in the public's trust that the organization will manage donated funds to fulfill the organization's mission.

 

Jennings County United Way, its board, President and director, will strive to empower board members with the resources, training and information necessary to carry out responsibilities. Our board president or director will respond to any questions necessary to carry out the fiscal, legal, or moral responsibilities to this organization, or discuss program and policy, goals, and objectives. Meeting notices according to the by-laws and relevant materials are provided prior to meetings, including regular financial reports and Directors and Officers insurance is provided.

Board members are expected to help with fundraising and campaign in ways that best suit their individual time and talents, and make their own gift at a personally significant level.

Board members are expected to prepare in advance for, and regularly attend meetings as well as participate in one or more committees, and board trainings. Meeting attendance is defined in the by-laws.

Board members will keep a current confidentiality agreement on file, and update it when known conflicts change.

I understand and accept the responsibilities and expectations of a member of the Jennings County United Way’s Board of Directors as detailed completely in the Board of Directors Manual. I received access to the BOD manual, including the board member's job description, in the members area of jcunitedway.org  during orientation to the board.