page 1 california casa association board of directors orientation october 2013
TRANSCRIPT
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California CASA Association
Board of Directors Orientation
October 2013
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Your Facilitators
Kevin Gardner– [email protected]
– 1-415-269-3585
Pat Bresee– [email protected]
– 1-650-369-6252
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Orientation Objectives
Through this orientation you will …Learn about California CASA (CalCASA)Find out about the Board and how it functions.Discover ways to participate and become engaged
in the CalCASA board.
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Mission
The mission of California CASA Association is to ensure children in the foster care system have both a voice and the services they need for a stable future.
We meet this goal by working on a statewide level, actively supporting the network of local CASA programs throughout California and advocating for progressive, child-centered child welfare policy.
We improve the scope, quality and impact of the CASA network by: Strengthening local programs with technical assistance, training, and resources.Evaluating CASA programs and sharing best practices throughout the state.Communicating the CASA perspective and advocating for progressive, child-centered legislation and policy. Identifying and pursuing valuable strategic alliances that leverage and/or expand our children’s resources statewide.
CalCASA Program Overview
We support California’s CASA programs… Provide comprehensive technical assistance such as:
– Identify and promote best practices in program operation, – Facilitate non-profit program management, – Facilitate pro bono legal assistance, – Develop and disseminate CASA practice tools (curricula and other
material via website, listserves, bulletins)
Provide evaluation, follow-up, and training to local programs, e.g.:– Evaluate local programs at tri-annual site visits with the AOC/CFCC,– Provide any technical assistance following site visits,– Host conferences, regional trainings, etc. aimed at improving CASA
efficacy .
– Provide advice and referrals for resources to local programs for fundraising and access to other support potentials
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CalCASA Program Overview
We advocate for California’s children… Provide the CASA perspective to California’s legislation through:
– Board-level Legislative Advocacy Committee, – Supporting and/or sponsoring needed legislation
Bring the CASA perspective to policy forums such as; Participating in numerous state-level problem solving meetings and workgroups, CA Blue Ribbon Commission of Children in Foster Care, Child Welfare Council, Judicial Council Family/Juvenile Advisory Committee, CA Children’s Justice Task Force, National CASA leg/advocacy committee, etc.
Enhance CASA practice and efficacy through gaining expertise through special initiatives, including: Educational Advocacy, Children of Incarcerated Parents, Mental Health, Family Finding and Engagement, Indian and Tribal issues (including IWCA, cultural competence, and serving Native children), Equity in serving children (cultural competence regarding race, disproportionality, sexual orientation, etc.)
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CASA Network in California (2012)
There are approximately 70,385 children in foster care in California. The first CASA program in California started serving children in 1978. 44 CASA programs serve 49 of California’s 58 counties 6,995 volunteers donated 486,920 hours (valued at over $12M) to
advocate for approximately 9,968 children in foster care. Statewide, 61% of programs reported increased revenue; 30% less
revenue, and 9% the same. Median cost per child was approx. $2,203. Full-time equivalent (FTE) program staff range from 1 to 47 positions,
with a median of 5. CASA programs serve children, youth, and young adults, ages 0-20.
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CASA Network in California (2010)
CASA programs are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations (except Alameda County.) The major revenue sources of these CASA programs in 2010 were:
Studies show that children with CASA volunteers are:
– More likely to receive necessary and appropriate services
– More likely to be adopted
– Less likely to re-enter the foster care system after they leave
Corporations & Foundations $4,262,964 21%
Fundraising Events $4,550,808 22%
Government (Federal, State, Local) $7,123,292 35%
Individual Donors $3,260,423 16%
Other Sources $1,164,975 6%
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Roles of a Board Member
• Hold the organization in trust for the entire community • Set policies and oversee all functions of CalCASA• Oversee the finances of CalCASA• Plan and implement fundraising activities• Provide and monitor personnel policies• Plan and evaluate programs and services• Make long-range and short-term plans for the agency• Oversee and monitor public relations and marketing
programs• Provide leadership and outreach to the diverse
communities we serve
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Board Expectations: Governance & Financial
Understand and evaluate policies and programs; oversee compliance with national, state and local standards.
Review and approve the annual budget and take an active role in fundraising to meet this budget.
Make an annual donation at a level that is meaningful in terms of your own personal resources.
Suggest friends and/or associates each year who will receive a solicitation (letter or email) as a part of our annual individual giving campaign.
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Board Expectations: Attendance
Attend regularly scheduled Board meetings. These are full day meetings held four times a year. They alternate in location between northern and southern California.
Participate in 45-minute board telephone calls as scheduled
Be an active member of at least one board committee. Optional events/activities:
National CASA Conference (Spring) Beyond the Bench Conference (December) Regional CalCASA & NCASA events (as scheduled)
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Board Expectations: Participation
Prepare in advance and actively participate in meetings. Assist in creating and maintaining connections to the
diverse communities of California. Advocate to the community and bring personal influence
on behalf of CalCASA. Assist in the recruitment or recommendation of new Board
members and CASA volunteers. Share unique skills and expertise with the Board,
including, but not limited to the following: – monitoring and strengthening programs and services– securing financial resources– identifying and recruiting board members and volunteers necessary to
support the programs of CalCASA.
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Board Expectations: Education
For Board members not already engaged in, or familiar with a local CASA program:
Attend an Advocate orientation session within 3 months of election to the Board.
Visit a session of dependency court hearings where the juvenile court judge may require an oath of confidentiality.For ALL Board members:
Attend a board orientation session when offered. Be informed about CalCASA’s mission, services, policies,
and programs.
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Finance: The Board’s Role
How is CalCASA financed?– The annual budget of CalCASA is garnered from private grants,
government sources, donations from corporations and individuals What is the board's role in finance?
– The board sets broad financial policy by identifying what the organization does with the budget
Major responsibilities:– Set the financial direction – Establish goals and approve a budget that makes it possible for the
ED and staff to reach the organization’s goals– Delegate implementation of financial policies to the ED– Monitor financial outcomes
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Finance: Fiduciary Responsibility
Each board member has a role in monitoring our financial health:– Are we on target with our planned expenses and revenues?
– Are we financially solvent?
– Do we have reserves to meet expenses?
– Will we have adequate income flow to pay future expenses?
Some specific guidelines:– Having a budget matters -- study it
– Recognize areas that can go wrong
– Review the monthly/quarterly numbers
– Don't expect that “next period will be better”
– Be concerned about risks
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Finance: Monitoring Outcomes
Directors have the responsibility to ensure that
the Executive Director is managing resources effectively The annual budget is the basic outline of the organization's
finances. The budget is much like a "checkbook". The ED is
responsible for balancing the "checkbook." The ED provides the board with regular financial reports and
the board approves them It is helpful to compare financials against the pervious
period and the same period the previous year.
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Strategic Planning
The Strategic Plan addresses the main issues that face the organization, accompanied by specific measurable objectives.
The Strategic Plan is a living document that is reviewed and revised regularly.
Every board and staff member is expected to participate in the development of the Strategic Plan, which typically is reviewed and modified every 2-3 years.
Every three years or so, a special planning meeting is conducted to review, revise, update and/or create this plan
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The Board’s Role in Supporting Local CASA Programs
The board’s has an informal role to positively influence the boards of local programs. In the past, for example:
CalCASA board meetings have been held in or near local programs – and local board members can be invited
Visit/attend local board meetings to introduce/discuss CalCASA (i.e. Keeping Our Promise Initiative)
Board-to-Board Telephone Sessions – optional training conducted by CalCASA board members for local CASA board members
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CalCASA Bylaws
Set the size of the board: 12-25 Explain how vacancies on the board are filled State the quorum for action: one more than half the
current # of board members. ED does not vote. Provide the provision for three peer-elected EDs who serve
as CalCASA board members Name the officers of the board and their duties Board officers are Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and
Secretary
CalCASA Organization
CEO
ResourceDevelopment
DataTechnology
Associate & Legal Director
Administration & Finance
Program
CalCASA StaffCory PohleyChief Executive [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 101
Phil LadewAssociate and Legal [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 102
Marissa GuerreroResource Development [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 103
Karen BowersProgram [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 108
Magdalena HickeyAdministrative/Financial [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 105
Janel BrownData/Technology [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 104
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Board Committees
Executive: Provide executive leadership. Lead by Board Chair and consists of board officers and the CEO. Optionally can include one or more board members at large.
Fund Development: Establish a plan (and execute) for board participation in corporate and individual giving. Work with staff to reach CalCASA’s annual fundraising goals.
Marketing: Create and execute marketing plan.
Board Development: Identify, recruit, and orient new board members. And, nurture current board members.
Legislative: Track, identify and educate staff/board on pending and proposed statewide legislation.
Audit: Work with staff to prepare year-end financial reports and to hire and manage auditors and present audit report to the board for approval.
Note: Finance & Human Resource responsibilities are delegated to the Executive Committee.
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CASA Resources
CalCASA website, www.californiacasa.orgNCASA, www.nationalcasa.orgNCASA IntrAnet, www.casanet.org CalCASA monthly Bulletins (see web-site)Non-profit Resources: www.compasspoint.org,
www.boardsource.org
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CASA Board IntrAnet
URL: www.californiacasa.org/Board/document_library.htm
User = calcasaPassword = boardTo post documents, update or problems, contact:
Janel Brown [email protected](510) 663-8440 ext. 104
CalCASA Board Document LibraryINTRODUCTION CalCASA Overview – doc CASA Annual Report (AOC) Mission Statement – doc CASA Map – pdf Board Orientation – ppt
RESPONSIBILITIES Board Job Description – doc Board Member Expectations – doc Board Meeting Calendar – doc
PEOPLE Board Roster – pdf Board Bios – pdf Board Demographics – pdf Staff org chart – pdf Staff list & bios – html
LEGAL CalCASA Bylaws – doc Annual Financial Audit – pdf Annual Tax Return (Form 990) – pdf Rule 5.655 CASA Program requirements – pdf Directors & Officers Insurance Rider – pdf
POLICIES & PROCEDURES Financial Controls – doc Employee Handbook – doc Reimbursement Form – xls Board Conflict of Interest Form – pdf Board Nominating Policy – pdf Board candidate Profile – doc Annual Board Assessment – TBD
BOARD CANDIDATE INFORMATION
BOARD MEETING DOCUMENTS
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Meetings
The Board meets for full day meetings, four times a year
Meeting locations alternate between a northern and southern California location
In between, there are periodic 45-minute telephone meetings
Committees meet (via telephone) at times set by their respective committee chairperson
Your role is:– Read information in advance
– Engage in discussions and ask questions
– Consider how the agenda topics impact your committee work
– Focus on the bigger, more strategic issues
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Conflict of Interest Policy
Conflict of Interest Policy– Principle: Act in the best interest of the entire
organization
– Keep your role with the local CASA program and your role with CalCASA separate
– Remember that you represent CalCASA in the community’s view
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Board Rules & Culture
Every organization has a different culture. Non-profit cultures (including boards) are intrinsically different from the private sector:
How we make decisions How we handle conflicts Some board members have more heart, some more logic. Respect &
Accept. We are all different, and that’s what makes our team work! Each of us has an opinion and the responsibility to voice it. Don’t be
silent – Speak up. Let others speak up too! The Board works by having many diverse
ideas & opinions. Don’t forget to have fun. Remember we are all here for the same
mission
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Ambassadorship
You are our newest Ambassador to spread the word:Associates, friends and community leadersCommunity affiliations (rotary, etc.)Your membership organizations – churches, clubs
and associationsCASA – National, California and peer chapters
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How do I get started?
Review the board files, documents & procedures on the Board IntrAnet site
Attend an introduction session for CASA volunteers. (One-hour overview about the role of the Advocate volunteer.) We can help you connect with a local program.
Court Visit at a local Dependency Court Tell your friends and colleagues about CASA Join a CalCASA board committee Identify and volunteer your friends and associates as
potential constituents or donors. Discuss with staff. Get to know your fellow board members and enjoy
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Questions?
That’s All Folks!