Q. Charles Keating asked about a scenario wherein members create a subset of the group like a sig, but don't want any input from the board and they go off charter. Or, when they want to offer services and be paid for them under the association's umbrella.
A. The more prudent policy is to ensure anyone acting on the association's behalf is operating under its charter, bylaws, and IRS requirements. If members are unaware of these, educate them. If they are informed and still want to do their own thing, the simple answer is no.
Q. Zoe C. made an interesting counterpoint to my They Won't If You Won't post, where I essentially opined that board members should financially invest versus expecting to attend major fundraising events for free. My point being, potential donors won't perceive value if directors don't exemplify this.
However, hers was also spot on. "As directors we are donating time and expertise and sometimes it is devalued because it's free. My fees as an accountant are very high to clients and non profits can be a black hole of need. There are times I spend hours on reports and recommendations and the board is very careless about implementation. If they had to pay me $300 an hour for that same information, they would take it more seriously. We help because we care but it shouldn't be taken for granted."
In fact, I think I'll post a separate blog about this issue. Thanks for the feedback, all!