The Board Network Nonprofits are vital to our communities. Nonprofits are vital to our economy. The single most effective way to help nonprofits accomplish their missions is with strong boards of directors. Nonprofit board service is an effective way to develop the teamwork and leadership skills businesses desire in their employees. That's why The Board Network is working with businesses and others to help build strong nonprofit boards of directors in Maine. The Latest News Tuesday, July 2, 119 Nonprofit Board Trainings in 2005 Check out the Trainings & Events page for a listing of The Board Network board trainings and on-site training options. Tip from the Director: Closing a Board Meeting Allow a small amount of time at the end of each board meeting to verbally recap important points. This will help to keep board activities on track and help to ensure there are no misunderstandings. Restate decisions and agreements-This small step can help to uncover differences in what board members may have perceived. Review next steps-Go through agreed-upon next steps, making sure each item is assigned a deadline and a person to take the lead. Remove action items from the list unless someone has agreed to be accountable for their completion. This will help ensure things get done! Get feedback on meeting effectiveness-What worked well in this meeting? What might be done differently? Thanks!-Acknowledge board members' contributions. The most effective meetings involve and engage all members in some way.