Written consent agendas can be a useful governance tool that helps nonprofit boards streamline meeting procedures. They blend routine and non-controversial issues into a grouping, which can then be put to a vote and then incorporated into the board minutes. This method allows for shorter meetings and more time for discussion of high-priority issues.

These items are routine, such as financial reports with accompanying budgets, committee updates, approvals of the most recent draft of the board meeting minutes and other non-controversial topics. These items are on the agenda prior to the meeting, then reviewed by board members, and then approved as a block at the start of the meeting.

Before the vote the chair of the board may inquire whether any member of the board wants to move an item from the agenda of consent to the discussion portion of the meeting. This allows every board member to answer any concerns or questions before the groupings are decided upon. It also ensures that there are no problems that were not intended to be missed during the process to gather information to be approved by the board.

A well-crafted agenda of consent can be a useful instrument for nonprofit boards in improving meeting efficiency, increasing board director involvement and enhancing productivity. It is crucial to remember, however, that the consent agenda should not be used for issues that require extensive discussion or thoughtful consideration, or if a discussion could alter the outcome or impact of the issue. It should only be used when a decision is able to be made without debate. The outcomes of all votes must be recorded in the minutes of the board meeting.

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