Online Board Meetings Benefits
As a non-profit there is a chance that you have a limited number of board member slots. Many of these slots are difficult to fill because of the time commitment required for travel and attending meetings in person. Virtual board meetings eliminate travel as well as the need to sync calendars, which makes them more accessible to busy board members and can increase the likelihood of participation.
It’s also easier to organize and attend virtual meetings, which could lessen the amount of preparation required prior to each meeting, and the necessity to coordinate meeting space. This will reduce the workload of your board, which best redaction software can be beneficial for your organization and its bottom line.
Another advantage of board meetings that are online is that they allow you to connect and get board members involved. The right technology platform can enable this engagement by providing tools for communication using video conference, discussion and presentation through chats and whiteboard collaboration. These tools can be used in a similar way as a face-to-face meeting but still respecting the rules of participation and meeting protocols.
To keep engagement high it is recommended to reduce the length of meetings and take breaks when needed. It is also beneficial to offer training for board members who are not tech-savvy and encourage the use of various meeting tools. This includes muting, polling and using the virtual “raise your hand” option. Members can also write questions in the chatbox.