Why do board members check out, and how do you bring them back? In this episode of Little Bit of Good Presents: The Board Shake Up, Dr. Renee Rubin Ross gets real about turning seat-warmers into co-owners of the mission. We dig into meeting design that sparks participation (think small-group connection, not endless reports), onboarding that builds belonging from day one, and practical accountability, like clear expectations, attendance tracking, and term limits that actually mean something.
Renee breaks board engagement into three levers: formal structures (role clarity, job descriptions, commitments), informal practices (relationship-building, story-sharing, culture statements, meeting agreements), and equity (who’s at the table, whose voices shape strategy). We explore “power with” instead of “power over,” keeping trustees connected between meetings, and why a strong board chair can make, or stall, momentum. Plus, a real-world case of a board shifting from policy-only to true governance by co-creating an authentic ambassador pitch with staff.
About Dr. Ross:Founder of The Ross Collective, Renee is a strategist, facilitator, and educator who designs inclusive, participatory processes for boards and staff. She directs Cal State East Bay’s Nonprofit Management Certificate program, teaches Strategic Planning and Board Development, and is a former board member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Management. Her work centers racial equity, community engagement, and governance that drives social change.
If your board meetings need less rubber-stamping and more shared ownership, this conversation is your playbook.
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