Policy Section:   Board Process		Policy Number:  BP-13
Policy:   Orientation and Training		Date Approved:  April 24, 2003
		Last Date Reviewed: Nov 2007
		Last Date Revised:
		Number of Pages: 2

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The Board is dedicated to developing Board members’ skills and understanding, which enable them to govern more effectively.  Thus, the Board invests time and resources in orienting and training Board members.

1.    While orientation is recognized as an on-going process, all Board members participate in an initial formal orientation process that highlights critical information.  This orientation occurs at the first meeting of new Board members.  This orientation includes:
a)    An orientation to the AWNA
b)    An orientation to the Board
c)    An orientation to the individual role of the Board member

The orientation to the AWNA includes:
a)    The general scope of the AWNA, including the mission statement, vision, history, values, and services
b)    The bylaws of the AWNA
c)    The roles, relationships, and structure of all levels of the AWNA
d)    Key issues facing the AWNA
e)    The strategic plan and expected annual outcomes

The orientation to the Board includes:
a)    The governance role of the Board
b)    The Board’s policies
c)    The Board’s annual calendar
d)    The Board’s relationship with other boards and the AWNA
e)    Overview of the budget process

The orientation to the role of Board member includes:
a)    Specific responsibilities, expectations, and benefits of Board members
b)    Level of authority and accountability
c)    Role of committees and available resources
d)    Methods of reporting and communicating

2.    The President and the Executive Director prepares an orientation plan, and updates, on an annual basis, both the orientation plan and the orientation manual that each new Board member receives.

The Board may establish at least one annual formal Board development session for the benefit of the Board members