What should the board of a national nonprofit, with affiliates in every state, do when it is under attack?
Well, that was the question facing ACORN and now its the question facing Planned Parenthood. ACORN, with thousands of individuals who at one time or another were supported by or worked with ACORN, didn't fare so well. It remains to be seen on the Planned Parenthood story.
But what about a board in these situations which don't only occur nationally but locally and statewide as well? I propose that one board job is to have the conversation about what is perceived to be the problem by those who attack. I'm confident that both national and local Planned Parenthood boards have spent a lot of time, many years, engaging in this conversation.
So what is left? I propose that if a nonprofit board believes its duty of care involves not only making prudent decisions on fiduciary matters but also ensuring that mission is pursued and accomplished, then that board would want to step up and be active voices in making its case to those who are raising the questions. Being active voices could involve: editorials (in what remaining papers exist); television and radio appearances; and, buttonholing representatives. I think it could also involve personally reaching out to friends and constituents and those who have been favorably affected by the work.
The bottom line, for me, is that situations like that being faced by the Planned Parenthood board, provide an opportunity to learn more about what duty of care may really mean. Hope as a board member you don't have to face this kind of fight but be mindful that care extends well beyond just making prudent financial decisions.