Draft Interpretive Plan Join the adventure! - Captain John Smith ...

Be careful to recruit board members who have the skills and enthusiasm to pursue the
organization’s mission. Look for water trail enthusiasts who are also accountants, public
relations professionals, engineers, planners, attorneys, or community leaders.
The evolution of most boards of directors follows a three-step pattern:
1. Steering Committee
Sometimes the people who are most helpful initiating the water trail effort do not want to
be involved in building and managing the trail. Public officials and business leaders, for
example, might be willing to serve on the steering committee during the trail’s formative
stages, but they might not have the time to serve on the board of directors.
2. Working Board
Most young water trail organizations have few or no staff members. The board of
directors has to tackle everything from answering the mail to writing newsletters, from
keeping the books to choosing access sites along the trail. At this point, board members
must have the time, energy, and interest to keep the project moving forward.
3. Governing Board and Staff
At some point in their development process, many trail organizations become staff-led
operations. This does not mean that the board is absolved of responsibility. It means the
role of the board changes. The board delegates program implementation and decisionmaking
authority to an executive director and staff. The board now focuses its attention
on planning, fundraising, and governance of staff activities.
The executive director hires, fires, and directs all staff members. Board members approve
budgets and employment polices, adopt strategic and operating plans, and accompany
staff members at meetings with potential donors.
How Boards Work
One of the most convenient ways for boards to work is to form permanent committees
responsible for management policies, finances, and personnel and to form temporary
committees to oversee special projects and studies.
Recognizing Value of Volunteers
Never underestimate the value of volunteers! A single volunteer can cause more change
in a community than a government agency or an organization. A whole corps of
dedicated volunteers can do wonders.
• Whether they volunteer out of passion or are specifically recruited for their expertise, they
play key roles in the organization. Do not take them for granted.
• Give them productive, meaningful tasks that are integral to achieving the goals of the water
trail project.
• Lead by example. Be willing to do anything and everything you ask volunteers to do.
Participating in work projects and other activities can inspire loyalty to the organization
and its mission.
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