Role of Board Members
The WRA Global Board of Directors
The WRA Global Board of Directors is the overarching governance body for the Alliance on a global level. The Board is made up of a combination of members elected from and by the WRA membership-at-large and members with specific expertise appointed by a vote of the Board.
The WRA Global Board of Directors upholds the following responsibilities:
Fundraising
- Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with the Executive Director to support the strategic plans of the WRA;
- Contribute to WRA’s fundraising efforts through identifying potential donors and supporters, accompanying the Executive Director on fundraising visits and other events as needed;
- Engage in substantive ways at annual fundraising events.
Planning
- Determine and periodically review the organizational mission, vision, principles, and long range goals and resources;
- Participate actively in monitoring the progress of the WRA’s strategic plan;
- Review and approve major policies.
Organization and Management
- Select an Executive Director and monitor her/his performance through a mutually agreed upon process of performance management;
- Conduct the annual performance review of the Executive Director;
- Review the performance of the Board annually and take steps to continually improve its performance;
- Orient new Board members;
- Monitor and advise on overall performance of WRA programs and operations to ensure they are consistent with the WRA’s mission and goals;
- Monitor and provide feedback to all committees and working groups of the WRA on a continual basis.
Oversight
- Provide financial oversight by annually reviewing and approving the budget and any major capital expenditures of the WRA Global Secretariat;
- Ensure that proper financial controls are in place at the organization;
- Ensure that fiscal, legal and ethical integrity and accountability are maintained;
- Ensure that a regular independent audit is conducted, and review and monitor audit findings.
Representation of WRA
- Articulate the organization’s mission, vision, principles and accomplishments in order to mobilize public and community support and increase membership;
- Represent and promote the WRA to Board member’s own organizations, networks and affiliates;
- Represent WRA at annual meetings, conferences and events;
- Provide professional support to the Executive Director in ways which assist her/him in furthering the goals and mission of the WRA;
- Advocate for issues pertinent to safe motherhood and establish relationships with donors and partners to further the goals of the WRA.
INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to the general responsibilities of the Board, each individual member has committed to the following responsibilities:
- Understand, agree to, and effectively implement good governance principles to guide the performance of the Board;
- Attend Board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events; (At a minimum, this would include two two-day meetings and two teleconferences per year);
- Review agenda and supporting materials prior to Board and committee meetings;
- Serve on committees or task forces and complete special assignments;
- Inform others about the WRA at appropriate public forums;
- Stay updated on developments in the safe motherhood and newborn health field;
- Follow policies on conflict of interest, code of conduct, and confidentiality;
- Represent own organization or networks to the WRA and report back to the organization on WRA accomplishments and needs;
- Finance own participation in the Board meetings (sponsorship may be available for National Alliance representatives);
- Contribute to WRA’s fundraising efforts.
