Community organizations and groups are often well-established machines – organized, managed and doing the same types of things for a long period of time. 

That type of long-term management can certainly insure continuity.  But, it is not always conducive to creativity, inclusivity or flexibility.

The ability of boards and organizations to function at high levels of performance over time means that they remain agile and flexible.  This can be accomplished by insuring that the organization provides itself with routine training that provides it with tools and strategies that position it to function efficiently. 

There are also a few foundational principles that signal whether or not an organization is “healthy” – meaning that they have not polarized or isolated the decision making function of the organization.  These principles include: 

• Does the organization maintain established terms of service for all elected positions on the board? 
• Does the organization seek to be inclusive and open to new members – including those from diverse backgrounds and new or potential users of the organization? 
• Does the organization make their by-laws or established guiding documents easily accessible to the membership?
• Does the organization actively seek opportunities for strategic planning?
• Does the organization actively seek opportunities for training and development of its members?
• Are organizational leaders positioned with strategies to address problem solving and conflict management?

To learn more about conflict management or communication strategies that can be helpful to boards and organizations, access the SDSU Extension Community Development publications “Leadership for Today:  Effective Group Communication” or “Leadership for Today:  Managing Conflict Within Groups”.   Or, for more information, contact SDSU Extension Community Development at 688-4792 or by emailing Karla Trautman.