Using Motions and Resolutions in a Nonprofit Board Meeting | SE4N podcast

SE4N's A. Michael Gellman and Benjamin Takis discuss the difference between motions and resolutions, with examples of when it is recommended to use written resolutions that are circulated to Board members in advance of the meeting.
For further reading on this topic, check out: www.se4nonprofits.com/blog/qa...
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[@claresailing]

This was very helpful. Thank you. :)

[@se4nonprofits]

Our pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@adelecohn6423]

I appreciate the information you have provider. But I so have a question that I can't seem to find an answer. Can a board president make a motion or second that motion?

[@se4nonprofits]

It depends on what the organization's own Bylaws or internal policies/guidelines say (if they address this topic at all). However, in most cases any Board member can make a motion or second a motion including President (assuming the President is also a Board member). Of course, the same person shouldn't both make the motion and second it.

[@Advocate4life]

so are resolutions similar to the Articles and Bylaws?

[@se4nonprofits]

Not exactly, although the distinction can get confusing. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws are governing documents that contain the rules for how the organization is run. Motions and resolutions are just proposals for any action to be approved by the Board. The Board shouldn't be approving motions or resolutions that are not consistent with the Articles and Bylaws, except there can be a motion or resolution to amend the Articles and/or Bylaws. I hope that helps!