The Big Picture
True or False: Holden is a 501(c) (3) corporation.
True
True or false: Non-board members can serve unlimited terms on HV Board committees.
False -- non-board members can serve up to 3 two-year terms on any given committee or task force and may serve on up to 2 committees or task forces concurrently
Name the 2 Standards for Board members according to the bylaws.
Act in good faith, with the care an ordinary prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances; and in a manner the Board member reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the Village.
Regularly attend all annual or regular meetings. Absence from multiple may be followed by a letter of concern from the Board and may result in removal from the Board under Section 3.6 below.
True/False: The Executive Committee of the Board has all duties and powers of the whole Board when the Board is not convened?
True. Any action taken by Executive Committee remains in effect until revoked or amended at a future meeting.
True/false: Board members are strongly encouraged to use a free week's stay at Holden for themself and/or a +1 and/or children under 18 and/or their caregiver during "non-peak time"
True!
What is Holden's Commitment to Justice Statement?
For the sake of Justice, Holden is called to:
Foster Diversity through deliberate invitation and welcome; Deploy an ethic of Equity to confront and dismantle systemic oppression; and Practice Inclusion by listening to, learning from, and being transformed by marginalized voices,
In order to become, together, the community for which God longs.
What is the acceptable size range for the Holden Village Board?
Which of the following would disqualify someone from being considered as a Holden Board member?
(a) Not being Lutheran
(b) Living outside of the USA
(c) Being Holden staff within the past 2 years
(d) Working for an organization with which Holden has business dealings
(c) Being Holden staff within the past 2 years
Which officers of the board are (generally) elected in even-numbered years?
President and Treasurer.
That means this summer (2025) VP and Secretary roles are up for election.
What is the length of one HV Board term? How many consecutive full terms may a member serve?
1 term= 4 years
3 consecutive full terms is the max.
What is the Mission of Holden Village?
Growing from the love of Christ, Holden Village is a courageous community that welcomes all people into the wilderness to form and renew their relationships with God, the earth, and each other.
If a HV Board member resigns or otherwise leaves a vacancy on the Board, what would happen? (3 options)
1. New member elected at a regular or special meeting. They serve to the end of the vacated term.
2. New member temporarily appointed by the Executive Committee (simple majority vote) until the next regular or special meeting, when the whole board elects a new member. They serve to the end of the vacated term.
3. Vacancy remains unfilled.
Which of the following is NOT expected of HV Board members?
a) Make an annual gift of at least $100 to Holden Village
b) Serve on at least 1 committee
c) Relate to Holden's current constituents and build new relationships on behalf of Holden
d) Affirm and engage critically with Holden's mission, vision, and values applied in real life situations
a)Make an annual gift of at least $100 to Holden Village
There is no specific amount that board members are asked to contribute, but rather we are asked to give at a "personally significant" level annually
What are 3 required qualifications for the Executive Director(s)?
(a) possess an understanding of and a commitment to the mission, vision and core values of the Village; (b) have a demonstrated ability in administration; and (c) have a demonstrated commitment to a Lutheran faith community, or a denomination in full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
True/false: Written documents distributed to/by the Board are confidential unless they are approved governing documents, approved minutes, or something that has been a board action to approve the release of information.
True.....
Not about keeping secrets but about sharing responsibly. General rule I've heard is ok to talk about and share in general, don't distribute written materials unless explicitly discussed.
What are the 8 values/commitments of Holden Village?
Holden is a gift and an invitation to build and practice community both within the Village and in the greater world.
We value …
our place in the wilderness that nurtures spiritual, emotional, and physical growth
our Lutheran roots, which strengthen us to face the world with faith and good courage
community-building, through hospitality, dialogue, justice, liturgy, humor, solace, and wholeness
our rhythms of Village life
We commit to be…
a community in which daily life is meaningful
a community that embraces the intellectual, spiritual, and emotional aspects of faith
a community where questions are valued and encouraged
a community that lives out its mission with joy, participating in the gracious love of God.
To which committees are board members elected, rather than appointed?
Nominating & Executive
If a HV Board member has an assessment or critique of a staff person's behavior at the Village, what should they do?
Any of the following: Discuss with an Executive Director or another HV Board member.
Policy Manual 1.3.7 and 1.3.8
What is/are the Executive Director(s) of Holden responsible for?
Any of the following: The Executive Director(s) will: (a) be responsible to the Board for the conduct of the office and for maintaining and carrying out the mission and vision of the Village; (b) direct the planning and execution of the programs of the Village; (c) conduct the business of the Village in keeping with the policies and directions of the Board; (d) cooperate and coordinate with the various constituencies of the Village to enhance the effectiveness of the Village’s programs; (e) serve as the chief executive and chief spokespersons of the Village; and (f) perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.
Name the 4 Pillars of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan
A: Holden Village is a community that boldly articulates a desire to explore our relationships to God, each other, and the Earth. We welcome new and different voices into respectful dialog regarding our similarities and differences.
B: The Holden Village community examines social and economic power structures that drive climate change and structural injustice, and responds with individual and collective action.
C: Holden Village is a community that supports people along their faith and life journey.
D: Holden Village is a community that ensures economic, physical plant infrastructure, and personnel resources are in place to sustain the Village into the future.
Name at least 3 key responsibilities of the Holden Village Board.
1. Mission: Direction, shape and implementation of the Village’s purposes through the fulfillment of its Vision, Mission and Values
2. Directors: Select, support, hold accountable the Executive Directors
3. Board: Elect Board members & leaders (officers etc.)
4. Fiduciary duty: Steward of public trust, act in interests of what is best for the Village, act as ambassadors of Holden in community
5. Other?
Name at least 5 of the current committees/task forces of the Holden Village Board
Any of the following: Executive, Governance, Nominating, J:EDI, Finance, Investment, Advancement, Environment/Ecology, Holden Experience, Risk, Facilities, Hydro, Museum
If a Holden Board member disagrees with a decision the Board is making, what should they do?
Board acting as a whole body provides written policies (broad, high-level) which describe the outcome to be achieved and any situations or actions to be avoided, thus empowering the Executive Directors to to use any reasonable interpretation of these policies.
How does a new committee come to be on the HVB?
The Board adopts a resolution by majority vote to establish a new committee. President appoints people to committee and they establish a charter, which the whole board affirms to adopt. The Board may create and dissolve committees as needed to complete their work.