Harmony House Board Meeting Observation Report

The observation of the Harmony House Board Meeting happened on Tuesday, January 26th at 5:30 in the evening at Harmony House at their once a month board meeting. The board consist of 21 members of those members 15 were in attendance in addition to 3 staff members, and 1 guest speaker. The board members present included representatives from local businesses, the healthcare field, law enforcement, financial institutions, accounting firms, lawyers, and higher education. The board meeting attended was the first meeting with new board leadership. First, observation needs reviewed to understand the dynamic of a board meeting is to see what information is received by the board prior to the board meeting. The board meeting agenda is prepared by the Executive Committee and Executive Director. The Executive Committee meets each month, a week prior to the board meeting and during this meeting

The meeting started three minutes late and ended seven minutes later than it was intended to. The article we read stated that if it was a habit some board members may arrive late, which was the case was for two of the board members attending this meeting. The recommendation would be more consistent starting and ending promptly on time. The next observation was based on the article was strategy number one which states to start with the mission at the beginning of board meetings. Harmony House’s board did this by having what they call a Mission Moment at the beginning of the agenda. During this moment they have a client come in from the shelter and share their personal testimony of how Harmony House has helped them through their time escaping an abusive relationship. Mission Moment started the meeting and really brought a focus to room of why Harmony House is needed in the community and set the tone for the rest of the