The Consequences when Bylaws & Policies are not updated with a Nonprofit

BECOMING A BOARD MEMBER vs. BEING PART OF A NONPROFIT ORG. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - In a nonprofit setting — where mission, volunteers, donors, and reputation all matter — the goal is to resolve conflict professionally without escalating personalities.

If you have already experienced passive-aggressive behavior multiple times with another member, the approach should be structured, documented, and values-driven, not emotional. More importantly, avoid further conflict without having anyone to witness that type of behavior/attitude, as in the past.

Professional framing, while expected as a standard practice, becomes difficult to achieve when the individual responsible for the issues does not acknowledge their role and responds defensively or reacts sharply to those raising concerns.

In this case, your best way to handle resolution is going to your “Governing Board” — This is also standard in a nonprofit setting, for those who don’t have that experience. 👉 (I have served on many boards and have also been a part of many nonprofit organizations over the last 25 years)

This would then refer to the nonprofit’s code of conduct, bylaws, or ethics policy, which involves your Executive Director, Board President Chair, HR or Board or “Governance Committee” — However, if your bylaws and policies are outdated, especially in a nonprofit, the consequences can be significant and compounding — because gaps in governance tend to surface precisely when conflict or risk arises. The person that it can affect the most are the ones that brought the original concern and issue forward for resolution.

When you deal with people who consistently initiates or contributes to conflict but avoids accountability by reframing themselves as the victim, often deflecting responsibility and seeking sympathy rather than addressing the issue.

In nonprofits, unresolved interpersonal conflict becomes a governance issue, not a personal one, but when it comes to defending your professional position as a business owner and/or your value of position in the community, it is more than just business, it becomes personal.

In short, if you are currently a Board Chair, Chair Committee, or Member, be sure you do your diligence about your involvement with that nonprofit organization. While volunteer roles are in place, most nonprofit based organizations require paid membership fees. So if you are paying to be a member, then your organization should be also protecting your membership as the concerned member.

1. The current board of directors needs to make sure all your bylaws, procedures and policies are in place and documented and accessible by its members.
2. The current board refrains from threatening members over conflict rather, give respect to solve the pending conflict and issue at hand.

— — — - On a positive note — there are many great nonprofit organizations out there that are making a difference and changing the lives of many people. ❤️If you want to give your nonprofit organization a shout-out, be sure to comment below.