Through a stewardship statement, boards can crystallize the deeper significance of their work for themselves, as well as for staff and other volunteers, and can communicate clearly about the critical role that foresight plays in achieving the full impact of effective stewardship. Here is an example of a stewardship statement that has been edited to remove specific association references:

As its primary stewards, the board of directors ensures that the association’s day-to-day activities connect with the long-term evolution of the profession. The board supports staff’s efforts to create distinctive and meaningful value for all stakeholders through its thoughtful oversight, ongoing strategic thinking and foresight, and consistent investment in innovation. The board also strives to ensure that its work, as well as the work of other association contributors, embodies a shared commitment to collaboration, passion, and professionalism.

The board’s duty of foresight is made explicit in this stewardship statement. The statement establishes the key elements underpinning the board’s strategic legitimacy, clarifies how the board thinks about its own stewardship responsibilities, and demonstrates a readiness to learn through the pursuit of innovation.

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