The Art of Drinking Water
Board Orientation & Governance Handbook
Purpose of This Handbook
Serving on a board may be new for many individuals. This handbook exists to make governance at The Art of Drinking Water clear, humane, and accessible.
Board Member vs. Director
In common language, the term board member is often used. Legally, the correct term is director.
At The Art of Drinking Water:
- All board members are legal directors
- All directors hold fiduciary responsibility
- Directors act collectively, not individually
The Role of the Board
The Board of Directors governs the organization. Governance is distinct from daily operations.
- Protect the mission and values
- Ensure legal and financial integrity
- Provide strategic oversight
- Support and evaluate organizational leadership
What Board Members Do Not Do
- Manage day-to-day operations
- Supervise staff or volunteers
- Act independently on behalf of the organization
- Represent personal opinions as official positions
Fiduciary Duties
All directors carry three legal duties:
- Duty of Care — Prepare, attend meetings, ask questions, and act with reasonable diligence
- Duty of Loyalty — Act in the best interest of the organization and avoid conflicts
- Duty of Obedience — Ensure the organization follows its mission, bylaws, and applicable law
Officers & Leadership Roles
The Board elects officers to support governance leadership. Officers may also serve as directors, but roles remain distinct.
- President — Governance leadership; presides over meetings
- Vice President — Supports the President; provides continuity
- Treasurer — Financial oversight and reporting
- Secretary — Records, minutes, notices, and documentation
Programs & Circles
The Art of Drinking Water expresses its mission through both programs and circles.
- Programs are structured offerings such as workshops, audio projects, writing initiatives, and public-facing experiences.
- Circles are smaller, relational spaces grounded in listening, consent, and non-extraction.
The Board provides oversight to ensure alignment and integrity. Board members do not facilitate programs or circles unless separately authorized.
Compensation, Stipends & Tax Compliance
Board service is voluntary and unpaid.
From time to time, the organization may offer stipends or honoraria for program facilitation, creative work, or operational support.
- Titles do not imply compensation
- All compensation requires written agreement and Board approval
- Disclosure and recusal are required when applicable
- W-9 / 1099 compliance is required
Meetings, Quorum & Voting
The Board currently consists of eleven (11) directors.
- Quorum: Six (6) directors present
- Voting: Majority of those present once quorum exists
- Abstentions: Recorded but not counted as votes
Common Board Terminology
- Quorum — Minimum number of directors required to conduct business
- Motion — A formal proposal for Board action
- Resolution — A decision adopted by the Board
- Fiduciary — A person entrusted to act in the organization’s best interest
- Conflict of Interest — A situation where personal interests could interfere with duties
- Minutes — Official written record of Board decisions
- Abstention — Choosing not to vote; does not block action when quorum exists
Board Onboarding Checklist
- Review the bylaws and this handbook
- Understand the mission, programs, and circles
- Complete conflict of interest disclosure
- Learn meeting cadence and expectations
- Ask questions freely
Culture & Care
The Art of Drinking Water approaches governance as a shared stewardship practice.
- Questions are welcomed
- Learning is expected
- Pace and care matter
- Accountability is grounded in trust
Closing Reflection
The Art of Drinking Water is not built on urgency. It is built on intention.
We steward not just an organization — but a way of being.