Resource Library
In Part 6 of CLCC’s Board Development Toolkit, we explore why onboarding and training matter. Effective onboarding and ongoing training are crucial for ensuring that board members are engaged, informed, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to your land trust’s success. Onboarding provides new members with the tools they need to understand their roles and responsibilities, while continued training ensures that all board members stay current with best practices, legal obligations, and organizational priorities. Investing in these processes strengthens the board’s capacity, fosters a culture of continuous learning, and promotes long-term success.
Key Tools for Onboarding and Training
Onboarding Resources
A well-structured onboarding process is essential for integrating new members into the board effectively. It sets the stage for their success by ensuring they understand the organization’s mission and their responsibilities. Providing resources such as onboarding checklists, board manuals, and orientation meetings helps new members quickly become active contributors.
Examples & Resources:
- Board Orientation Article – Courtesy Land Trust Alliance
- Board Orientation Checklist – Courtesy BoardSource
- Board Manual Outline – Courtesy BoardSource
Continuing Education Opportunities
Continued learning ensures that all board members remain engaged and informed. Opportunities like conferences, workshops, and webinars provide valuable insights into governance best practices, fundraising, and strategic planning. These educational opportunities strengthen the board’s capacity to address challenges and seize new opportunities.
Examples & Resources:
- CLCC Board Member Bootcamp
- CLCC Educational Programs, including the Connecticut Land Conservation Conference
- Land Trust Alliance Learning Center Paths
- Land Trust Alliance Webinar Series
Mentorship Programs
Mentorship programs pair new board members with experienced peers to provide guidance and foster connections. These relationships can help new members acclimate to the board’s culture and responsibilities while offering a support system for questions and challenges.
Examples & Resources:
- Mentoring Board Development – Courtesy BoardSource
Retreats and Strategic Planning Sessions
Regular retreats and planning sessions provide a space for deeper engagement and reflection. These gatherings allow boards to reconnect with the organization’s mission, foster collaboration, and plan for the future. For example, a retreat might include facilitated discussions on long-term goals or workshops to address emerging challenges. Such sessions reinforce shared commitment and align the board’s actions with organizational priorities.
Examples & Resources:
- Board Retreat Agenda to Kick Off Strategic Planning – Courtesy CLCC
A Note on Off-Boarding and Honoring Departing Board Members
Just as a strong onboarding process sets board members up for success, a thoughtful off-boarding process ensures they leave feeling valued and connected. Recognizing their contributions reinforces a culture of appreciation, maintains goodwill, and keeps former board members engaged as ambassadors for your land trust. A positive transition also provides an opportunity to capture insights and institutional knowledge that can benefit the organization moving forward.
Here are some ways to implement an effective off-boarding process:
- Express Gratitude – Acknowledge their service with a handwritten note, public recognition, or a small token of appreciation.
- Facilitate Knowledge Transfer – Hold an exit conversation to gather reflections and feedback.
- Maintain Connections – Invite former board members to events, encourage committee involvement, or create an advisory board or emeritus board role to keep people engaged.
A positive farewell keeps doors open for future support—whether as volunteers, donors, or advocates for your land trust’s work.
These same tools can also help when a board member is no longer a good fit or has become inactive. A private conversation about their experience, framed around their contributions and future interests, can open the door for a graceful transition. Offering alternative ways to stay involved—such as serving on a committee or in an advisory role—can provide a positive path forward while making space for new leadership.
We’re Here to Help!
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council is committed to supporting land trusts in all phases of board development, including board training. Contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can assist your land trust in achieving its goals. Whether it’s a Boardroom Briefing or a tailored visioning session for your land trust, CLCC is here to help.