What is the BDC?

Aren’t acronyms just so UMCRM? Of course, and we would not want it any other way! In this case, the “BDC,” or Board Development Committee, is a burgeoning team that will replace the old school “nominations” committee. The biggest difference is that the “BDC” works independently from the Board while keeping their fingers on the pulse of the Board work, its initiatives, and the needs and the vision of the United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministries Association.

The BDC will consist of 6-8 members who are gifted with a deep understanding of systems thinking and who appreciate and are committed to the people of the United Methodist Church. This team of leaders will be vision- and value-driven and have a strong understanding of board development. Additionally, these folks are recruited for their lasting connection to our Association, as evidenced by the respect they have in our community and the relationships they have built with a broad base of people. Because of the important nature of their work, each member must be able to participate assertively in conversation.

Working together, the BDC will identify Board members and an officer slate to be lifted for the Board’s approval. As Jody Oates, of Kaleidoscope Inc. and outgoing UMCRM Board member, has described it,

“A Board Development Committee will work independently of the Board of Directors to recommend candidates for the Board. With intentional training, review, assessment, and outreach, the Board Development Committee helps assure a fair and equitable process so that the UMCRM Board has the best leaders to serve.”

How will it work?

The first BDC will be tasked with establishing operating procedures; however, there are several pieces already in place that were put into practice in the recruitment of UMCRM's two newest Board members:

• The BDC performs a gap analysis using several methods: interviews with Board members, reviewing strategic initiatives, assessing current gifts/needed gifts, etc.
• The BDC issues a call for nominees.
• Nominations are considered. Additional nominees are recruited as needed.
• Nominees are interviewed.
• A slate of members and/or officers is brought to the Board for approval.
• Approved nominees are invited to serve on the Board.

Establishing the Board Development Committee is another important step for the UMCRM Board as it seeks to address future needs of our Camp & Retreat Ministries community. We are looking forward to working in this way and pray that each of you feels seen and served through this process. Contact Cat Holbert to discuss further.