Board members who don't participate can be very difficult. They don't speak up; they don't volunteer to do specific jobs; they don't communicate ideas or concerns to the board chair or executive director.

The chair wonders do they not get it: are they bored, are they intimidated or are they critical of what's going on and complaining to friends and relatives outside the organization?

Perhaps the non-participant really is "at sea;" is in awe of the other board members who seem so well informed; or is fearful of speaking before a group. Try to draw the non-participant out and compliment good ideas he/she has. Remember that people who study human behavior say the two things people fear most are airplane flights and public speaking!

I'm reminded of something I heard recently: it seems that when people are in the recovery room after surgery, the first thing they ask is not, "how am I; was the operation a success?," but rather, "did I say anything stupid while I was under the anesthetic?" This demonstrates that most of us worry most about making a fool of ourselves. Board chairs must reassure everyone that all opinions are valued and welcomed (as long as a board member doesn't monopolize the meeting.)