Table of Contents

• What does it mean to be "incorporated?"
• Why is being incorporated important for councils?
• How do I have my council incorporated?
• How do we obtain 501(c)(3) designation (tax-exempt status)?
• What guidelines should I follow to be sure my council operates efficiently?
• What type of information should be included in my council's bylaws?
• Sample bylaws

• I have just been elected president -- now what?
• What can I do to become a more effective leader?
• What are common responsibilities and duties of council officers?
• What records should council maintain? Who keeps them? Where? For how long?
• How do I run a meeting?
• How can I reduce the possibility of conflict during my meetings?
• Can I be an effective leader? What are my strengths? Weaknesses? (A worksheet)

• How many and what types of businesses are located in my neighborhood?
• How many and what types of schools, religious institutions, and social services agencies are here?
• What types of services or charitable activities do they provide to area residents?
• What do the residents of my neighborhood look like?
• What do they want and need?
• Who among them are potential council members and/or volunteers?
• How do we organize groups in my neighborhood?
• What are some points we should know before going door-to-door?
• What are Block watch groups? How are they formed?

This section includes a community-produced directory of important neighborhood contacts and resources, as well as a brochure and booklet listing key information about county and state departments and county-wide elected representatives. Also included is a segment devoted to special programs sponsored by the City of Cincinnati.

• What is the Grants Resource Center?
• How do I get started writing a grant proposal?
• How do I determine who to ask for funds?
• What are some do's and don'ts of grant writing?
• What is an RFP? How do I use it to prepare my proposal?
• What are my responsibilities if I get funded?
• Who can apply for an Invest Merit Grant?

Leadership Manual

Leadership and Governance

   TRANSITION: The Changing of the Guard
   NEW PRESIDENT POINTERS
   LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM GEESE
   DUTIES OF OFFICERS
   HOW TO RUN A MEETING
   MEETING TIPS
   RECORD-KEEPING PRACTICES

LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM GEESE

1. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for others behind it. There is 71 percent more flying range in a "V" formation than when flying alone.

Lesson: People who share a common direction and sense of purpose can get things accomplished more quickly.

2. Whenever a goose flies out of formation, it quickly feels the drag and tries to get back into position.

Lesson: It is harder to do things alone than together.

3. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into formation and another goose flies at the head.

Lesson: Shared leadership and interdependence give us each a chance to lead as well as opportunities to rest.

4. The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Lesson: Make sure your honking is encouraging, not discouraging.

5. When a goose gets sick or wounded and falls, two geese fall out and stay with it until it revives or dies. Then they catch up with the original group or join another flock.

Lesson: Stand by your colleagues in difficult times as well as good ones.

---»DUTIES OF OFFICERS