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y Whether the organization will need particular skills, such as legal or
financial expertise.

y Whether the board will be setting policies on substantive issues that
will become important to the organization’s mission or function in its
community.

y Whether there is a particularly long “learning curve” to become
involved in the organization.

c. Decision-Making Style

While focusing on the role of members and directors in an organization, it is
important to consider how these bodies will make decisions. This issue involves
factors such as quorum (the number of persons needed to hold a meeting in which

action can be taken) and numbers of votes of those present needed to take action.

Select a decision-making style that considers whether process and consensus
decision making is important to the organizers, the level of formality that will be
expected in meetings and the numbers of persons expected to participate in
membership and/or board meetings. For example, if larger numbers of persons
are involved, it may be beneficial to have a lower quorum number to make it easier
to hold a meeting and take action. If participation by members or directors is
important, a higher quorum number will ensure that a few active members do not
make decisions. If more formality and larger numbers of persons are involved,
adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order or similar rules are recommended to keep the
meetings running smoothly.

d. Mission Statement

If you have not done so, it is important to develop a mission statement for
the organization. A clear, succinct mission statement becomes the basis for

developing purposes of the organization, as well as a necessary tool for raising
funds, recruiting directors and volunteers and planning activities and programs of
the organization.

CHAPTER 9. Nuts and Bolts of Incorporating

The actual creation of a nonprofit corporation under Washington law is a
fairly straightforward process. The basic steps discussed below will give you
information on both the legal requirements and the practical tasks involved. The

WASHINGTON NONPROFIT HANDBOOK -14- 2018