What should be circulated among board members before meetings?

Circulating a clear agenda and relevant materials before meetings is essential for informed decision-making. The agenda outlines the topics that will be discussed, allowing board members to prepare for the meeting effectively. Providing relevant materials, such as reports or proposals associated with the agenda items, ensures that members can review critical information beforehand and engage meaningfully in discussions. This practice streamlines meetings, helps keep them focused, and empowers board members to contribute thoughtfully to decision-making processes.

While detailed financial reports, past meeting minutes, and testimonials may also be beneficial, they serve different purposes and do not necessarily prepare board members for the specific discussions and decisions that will occur in the upcoming meeting as directly as a well-structured agenda and relevant materials do.