Developing a policy and procedures manual

Developing A Policy And Procedures Manual

Developing A Policy And Procedures Manual

This handbook is designed to help agricultural societies develop a policy and procedures manual for theirunique organization.

Why Policy and Procedures?
A well-laid out policy and procedures manual will help attract informed members and allow the organization to operate more efficiently andeffectively.
A Real Life Example
The Namao Community Agricultural Society created a policy and procedures manual in 1991. They were evolving from a small group where everyone was acquainted to an umbrellaorganization for the community. Up to 15 different organizations were represented. How to meet everyone's needs and expectations and stay within budget was a major concern? Hall rental and cateringwere issues. New board members struggled to find out how things worked. Clearly there was potential for conflict.
What benefits have Namao found from having a policy and procedures manual?
* Boardmembers have an outline of the organization's structure.
* The manual is a major resource for planning and coordinating events.
* Event organizing runs more smoothly as details are writtendown.
* Hall rentals are well detailed.
* New members are quickly oriented to the organization by reviewing the manual.
* Communication is improved between organizations.
* Meetings aretwo hours or less.

Benefits of a Policy and Procedures Manual
There are some very good reasons why it's worth the time and effort to commit what you are about and how you do it to paper. Hereare some ways that written policy and procedures can benefit your agricultural society.

Definitions
By-laws are the basic rules of the organization. By-laws are clear statements about the rules ofoperation. They determine the responsibility and authority of the agricultural society and the board of directors.

Bibliography
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/rsv9182