Instilling activism in trustees

One of the great challenges in America today is the stewardship of its not-for-profit institutions. While the profit motive may be absent in the running of such organizations, the demand for thoughtful budgeting, cost accounting, and financial skills still exists. Voluntary community hospitals in particular--given the economic realities of the day--need leadership, reciprocal education, and future planning. Speaking from his own experience, the author presents an activist's perspective on hospital boards; but service to other types of not-for-profit institutions involves similar demands for change.