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Board Conflict Happens. Are You Prepared to Handle it?

July 24, 2026 by Jordan Jerkovich

A key message we emphasized in our recent Board Officer Training was this: once the board has made a decision, the board should speak with one voice. Healthy debate and differing viewpoints are essential to good governance, but once a vote is complete, board members have a responsibility to support the board’s decision publicly—even if they voted differently.

It’s not always easy, which is why we’re sharing this recent Blue Avocado article on navigating board conflict and fostering productive disagreement. It features a compilation of some of the best insights submitted by nonprofit leaders who have navigated these challenges firsthand, offering practical perspectives for boards striving to govern more effectively.

Read the article HERE.

At Spokes, we’re committed to helping nonprofit boards and leaders build these skills before challenges arise. Through our annual Board Academy, Board Officer Training, and customized on-site board training and consulting, we equip directors and officers with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to fulfill their roles and practice strong, effective governance.

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DISCLAIMER: Spokes offers informed advice and recommendations, not professional counsel. Blog content is current as of the date shown. Individual posts are not necessarily updated, so please confirm the accuracy of the information, especially of older posts.

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I credit meeting my board goals this year to Spokes and their expert resources. As a result R.A.C.E. Matters is on a solid foundation with our structure, and we have added several outstanding new board members. As board president, I have been able to position R.A.C.E. Matters to continue to meet the everchanging needs of the community, grow the board and fulfill our mission.

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R.A.C.E. Matters

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Recent Articles

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