Getting the board involved

[Dana]

Our board lacks commitment. Last year they failed to approve the budget. It is written in the by-laws, but as no budget proposal was drafted, nothing was presented to the board, and no one seemed to notice.

As a new member I suggested and offered to lead a strategic planning session. At the board meeting we settled on two possible dates, when the e-mail mesage went out to confirm the date, only one member responded.

How can I get this board on track without being rude and abrasive?

[moderator]

Does anyone out there have strategies that have worked for them, in jumpstarting their board's involvement in fund raising in particular during these tough economic times?