On Wednesday August 14th, the Illinois Recycling Foundation (IRF) and Illinois Recycling Association (IRA) held a joint board training and retreat at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois. The event brought together board members from both organizations to discuss strategies for enhancing board effectiveness and furthering their shared mission of promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling in Illinois.
The half- day session began with an icebreaker activity to help board members get to know each other better. This was followed by a presentation on board roles and responsibilities by Sister Marilyn Jean Runkle, OP PhD an expert in organizational development. Sister Marilyn Jean emphasized the importance of having clear policies, strategic planning, and ongoing board education.
Through appreciative inquiry exercises, board members identified factors that have made the organizations effective in the past, including mutual respect, a shared vision, and in-person meetings. They then brainstormed actionable items to improve board performance going forward, such as creating an onboarding packet for new members and establishing clear organizational goals.
The retreat also included discussions about the relationship between the IRF and IRA, which operate as separate but complementary organizations. While the IRF is a 501(c)(3) focused on education, the IRA is a 501(c)(6) that can engage in political advocacy. Board members explored ways the two entities can work together more closely to advance recycling initiatives in Illinois.
Looking ahead, the organizations plan to develop a strategic plan, revitalize their committee structure, and consider holding a joint conference with other waste management groups in 2024. The day concluded with a brief business meeting to approve budgets and discuss upcoming events.
Overall, the retreat provided an opportunity for board members to strengthen relationships, align on priorities, and recommit to their shared mission of encouraging responsible resource use across Illinois. As one board member noted, recycling remains “one of the most important things in the world right now” as communities seek to address environmental challenges.