1. Two weeks prior to your meeting send a notice. On the outside of the envelope stamp in red "Board Meeting Notice." The meeting agenda should be included.

2. One week prior to the meeting the executive director or board chairperson should call each member to remind them of the meeting and the importance of their attendance.

3. The best meeting notice in the world, coupled with persistent follow-up calls, aren't going to assure attendance if your meetings lack direction or are dull. Pump some life into your meetings with exciting guest speakers, energetic presentations, and dynamic goals.

4. Don't forget refreshments. Hungry, thirsty board members are less likely to concentrate on the business at hand.

5. Keep your committees active. Exciting reports from motivated and involved committee members makes for a more lively meeting.

6. Recruit the right board members. Develop a written job description that addresses responsibilities, fundraising duties, committee assignments, and whatever else you feel is important, including attendance. Active, productive board members should be evaluated on the basis of their support for the mission of the organization, past accomplishments, understanding of the community, and their willingness to serve. Don't pick members strictly on the basis of their names, wealth, or political clout -- unless that's all you want from them.