Yes, you are right, it is a trick question! One perennial debate is whether board members themselves do board work or whether other off-board helpers do board work. You know that the answer is "yes" and "no."  Only actual trustees are able to set policy for an organization (unless the bylaws involve other types of voters) and that group is held responsible by the community for the actions of the organization.

 However, assistance with events, activities, research and proposals for action almost always involve paid staff and a variety of types of volunteers.  Under the best practices approach that I promote, only board members serve as decision makers on "standing" or permanent board committees because it is cleaner in all imaginable ways.  The popular two-committees first model (governance and development) is a great way to do this.  Once a client performs well with this model, then that group is ready to get fancy with other committees.  Great board committees always involve great staff support, so how much committee support can YOUR staff provide and still get the operations managed effectively?

Oops, I almost forgot the other type of board work groups, which I call "other board work groups" or "ad hoc" committees.  This more temporary or less central activity of the board and does NOT involve setting policy that requires an approved motion in a vote by actual trustees.  This other work involves community relations, events planning, advice on programs, etc.  Yes, this is an old-fashioned, standard set-up, but IT WORKS !!!!!  I have not ever heard or seen of any situation that requires a different solution and I welcome a challenge on this point !!!

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