A board is compromised of individuals who represent the owners of an organization. Although non-profits do not have real owners, the board represents the membership. Individuals on a board should have diverse backgrounds, with different points of view, so that they can handle all situations that they are faced with. Board meetings are places were ideas are discussed. The forum should allow for all ideas to be expressed, without restrictions. That is where confidentiality comes in. If board members cannot freely discuss their ideas and opinions because the may not be well received by the membership or a portion of the membership, then the value of the board is diminished. There are minutes taken in board meetings that outline the results of the discussions and those should be public. But the actual discussions held in a board meeting should be confidential for the good of the organization.