Board FAQs
What is a Board of Directors?
The Board ensures that the organization is fulfilling its purpose and vision as outlined by the by-laws, and oversees the organization's finances as a group.
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Can anyone become a Board Member?
Yes! While we do seek individuals who will bring certain skill sets to the table (financial knowledge, legal guidance, grant writing, etc.), we also value and empower varying and diverse skill sets. We believe in leveraging everyone based on their passions, strengths and task desires.
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Are Board Members compensated?
Unfortunately, no. We are prohibited from paying Board Members for their basic roles and duties. These are volunteer positions exclusively.
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What are the perks of joining the Board?
Volunteering with a charitable non-profit organization provides practical work skills in management and governance that carry over to other organizations and businesses. It’s also a great way to meet likeminded folks from other professions and disciplines. Ultimately, everyone who sits on our board MUST be doing this work because they have a passion to help the next generation understand their brains and thought patterns better.
What do Board Members actually do?
Board Members attend regular Board Meetings every month, and join 1-3 committees: Marketing/Social, Grants/Fundraising, Legal, Content Creation, Human Resources, Board Development — each with their own yearly goals and schedules. The average commitment is 2-5 hours of volunteering/week, until we have a more established program, in which case, hours should shift to 2-5 hours/month.
Can I participate in day-to-day operations and programming?
Yes and no. The Board will oversees the senior staff, once hired and in place. The senior staff work with and consult Committees, which include Board and community. There is a necessary legal separation between what the Board does and what the staff does.
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Are meetings in-person?
Yes. While every meeting will have a zoom/google meets option, in person is always ideal.
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How long is a board member's term?
Board member terms vary by organization, but common terms are typically one to three years. Some organizations may have term limits, while others allow for board members to serve consecutive terms.
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How can I contribute effectively as a board member?
Effective board members contribute by attending meetings regularly, coming prepared, actively participating in discussions, offering expertise, sharing networks and resources, and supporting the organization's fundraising and advocacy efforts.
How can the board support fundraising efforts?
The board can support fundraising by personally making financial contributions, leveraging personal networks for fundraising opportunities, actively participating in fundraising events, and providing guidance and oversight to the organization's fundraising strategies.
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How can the board ensure diversity and inclusion in its composition?
The board can promote diversity and inclusion by actively seeking diverse candidates during the board recruitment process, considering demographic, professional, and experiential diversity, and creating a welcoming and inclusive board culture.
What is the board's role in strategic planning?
The board plays a crucial role in strategic planning by providing input and guidance in the development of the organization's strategic goals, reviewing and approving strategic plans, and monitoring progress towards achieving those goals.
How can the board stay informed about the organization's activities?
The board can stay informed by regularly reviewing financial and programmatic reports, participating in site visits and program presentations, attending staff and committee meetings, and maintaining open communication channels with the executive director and key staff members. All board members will be included in Trello boards & Facebook groups as well.