Board Member Roles and Responsibilities BuildaBridge International is managed by an international board of directors who are committed to BuildaBridge’s mission and actively support the organization through financial and legal oversight, strategic planning and fundraising. Board members are dedicated volunteers who are deeply concerned about the problems of poverty around the world and interested in the transformative power of art making. Leadership Vision We will be led by a board, advisory BuildaBridge is a small, yet complex, organization council and executive team who all that relies on volunteers for its global mission. Board have a keen knowledge of and commitment to BuildaBridge’s members are expected to develop an understanding mission, p rinciples, and practices. of this complexity in order to be both an ambassador We will have an active board (sharing the word about BuildaBridge through responsible for financial and legal networks) and advocate (bringing personnel and oversight, strategic planning, and financial resources) helping BuildaBridge grow and engaged fundraising. meet the needs of those living in poverty.
Qualifications
BuildaBridge seeks board members who: § Are committed to BuildaBridge’s mission to: engage creative people and the transformative power of art making to bring hope and healing to children, families, and communities in the toughest places of the world § Are willing and able to commit at least two years of their time and resources lead BuildaBridge International § Will make BuildaBridge one of their top three charitable contributions in time and financial donations § Will foster a positive spirit of work and cooperation among staff, volunteers, clients and board members. § Have lived, worked or traveled in cross-‐cultural contexts and are interested in multi-‐ ethnic communities § As a group, offer a diverse skill set including: fundraising ability and/or willingness to fundraise, financial skills, legal skills, marketing skills, event planning ability, program expertise, community expertise, IT skills, facilitation skills, planning skills, presentation/public speaking abilities, networking abilities, and a breadth of relationships and willingness to share these contacts to advance the mission of BuildaBridge. § BuildaBridge board member exhibit personal qualities of: § Expertise in their field § Proactive and willingness to serve—giving back—with a positive and energetic commitment of their time
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§ § § § § § § § §
Articulate and a good communicator Sense of Humor—Congenial Hard-‐working Committed Sense of service and hospitality A history of making something happen and known as a self-‐starter Problem solving and creative thinker Flexible Compassion for the world with a global view
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Responsibilities BuildaBridge expects that all Board members will contribute at least 2-‐5 hours per week by: § Attending regular board meetings and contribute to financial and legal oversight, strategic planning and fundraising § Attending and contributing to planning of annual board retreat § Being an advocate and ambassador for BuildaBridge § Actively serving on at least one committee § Soliciting funds for BuildaBridge International § Making a personally significant annual financial contribution § Each committing to raise at least $10,000 each for BuildaBridge annually through fundraising events, grant writing, in-‐kind service solicitation, personal appeals or other methods to contribute to a Board Annual fundraising goal of $150,000
Benefits
We recognize your tremendous service to BuildaBridge and hope that your tenure as a board member will be both productive and rewarding. As a BuildaBridge Board member you will: § Have the opportunity to lead our efforts to: engage creative people and the transformative power of art making to bring hope and healing to children, families, and communities in the toughest places of the world § Gain or refine skills and experience in financial management, legal oversight, fundraising and strategic planning § Build your personal and professional network § Enjoy multicultural meals and creative events that broaden your horizons § Be recognized by our staff and program participants for your service and contributions § Join the BuildaBridge family where you will make meaningful connections to like-‐ minded individuals and organizations in your community and beyond
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Board and BuildaBridge Commitments As a board member…
I expect that…
I will give my best effort to hit the ground running when beginning my service with the board
The organization will provide me with a full orientation including background information on work accomplishments to date I will learn about our mission and programs and be The organization will provide me with relevant able to describe them accurately materials and education I understand that the board meets 4 times per year I expect that board meetings will be well run and plus one annual residential retreat. I will do my best productive with a focus on decision making. I to attend each meeting, with the understanding that understand that agendas will be distributed at least three consecutive unexcused absences will be one week in advance. If I wish to add items to the considered resignation from the board. I will serve on agenda I will contact the chair at least two weeks in at least one committee which will meet monthly. advance I accept fiduciary responsibility for the organizations I expect timely, accurate, and complete financial and will oversee its financial health and integrity statements to be distributed at least quarterly one week in advance of the relevant board meeting. I also expect to be trained to read and interpret these financial statements. I will provide strategic oversight to ensure that our I expect monthly reports from the executive director programs are effectively meeting their goals and including program updates, press clippings etc. fulfilling our mission I accept ethical responsibilities and I will help to hold The organization will provide me with relevant training fellow board members and the president and COO (and, by extension, the full staff) to professional standards I commit to increasing my skills as a board member The organization will provide me with appropriate training and support. I will participate in fundraising to ensure that our I will be able to choose from a range of fundraising organization has the resources it needs to meet is activities, and I expect relevant training and support to mission. I commit to making a personally significant help me fulfill me obligations. (These may include donation for each year that I serve on the board and grant identification and writing, enlisting a corporate raising $10,000 annually to contribute to the board sponsor or individual donor, planning an event with a annual fundraising goal goal, or other opportunity.) I will have the option of fulfilling my personal pledge in monthly or quarterly installments if I so choose I will evaluate the performance of the BuildaBridge’s This evaluation will be based on goals developed leadership including the board, president, and COO jointly by the board and the president
_____________________________________ _______________________________________ Board Member Signature Date Board Chair Signature Date
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My Personal Commitment As a board nominee, I will do my best to meet the expectations of BuildaBridge International, as listed above. My anticipated contributions are: Committee Interests: ¨ Executive Committee members live in the Philadelphia area and act on behalf of the board (for financial and legal oversight, fundraising, strategic planning) as needed in between board meetings
¨ Financial and Legal Oversight
Committee members lead Board efforts to ensure that BuildaBridge is legally and financially compliant with federal/state laws. Members lead board’s review of annual budget and ensure that financial obligations are fulfilled.
¨ Development
Committee members lead Board efforts to develop relationships with funders and market BuildaBridge through local and international media venues. Committee plans BuildaBridge’s signature annual event and ensures that annual personal and Board fundraising goals are met or exceeded.
¨ Operations
Committee members lead Board efforts to hire and sustain high quality personnel and ensure that BuildaBridge has effective and sustainable operating spaces. ¨ Special Task Force (determined throughout the year)
Board Term from ______to ______ Anticipated Time Contribution _____hours per week Personal Fundraising Goal ________ Annual Personal Financial Contribution_______ I offer expertise in: _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ When I leave the board, I want my legacy to BuildaBridge to be: ______________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ ___________________ Signature Date
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