Join the BCCA Board
As a young and rapidly growing non-profit organization, the
BCCA is focused on developing an active Board. The BCCA is
seeking Board nominations . You may nominate yourself. Serving
on our Board is an exciting opportunity to make a tremendous
difference to BCCA's future direction and growth.
We have compiled the following questions and answers (some
courtesy of BoardSource )
to help you determine if serving on the BCCA Board is right
for you.
Why do non-profits have Boards?
What are the benefits of Board
service?
What is expected of me as a Board
member? What sort of qualifications is BCCA looking for?
How much time commitment is required?
What are the term limit and other
bylaws?
How can I get more information? How do I
apply or refer someone?
I am not interested in a Board position,
but are there other meaningful ways I can help the BCCA?
Nonprofit boards have a vested responsibility for the stewardship
of the organization. Their role is to guard the mission of
the organization and to maintain high standards of accountability.
Earning and maintaining the public trust is a key indicator
for the board to have fulfilled its governance role.
The following broad categories define the board's overall responsibilities:
- Legal and fiduciary. The board ensures that the organization
is operated according to the laws and within the framework
of its mission. As fiduciaries, board members need to exercise
reasonable care in safeguarding the organization's assets.
- Oversight. The board ensures proper management of the organization.
It has the power to hire and remove the chief executive.
- Fundraising. As part of the fiduciary responsibility, the
board needs to secure appropriate funding to carry out the
activities of the organization.
- Representation of constituencies and viewpoints. Board
members are often appointed to bring the experience and varied
perspectives of the organization's constituencies to the
board room. Through the board the community has a voice in
the governance of the organization.
For a more detailed list of the basic responsibilities of
a non-profit Board, click here .
Here are some reasons why people join nonprofit boards:
- They know their skills are needed.
- A nonprofit is going to be better and benefit from their
contributions.
- There is a possibility to effect change in an organization.
- They will feel good by doing good.
- They enjoy collaborating with interesting people who have
the same interests
and values as they do.
- They want to learn new skills.
- They enjoy being recognized for their efforts.
- They want to give back to the community.
- They have found a new reason to live productively.
- They want to have an impact.
- It can be fun.
At a high level, Board members are expected to contribute
in three categories: participating in securing finances, participating
in activities, and contributing their knowledge and expertise.
Not every person can excel in each area; thus, the BCCA is
looking for members that contribute to a blend of all three
categories. For example, a member with a legal or accounting
background is valued as much for their expertise as a member
with an excellent ability to raise money or active involvement
in tactical business activities.
For a more detailed list of the responsibilities of individual
board members, click here .
Board meetings will be monthly with the schedule still to
be determined. We will be forming committees (e.g., governance/finance
committee and fundraising committee) that will draw members
from both our Board and our community. Committee assignments
are based on the experience, skills, interests, and available
time of board members. Each member must make a serious commitment
to participate actively in the work of the committee.
Feel free to contact Dan Yonah Marshall to view the standard bylaws
from the time of BCCA's inception. However, we are in the process
of customizing these bylaws to address BCCA's needs. A proposal
for the term limit is a two year term starting with a 6 to
12 month probationary period.
Please contact Dan Yonah Marshall. Briefly
describe, or be prepared to talk about, the following questions:
- Why are you interested in our organization?
- Why are you specifically interested in serving on a board?
- Do you have any previous board service, leadership, or
volunteer experience? Are you presently serving on other
boards?
- What kinds of skills or expertise can you offer? How will
the organization benefit from your participation? How do
you think we could best take advantage of your expertise?
Absolutely! From serving on a fundraising committee to volunteering
to helping us network, there are many ways great and small
that you can help. Please contact Dan Yonah Marshall.
Dan Yonah Marshall, President & Artistic Director
dan_y_marshall@bccaonline.com
(617) 642-1444 |
