POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Feet First is seeking Board Members to support our mission to promote walkable communities. We work to ensure communities across Washington are safe, accessible, and inviting places for people of all ages and abilities to walk.
The Feet First Board of Directors oversees the management of the organization. This is a great time to join Feet First as we embark on an exciting period of strategic growth!
The board position would be a particularly great volunteer opportunity for someone with an interest in: public policy, health, physical fitness, transportation, engineering, urban planning, community development, landscape design, or environmental planning. .
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
– Attend monthly board meetings. The board meets once a month in the evening in Seattle, however we encourage applicants from across the state who could Skype in.
– Serve on a committee of your choice: Development; Policy; Finance & Audit; or Governance.
– Commit a total of 8-10 hours of volunteer time per month, including board and committee meetings and any additional tasks to support the committee work plan or goals of the organization.
TO APPLY:
Please completed this Feet First Board Application by March 31, 2016. People living outside Seattle, women, people of color and with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS:
– Passion for the Feet First mission and vision.
– Experience in one or more of the following: fundraising, grant writing, event planning, business development, finance, nonprofit management, strategic planning, or public policy.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Each board member will support several, designated duties over the range of roughly 8-10 hours per month. Board members are elected to serve a two-year term of office.
The board’s duties on behalf of Feet First consist of these and other duties as determined to be appropriate:
General Expectations
- Support Feet First’s vision, mission, values, policies and programs.
- Enhance Feet First’s public image.
- Recommend board prospects who meet board criteria and can make significant contributions to the growth of Feet First.
- Select and orient new board members.
- Provide input and feedback to the Board President when requested.
- Attend and support activities (e.g., promote events via networks, attend Feet First walks, special events and symposia).
- Select participation on either the policy or communications committee and participate in achieiving the work plan goals of the selected committee.
- Attend monthly board meetings and committee meetings. Board meetings are held at the Feet First office on the third Wednesday of each month, with exceptions as needed.
Meeting-Related Expectations
- Prepare for and participate in special meetings as needed, including organizational activities (e.g., Strategic Planning Meetings).
- Maintain confidentiality to the board’s executive sessions, and speak for the board or Feet First when authorized to do so.
- Suggest agenda items periodically for board and committee meetings to ensure that significant policy and strategic planning related matters are addressed and leveraged to support the vision of Feet First.
Avoiding Conflicts
- Serve Feet First as an individual rather than as someone from a special interest group or specific constituency.
- Avoid any conflict of interest that might embarrass the board or Feet First and disclose any possible conflicts of interest to the board in a timely manner.
- Never accept (or offer) favors or gifts from (or to) anyone who does business or volunteers with Feet First.
Fiduciary Responsibility
- Exercise prudence in the oversight, control and transfer of funds.
- Faithfully read and understand Feet First’s monthly financial statements and annual budget. Ask questions for clarification.
- Help the board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility.
Fundraising
- Assist Feet First in fundraising. Each fundraising initiative will have specific goals for each board member.
- Make a significant contribution to Feet First.
- Solicit community support through donor solicitation, volunteer recruitment and community advocacy.
ABOUT FEET FIRST
Our Mission
We promote walkable communities, and empower people throughout Washington to connect to the world by foot.
Our Values
We believe people of all ages and abilities should have safe and inviting places to walk where they live, work, learn, and play.
We believe investments in walkability should increase racial and social equity.
We believe walking is a necessary component of a viable public transit system.
We believe walking improves health.
We believe walking reduces pollution and improves the environment.
We believe walking supports economic vitality of local businesses.
We believe walking is a great way to connect with friends and community.
We believe walking needs us as a strong advocate.
Feet First began in 1995 as a group of citizens and professionals interested in promoting walkable communities. In 2001, we became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Today, we’re a fast-growing organization with passionate board members, staff, and volunteers supporting our vision of people walking every day for their health, transportation, environment, community, and pleasure.
We’re recognized locally and nationally for our efforts to promote walkable communities.