Solid Ground’s Board of Directors is responsible for providing guidance and making policy to ensure that the agency’s mission and goals are carried out.
About Solid Ground
We believe poverty is solvable. Our communities our stronger when we support stability and break down barriers to overcoming poverty – which means ending racism and other oppressions embedded in our institutions, policies, and culture that hold people back from succeeding. Solid Ground combines direct services with advocacy to meet basic needs, nurture success, and spread change. Through our programs, people gain stability and build skills that equip them to move forward in their lives. And by bringing the voices of people experiencing poverty into the political process, we further social justice, supporting our entire community to reach its potential.
Board Member Volunteer Position
Solid Ground’s Board of Directors is responsible for providing guidance and making policy to ensure that the agency’s mission and goals are carried out. As such, the Board’s primary responsibilities include:
1) Policy Making
- Defining the agency’s mission and purpose.
- Determining the agency’s overall principles, direction, functions, and activities.
- Working with staff to develop overall goals and strategies to carry out the agency’s mission.
- Monitoring the implementation of approved polices.
2) Fiscal & Legal
- Ensuring that the agency has adequate resources to carry out its plans and activities.
- Promoting accountability and ensuring that the agency meets its legal and contractual obligations.
- Adopting, amending, and adhering to the agency’s bylaws.
3) Fundraising & Public/Community Relations
- Actively participating in the agency’s fundraising efforts.
- Serving as an advocate for the mission and activities of the agency.
- Serving as a link to other organizations and community groups.
- Engaging with the communities the agency serves.
4) Hiring & Evaluating the Solid Ground President & CEO’s Performance
5) Other Responsibilities
- Managing and evaluating the Board itself, so that it is productive and effective.
- Fostering a good working relationship between the Board and agency staff.
- Ensuring that the work of the Board is conducted in a manner that is accountable to Solid Ground program participants and residents.
- Actively engaging in training and other activities designed to increase the Board’s understanding and involvement in agency initiatives, including anti-racism work.
Commitment
- Duration: 2 years, with the opportunity to renew up to a total of 10 years
- Hours: Approximately 4-8 hours per month consisting of a monthly Board meeting (6-8pm on the first Thursday of each month), service on one subcommittee, and additional time to review materials and participate in other activities in support of Solid Ground
Qualifications
In order to ensure a well-rounded and representative Board, Solid Ground is currently prioritizing applicants with the following experience or expertise:
Underrepresented demographics:
- Under 35 or over 45
- BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color)
- Gender nonconforming
Representation:
- Lived experience with poverty, oppression, and/or homelessness
- Elected officials or their representatives
- Young professionals (18-26)
Experience or expertise with:
- Domestic violence (DV) and/or DV support systems
- Tax credit and housing development
- Food systems
- Human Resources/labor engagement/employment law
- Anti-racism and community coalitions
- Board governance
- Transportation systems
Accomodation Policy
The Solid Ground Board has an Accommodation Policy which includes the option for members to request reimbursement (via local Fred Meyer or Target gift card) for expenses up to $600 per year directly related to board service (may include bus fare, childcare, meals); and 2) access to laptop for use during board meetings, including committee meetings and meeting preparation and follow-up during COVID-19 pandemic.
Next Steps
For questions or to receive more information, please contact volunteers@solid-ground.org.
Please note: The process of becoming a board member can take up to 6 months.
Please use this self-screening tool before every in-person training or volunteer session to keep yourself and others safe:
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@solid-ground.org. We look forward to meeting you!
Solid Ground believes poverty is solvable. Volunteers play a critical role in helping us meet basic needs, nurture success, and spread change – so everyone in our community can achieve their full potential. BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) and people with lived experience with poverty are encouraged to volunteer.
