Become a Board or Committee Member
The District Council is governed by a board of volunteers. Serving on the board is a way to serve your community and help make decisions about land use and development, approaches to crime prevention, and building the community. A formal board member "job description" is below. For more specifics or any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office (651.578.7600).
Board Member Job Description
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
The District 1 Community Council is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible non-profit organization. The Council’s mission is to create opportunities for people who live and work in our neighborhoods to engage with each other and with our government officials in order to build a more vibrant and welcoming community. Our programs focus on organizing residents to participate in decisions related to land use, crime prevention, environmental concerns, and other issues they define as important to their lives and community. The Council is dedicated to the democratic process, openness in its operations, and is supportive of diverse perspectives. The Council expects its board to reflect the varied backgrounds and interests of its constituents.
JOB TITLE: Board Member
LOCATION:
Eastview, Conway, Battle Creek, and Highwood Hills neighborhoods of St. Paul, MN
SALARY: unpaid TYPE: Part-time - volunteer
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The board of directors of the District 1 Community Council is legally responsible for all activities of the organization. The board sets goals, determines organizational policies that guide staff implementation of goals, provides financial oversight and approves and monitors the annual budget. Each member of the board also sits on one of the standing committees of the Council.
POLICY ADMINISTRATION:
Set policies, determine annual plan, and recommend program activities. Approve annual budget and actively participate in financial reporting and oversight.
FUNDRAISING:
Help the organization raise money by any or all of the following:
A.establishing a meaningful personal contribution;
B.setting fundraising goals with board and staff;
C.assisting with the annual fundraising campaign (e.g., providing names of potential donors, soliciting donations from individuals or businesses, assisting with preparation, mailing, thank you notes or calls);
D.assisting with solicitation of grants in line with strategic goals (e.g., identifying grantors, providing testimonials, identifying partners, assisting with grantwriting and site visits).
PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS:
Represent and promote the purposes and activities of the District 1 Community Council in appositive way to the community. Participate in planning and staffing community-wide events sponsored by the Council. Understand the organizational policy regarding the use of Board member’s name in conjunction with candidates. Promote, whenever possible, new interest in the goals of the organization. Clearly differentiate in public when speaking for the Council and when representing personal opinions.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:
Participate in recruitment, orientation, and development of new Board Members. Encourage the development of key volunteers to take on future leadership roles in the organization.
TIME COMMITMENT:
Attend a minimum of 7 Board meetings annually (3 unexcused absences shall be grounds for dismissal) and any scheduled committee meetings.
UNDERSTANDING ISSUES:
Develop a basic understanding of issues that come before the board. Utilize staff expertise whenever necessary. Board members should possess or develop the ability to be effective advocates for citizen participation within their community and if needed, to the media.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Demonstrated interest in and support of the District 1 Community Council mission: to create opportunities for residents to engage with each other and with governmental processes. Board members are not subject to term limits. All board members must be current residents of District 1 and at least 18 years old, or may be the representative of one of the district’s businesses.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Interested applicants will work with a current board member or staff to prepare for election at the annual meeting in March. Voting at the annual meeting is open to all residents 18 years of age and older.
The board meets 10-11 times per year on the fourth Monday of the month.
CONTACT US:
Interested applicants can contact the Council staff members for more information at 651.578.7600, by emailing district1council@aol.com, or by stopping by our office at the Sun Ray Shopping Center, 2105 1/2 Old Hudson Rd., St. Paul, MN 55119. For more information about the work of the Council, visit our website at www.district1council.org.
