(Updated: 5/2023)
Looking to make an impact?
Join IPD Philly’s Board of Directors
Indigenous Peoples Day Philly Inc. is looking for Native American / Indigenous Person / Indigenous Descent to build our organization and further our mission. We are currently accepting nominees for the Board of Directors, nomination process 2023-2025.
Board Member, nomination process 2023-2025!
What does the Board of Directors do?
The Board of Directors supports the work of IPD Philly and provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by an Officer, the Board-Officer relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected.
Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Recurrent Nomination and Election – Cycles:
- During these months book a Prerequired Online Info Session to obtain the application and process:
January-February; April-May; July-August; October 15-November - Send an Application by the 1st of the following month after the info session to be considered for an interview:
March, June, September, and December - Selected New Board members are announced within 3 to 6 months from the time of the interview.
What is required of a Board Member?
Being a Board member is more than a resume builder- board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission. Here is an overview of what is required, how you can contribute, and a general outline of the responsibilities and qualifications we will take into consideration.
Commitments
- This is a voluntary position that requires a term of two years, appointed at the Annual General Meeting. (The term may be renewed once for a total of six years).
- A commitment of 5 to 10 hours per month (meetings, preparation, events, training, networking).
- The board of directors meets at least four times per year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (in-person or over teleconference).
- Additional meetings are expected and maybe by teleconference and telephone.
- Directors are expected to participate in the fundraising committee, and at least in one to two other board committees over their term.
- Able to raise or provide an annual contribution.
Areas you can contribute to our Board:
- Finance;
- Fundraising Experience;
- Legal and Human resources;
- IT Project Management Experience;
- Elder or Knowledge Keeper;
- Youth Perspective;
- Non-for-profit and Start-up Experience;
- Traditional Knowledge and Values;
- Perspectives on: Native American, American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, Native Mexican, Chicano, Indigenous Caribbean, Pueblos Originarios, First Nations, Inuit or Métis;
- Knowledge of Indigenous matters.
Main responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Advice, and evaluate founding Officers.
- Provide proper financial oversight.
- Create a strategic plan and ensure that it’s followed.
- Manage resources responsibly.
- Recruit, elect, and orient new board members and assess board performance.
- Enhance the organization’s public standing.
- Strengthen the organization’s programs and services.
- Prepare for and participate in board meetings.
- Support governance decisions once made.
- Participate in the development of a strategic plan to help guide future decisions.
- Abide by the by-laws, code of conduct, and other policies that apply to the board.
- Participate in the approval of the annual budget and monitor the financial performance of the Association concerning it.
- Help establish, review, and monitor operational policies including ones related to the quality of care and human resources.
- Participate in the evaluation of the board itself (annual board self-evaluation).
- Volunteer for and willingly accepts assignments and completes them thoroughly and on time.
- Gets to know other committee members and builds a collegial working relationship that contributes to consensus.
- Contribute to the work of the board as a member of a board committee.
- Keep informed about community issues relevant to the work of the Association.
Who is eligible to become a Board Member?
- Must be Native American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Mexican, Indigenous Caribbean, Native Hawaiian, First Nation, Inuit, Metis, Central or South Native American and must provide references from a Tribal Government (State or Federal) or from two Indigenous Organizations that can sponsor your nomination.
- Anyone with 3+ years of experience in leadership positions must provide references.
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of Indigenous people in Pennsylvania, Lenapehoking, Turtle Island.
- Able to lead and influence others.
- Be an excellent team player.
- Straightforward and impartial.
- Knowledgeable and an insatiable learner.
- Values discretion and confidentiality.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Professional experience in Tribal Law; Indigenous and Immigrants rights; Indigenous Arts, Culture, Services, and Preservation; the nonprofit sector; communications; journalism; networking; multimedia; education; and local government is a plus.
If you are interested, how do you nominate yourself or someone you know?
- During these months book a Prerequired Online Info Session to obtain the application and process:
January-February; April-May; July-August; October 15-November - Send an Application by the 1st of the following month after the info session to be considered for an interview:
March, June, September, and December - Selected New Board members are announced within 3 to 6 months from the time of the interview.
