Roles & Responsibilities of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s Board of Directors
Mission
To support through education the progressive work of our members in the Pacific Northwest – builders, designers, and construction‐related professionals – in order to improve the relationship between our communities and our built environment.
- We provide open‐source educational tools to the construction industry and the general public in order to encourage building practices that dramatically reduce carbon emissions, are self‐sustaining, contribute to local economies, and create optimal conditions for human health and community.
- We consider the needs of the seventh generation in all that we do and encourage inclusive discourse to that end.
General Scope
The Northwest EcoBuilding Guild’s Board of Directors is the Guild’s governing body, and is responsible for articulating and upholding the vision, values, and mission of the Guild. The Board establishes policy, provides direction, and performs Chapter oversight in accordance with the purposes of the Guild. Board members include community leaders, business and industry professionals, designers and contractors desiring to take an active leadership role in the development of the organization. The Board consists of fourteen voting members of the Guild who serve three‐year terms, with the option to seek re‐election for a second term (limit six years).
The Board meets four times a year in January, May, July and October. Every board member is expected to attend each meeting, as well as the Guild’s annual general meeting, and the Guild Symposium (the weekend of the October board meeting).
We are seeking potential new board nominees with a passion for our mission. Particular expertise in one or more of the following areas would be beneficial: fund‐raising, grant writing, business development, volunteer and intern coordination, public relations, nonprofit development, and financial management.
What Board Members can expect from the Guild
- Clear and reasonable expectations
- Consistent, timely communication from staff/consultants
- Access to any information needed about the organization
- Training, encouragement and strategic advice to carry out tasks
- Respect for the time, views, talents you offer to the board
Board Member Responsibilities
- Embrace the mission of the organization
- Learn – and carry out – the legal responsibilities of the board
- Attend ALL board meetings, retreats and special events
- Come to board meetings prepared to participate fully
- Play a leadership role in at least one committee or task force
- Make an annual personal financial gift according to your means
- Help with fundraising efforts in whatever way is most appropriate
- Serve as an ambassador between the organization and the community
- Communicate clearly and respectfully
- Support the decisions of the full board
- Keep the board informed about concerns in the community
- Exercise loyalty and confidentiality in dealings with the board
- Support the organization and officers in times of controversy or crisis
- Fulfill commitments on time
Responsibilities of the Board as a Whole
- Determine the organization’s mission and purpose, including goals, means, and primary constituents served.
- Select the chief executive and ensure that this individual has the moral and professional support necessary to further the goals of the organization, while periodically assessing his or her performance.
- Provide proper financial oversight, including developing an annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.
- Ensure adequate organizational resources.
- Ensure the legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability. The board is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.
- Ensure effective organizational planning, actively participating in the overall planning process and assisting in implementing and monitoring the plan’s goals.
- Recruit and orient new board members, and periodically assess the board’s performance.
- Enhance the organization’s public standing, clearly articulating the mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garnering support from the community.
- Determine, monitor, and strengthen the organization’s programs and services, making sure they are consistent with the mission and monitoring their effectiveness.