Serving on the DignityUSA Board

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Purpose

This outlines the responsibilities and commitments needed of candidates to serve on the DigntyUSA Board of Directors.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

Collectively the Directors of the organization must:
• Believe in and commit to advancing the mission of DignityUSA
• Lead and direct the organization
• Make policy
• Provide feedback on the performance of the executive director
• Develop, refine and carry out the strategic plan of DignityUSA
• Meet legal standards of duty
• Help ensure the organization has the funds needed to carry out its work
• Take on a governance role, and
• Respect executive director's authority as chief staff officer.

Individual Responsibilities of a Director

Each Board member will:
• Commit to and participate in two to three weekend meetings per year (either in person or online) and monthly video conference meetings (between weekend meetings). Note: The exact schedule of meetings varies from year to year and as the organization’s needs evolve. Currently the Board meets for one in-person weekend meeting in non-conference years, and two in-person meetings during conference years. All other meetings are online. There is generally an online option for those unable to travel.
• Review and respond to DignityUSA email to conduct time-sensitive business between Board meetings
• Participate in or act as the liaison for at least one DignityUSA committee or caucus
• Represent DignityUSA’s work and mission to the best of their ability
• Raise or donate money for the organization to ensure revenues meet expenses.

Time Commitment

Each Board member will spend an average of:
• Two or more hours per week reading and answering correspondence and participating in various committee assignments year-round.
• One to two weekends per year traveling to various cities for intensive weekend-long Board meetings (Subject to change)
• Participate on monthly Board videoconference calls to the extent possible
• Meet other times as necessary, and
• Participate in official Dignity functions including national conferences and annual membership meetings as possible.

Financial Commitment

Each Board member is expected to:
• Make DignityUSA a priority for personal giving, at a level consistent with personal circumstances.
• Make an in-kind donation of some of the personal expenses associated with weekend Board meetings and other events (e.g., travel, lodging, food), as able.
• Help to identify and solicit donors
• Consider DignityUSA when planning one's estate.

Skills Needed

The Board of Directors needs a variety of skills to function optimally. Each member contributes one or more of these skills:
• Financial Management
• Fundraising and Development
• Organizational Development
• Strategic Planning
• Human Resource Management
• Public Relations/Marketing
• Advocacy
• Professional writing and speaking skills
• Information Management
• Information Systems
• Legal
• Nonprofit organization administration
• Theology and Ecclesiology
• Project management and program oversight to support the mission of DignityUSA.

Becoming a Candidate

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• If you feel that you, or someone you know, have (has) the skills, talent, time and energy to serve on the DignityUSA Board of Directors, please submit their or your name(s) on our online Nomination Form.
• Your participation in this essential process ensures that DignityUSA remains a vibrant and life-giving organization, ready and able to serve you, the member.
• Questions, comments or concerns can be addressed to the Nominating Committee at info@dignityusa.org

All candidates for the Board of Directors must be members of DignityUSA prior to ballots being disseminated.

Click here to learn more about serving as President or Vice President of the Board of Directors.

Click here to go to the Nomination Form.