How to get involved

Executive Board Members

President

The board chair oversees the board’s work and facilitates board meetings and is responsible for working with the Board Officers and members to make sure things are running smoothly and keep the board informed.

The primary duties of the Board Chair are:

• To recommend members for committees and appoints committee chairs
• To work with the other Officers in preparing board meeting agendas
• To arranges for or takes part in new board member orientations
• To take the lead in recruiting qualified new board member candidates
• To serves as the nonprofit’s spokesperson as needed
• To take the lead in the annual board member self-evaluation process

Vice-Chair/Vice President

The vice-chair or vice president has the same duties and responsibilities as all other board members and serves as a backup leader to the board president so the board is never without leadership.

Primary duties of a vice chair/vice president are:

• To runs board meetings as requested and in the board president’s absence
• To serves as the nonprofit’s spokesperson as needed
• To oversee the work of Committees: Check in with Committee Chairperson before each board member to ensure they have prepared an update. 
• To assist with board president duties
• To complete special duties as requested
• Participate on (but not chair) one committee 
  

Secretary

The board secretary helps to protect the organization by:

• Assisting in the scheduling of board meetings
• Assisting in board member orientation
• Taking attendance at board meetings
• Taking accurate meeting minutes and getting them approved
• Maintaining board records
• Ensuring secure storage of official board documents and contracts
• Tracking board member terms
• Monitoring legal compliance
• Participate on (but not chair) one committee
  

Treasurer/CFO

The treasurer/CFO requires someone with experience in financial accounting. The treasurer makes sure board members have access to financial reports in a timely manner, and also:

• Manages the budget
• Takes the lead in the annual audit
• Answers questions about the audit
• Chairs the finance committee (if/when created)
• Partners with the President to ensure the financial reports are continually updated
  

At-Large Board Members

All other Board Members are expected to fulfill the following duties:

• Attend all board and committee meetings 
• Actively engage in Board meetings
• Attend our public events
• Serve on at least one committee
• Donate to the board annually
• Support board decisions even when they voted against them
• Understand and support the mission of the organization 
• Understand and follow the organization’s policies, including conflict of interest and confidentiality policies 
• Be informed about the organization's services, policies, and programs 
• Follow trends and important developments related to this organization 
• Assist with fund-raising and give an annual gift to the organization, as your circumstances allow. 
• Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing and understanding the organization's financial statements 
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee 
• Follow policies and procedures regarding Board member communication and interaction with staff. Respect channels of communication. Refrain from making special requests of the staff. 
• Act as a good-will ambassador to the organization 
• Suggest possible nominees to the board who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization 
• Contribute to making board service a satisfying and rewarding experience for self and for peers. 
• Make every effort possible to attend yearly board retreat. 
• Participate in social events to build relationships between board members as they are offered. 
  

Time Commitment for Board Members

• 2 hours every 2-3 months for board meetings. 
• 1 hour preparation before each meeting, reviewing previous minutes and the agenda. 
• 1-3 hours each week for special projects/assignments 
• 2 hours each month for committee meetings (as needed) 
• 3 hours twice a year to attend and support public events 
• 8 hours once a year to attend Board Retreat 

On average:  3.5 hrs/week 

Kindness Ambassadors (Formerly Regional Reps)

Kindness Ambassadors are volunteers for Kindness Grows Here who bring a unique perspective to Kindness Grows Here because of where they live. They seek to be actively involved in the running of the organization, but either 

a) don’t live in Maryland, 

b) don’t have the bandwidth or interest in being a full board member, or 

c) there was no space on the board at the time that they expressed interest. 

They are not voting members of the board, but are invited to attend and participate in all board meetings. They are invited to participate on committees as their schedule allows. We ask that they fulfill the following duties:

• Attend board and committee meetings 
• Actively engage in Board meetings
• Attend our public events when they are able to
• Donate to the board annually as they are able. 
• Understand and support the mission of the organization 
• Understand and follow the organization’s policies, including conflict of interest and confidentiality policies 
• Be informed about the organization's services, policies, and programs 
• Follow trends and important developments related to this organization 
• Actively spread the word about Kindness Grows Here programs and events in their community. 

On average, this is a 1-2 hr./week time commitment.

Board Members Emeritus

Board Members Emeritus (BME) are former Board Members for Kindness Grows Here who want to take a step back from their role as a board member, but also want to remain actively involved in KGH. 

This role is a way for KGH to maintain consistency while also allowing flexibility for board members to take a step back as needed. 

BMEs are no longer voting members of the board, but are invited to attend and participate in all board meetings. They are invited to participate on committees as their schedule allows.

Their knowledge and expertise as previous board members is invaluable. We are grateful to board members who continue to serve our organization in this way. We ask that they fulfill the following duties:

• Attend board and committee meetings 
• Actively engage in Board meetings, particularly providing input as it relates to the long-term goals and history of KGH. 
• Attend our public events when they are able to
• Donate to the board annually as they are able. 
• Understand and support the mission of the organization 
• Understand and follow the organization’s policies, including conflict of interest and confidentiality policies 
• Be informed about the organization's services, policies, and programs 
• Follow trends and important developments related to this organization 
• Actively spread the word about Kindness Grows Here programs and events in their community. 

On average, this is a 1-2 hr/week time commitment.

Kindness Grows Here Needs Board Members Who:

• Have time, interest, and are committed to working with KGH in the community to promote kindness to all;
• Will help increase the visibility and profile of the organization in the community and beyond;

Brings unique expertise in two or more of the following areas: 

• fundraising 
• marketing
• graphic design
• nonprofit growth & development
• (Areas in bold are areas of expertise we are currently lacking and are looking to add)
• public speaking
• project management
• training and education
• working with children
• building community connections 

• Are enthusiastic about the work of KGH;
• Have access to new resources and networks; 
• Are committed to the growth of KGH;
• Help increase the diversity of our Board of Directors. What unique background and experiences do you have that will make us a more well rounded, and representative board? 
• Have the ability to listen, analyze, think clearly and creatively, work well with individual people and groups;
• Are willing to prepare for and attend board meetings (typically held 5 times a year, every 2-3 months) and committee (as needed) ask questions, take responsibility and follow through on a given assignments, contribute personal and financial resources in a generous way according to circumstances, open doors in the community. 

Are willing to develop certain skills if you do not already possess them

• Cultivating and soliciting funds; 
• Cultivating and recruiting board members and other volunteers; 
• Reading and understanding financial statements; and 
• Learning more about the substantive program area of the organization. 

• Are honest, sensitive to and tolerant of differing views; friendly, responsive, and patient; have personal integrity; a keen sense of values; demonstrate concern for KGH development; and have a sense of humor; and
• Are available now.