Board Members of Spokane Edible Tree Project

How many people serve on the Board?

• Typically 7 to 13 members. 

Who appoints new members of the Board?

• The current board of directors appoints new board members. 

How long is a term for a Board member appointment?

• 3 years. After 3 years Board members must be reinstated by the Board.
• Board offices are 1 year terms. There are no term limits however, Directors shall not serve more than two full consecutive terms without taking a one year absence from the board after which he or she shall be eligible for further service as a Director.

How often does the Board meet and where?

• The board holds monthly meetings that are 1 to 1.5 hours in length. Typically the Board meets in downtown Spokane.

What other time obligations are there?

• Board members are expected to join a committee that meets monthly for 1 hour. 
• Board members are expected to do one volunteer event per month during the active season which is typically May though November.
• Board Members are required to attend the Annual Meeting and Board Strategic Planning Retreat.  

Are Board members compensated?

• Spokane Edible Tree Project's Board of directors do not receive compensation for their time or service. 
• Board members may be reimbursed for board approved travel, services, and items that directly serve the needs of the organization. 

What are the eligibility requirements of Board positions?

• Eligibility requirements are determined by the board of directors. 
• Spokane Edible Tree Project complies with all Washington State and Federal mandates in appointed members to its' organization. 

What are the responsibilities of the Board?

• Each individual board member is expected to:

  • Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs.

  • Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements.

  • Serve as 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. 

  • Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission
    give a meaningful personal financial donation.

  • Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputation standing, and can influence public policy.

  • Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings

  • Participate fully in one or more committees

• Legal responsibilities of a Board Member:

  • Each board member has a legal responsibility to participate actively in making decisions on behalf of the organization and to exercise his or her best judgment while doing so.

  • Each board member must put the interests of the organization before their personal and professional interests when acting on behalf of the organization in a decision-making capacity. The organization’s needs come first.

  • Board members bear the legal responsibility of ensuring that the organization complies with the applicable federal, state, and local laws and adheres to its mission.

What is the role of the Board Officers?

• The Board has four officers. These officers include the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.
  •  The Chair:
    • Oversees board and executive committee meetings.
    • Works in partnership with the staff to make sure board resolutions are carried out.
    • Calls special meetings if necessary.
    • Appoints all committee chairs, and with the chief executive, recommends who will serve on committees.
    • Assists staff in preparing agenda for board meetings.
    • Assists staff in conducting new board member orientation.
    • Oversees searches for a new chief executive.
    • Coordinates staff annual performance evaluation.
    • Works with the governance committee to recruit new board members.
    • Acts as an alternate spokesperson for the organization.
    • Periodically consults with board members on their roles and helps them assess their performance.
  • The Vice Chair:
    • Attends all board meetings.
    • Serves on the executive committee.
    • Carry out special assignments as requested by the board chair.
    • Understands the responsibilities of the board chair and be able to perform these duties in the chair's absence.
    • Participates as a vital part of the board leadership.
  • The Secretary
    • Attends all board meetings.
    • Serves on the executive committee if one exists.
    • Ensure the safety and accuracy of all board records.
    • Review board minutes.
    • Assumes responsibilities of the chair in the absence of the board chair, chair-elect, and vice chair.
    • Provides notice of meetings of the board and/or of a committee when such notice is required.
  • The Treasurer
    • Attend all board meetings.
    • Maintain knowledge of the organization and personal commitment to its goals and objectives.
    • Understand financial accounting for nonprofit organizations.
    • Serve as the chair of the finance committee.
    • Manage, with the finance committee, the board's review of and action related to the board's financial responsibilities.
    • Work with the chief executive and the chief financial officer to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made available to the board on a timely basis.
    • Present the annual budget to the board for approval.
    • Review the annual audit and answer board members' questions about the audit.

Where do I go if I have more questions?

• If you have more questions please feel free to contact us.
• If you have more questions about being on a board, you may want to try Boardsource where we have modeled much of the content above from.