Maybelle Center for Community, a 501c3 non-profit organization, based in Portland, Oregon, relies on its board members to provide leadership, guidance, and support. Maybelle Center has identified the following responsibilities and expectations as relevant to serving as a Board Member.

TERM OF SERVICE AND TIME COMMITMENT

Board Members serve a 3-year term. Three consecutive terms may be served. Time commitment is 6-10 hours per month, approximately distributed  as follows:

• 3-4 hours: Board Meetings (preparation and attendance) held from 7:30 am– 9:00 am on the third Wednesday of every month at Maybelle Center.
• 2-3 hours: Committee meetings (preparation and attendance). All board members are asked to serve on a minimum of one board subcommittee.
• 1-3 hours: Special requests (i.e., attendance at events, specific meetings, etc.).

RESPONSIBILITIES

The board as a whole has the responsibility for governing the entire organization. The board is responsible for determining agency policy, sharing responsibility in the key areas of: Leadership/Human Resources, Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Fundraising & Resource Development, and Community Relations.

EXPECTATIONS OF BOARD SERVICE

As a board member of Maybelle Center for Community, you agree to meet the responsibilities and expectations as outlined here. In addition, you commit to the fundraising and relationship-building activities above on behalf of Maybelle Center during your term on the board.

1. Genuine commitment to Maybelle Center for Community’s mission and goals.
2. Uphold and oversee the integrity of the organization.
3. Act as an ambassador for the organization, “spreading the word,” and making connections in the broader community.
4. Participate in at least one standing and/or ad hoc committee in addition to board meetings. Committees meet monthly (or another appropriate schedule) and may include but not be limited to: Executive (governance/general oversight), Finance and Investment (fiscal health, budgeting, etc.), Fundraising & Communication (contributed revenue, messaging/marketing/public relations), Strategic Initiatives (special projects), and Board Development (recruitment and training of board members).
5. Make an annual financial contribution of an amount meaningful to you. A typical contribution is a minimum of $100/month (or $1200 annually). A meaningful contribution can be met by other means (see #6 below).
6. Actively participate in fundraising activities in ways meaningful and appropriate to you. Options may include one or more of the following (check all that apply); other strategies may be employed:
   • Identify potential donors and contacts to introduce Maybelle Center.
   • Directly contact individuals, corporations, foundations.
   • Invite people to attend quarterly lunches, house parties, or to take a tour of Maybelle Center.
   • Host an informational reception.
   • Make personal calls thanking donors.
7. Host one or more tables with your guests at the annual fundraiser: Hope in the Heart of Portland. (This is our primary event to raise funds. Attendance is highly encouraged. Co-hosting of tables is also an option).
8. Willing to expand knowledge of Maybelle Center and board responsibilities through orientation and ongoing development.
9. Actively recruit and cultivate new board members.
10. Attendance at every board meeting in person or by phone. Understanding that conflicts can and will arise, members who exceed more than three absences in a year will initiate a conversation with the Board Chair or Executive Director as to participation level. Attendance and participation on standing/ad hoc committees will also be tracked and reviewed. Notification of inability to attend meetings is expected.
11. Participate annually in a pre-scheduled visitation with Maybelle Center members with a volunteer(s). This entails approximately 2-3 hours in the afternoon. An alternative may entail a pre-scheduled time spent in the Community Room.
12. Complete a self-evaluation of board member performance at the end of the year.

Maybelle Center for Community will, in turn, provide:

1. All relevant information concerning the operations of the organization, including at least quarterly financial statements.
2. Respond to any questions that you feel essential in meeting my responsibilities as a board member.
3. Provide access to staff to discuss programs and policy questions if and when they arise.
4. Assist in the self-evaluation of your performance as a board member.

A message from our Board President to members and volunteers: