Open Call for Board Nominations
Now through May 28, 2021
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up playing freely outside and any caring adult can support this play? Are you convinced that the health of children, communities and the planet depends on children playing outdoors?
Then join us in dreaming big and creating an expansive future!
Our board of directors is growing this year through an open call for nominations. This spring, we are welcoming a new cohort of 6-8 Board members to join our existing group. We want to bring in as many new perspectives as possible by making the process of joining our Board both easy to understand and widely accessible.
Skillsets we are seeking:
To augment skills on our existing board, we are specifically looking for individuals with professional experience in the following areas:
Financial Strategy
Nonprofit Governance/Management
Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Initiatives
Cultivating Corporate Partnerships
Fundraising & Foundation Grants
Developing and Analyzing Performance Metrics
Outdoor play (and the learning that goes with it!) is a universal experience. We believe Free Forest School will be able to do its best work when our Board and leadership represents the rich diversity of young kids and caregivers throughout the United States. We encourage people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ, veterans, or differently-abled to apply to join our Board.
What does the Board of Directors do?
Free Forest School board members volunteer resources to lead the organization. These resources include time, expertise, connections, and funds. As a Board member, you will commit to:
Serving a two year term, with the option to renew
Attending quarterly virtual Board meetings (8 hours/year)
Traveling to our annual Board Retreat (2 days, travel stipends available)
Donating an amount of money to the organization that is significant to you each year
Assisting the organization with fundraising
Participating in Board work of your choice (3+ hours/month) as an officer, through committee work, or in direct consultation with staff
How do I submit a nomination?
Complete this form to nominate yourself or someone you know and we’ll be in touch within one week of your submission. If you need technical assistance, please contact programs@freeforestschool.org.
Who should I nominate?
Can you think of someone who might be a great addition to the Free Forest School Board (including yourself)? Great nominees will be people who:
Believe every child deserves to grow up playing outdoors
Are passionate about nurturing kids and empowering caregivers
Want to help families overcome barriers to accessing nature caused by systemic racism and inequity
Are ready to share their unique perspectives and skills to make our organization better
Are excited to help advance strategic thinking as we work to increase our impact
How will Board members be selected?
Nominations will be accepted from April 5 to May 28, 2021. All nominees will be reviewed prior to the June 16, 2021 Board meeting.
Upon receipt of nominations, our Board will be in touch with each candidate within one week to provide details on the selection process. A review team comprised of Board members and members of the DEIJ committee will identify qualified candidates, who will then be contacted for an interview. New Board members will be notified in mid-June, and will attend their first meeting on July 21, 2021.
Shout it from the rooftops!
Even if you can’t think of anyone to nominate, you can help us out by sharing this opportunity with your network!
