Board of Director's: Expectations and Responsibilties
Purpose: To advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of Lansing Makers Network so as to support the organization’s mission and needs.
Major Responsibilities
Organizational leadership and advisement
Organization of the board of directors, officers, and committees
Formulation and oversight of policies and procedures
Financial management, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget
Oversight of program planning and evaluation
Personnel evaluation and staff development
Review of organizational and programmatic reports
Promotion of the organization
Fundraising and outreach
Members of the board share these responsibilities while acting in the interest of Lansing Makers Network. Each member is expected to make recommendations based on his or her experience and vantage point in the community.
Expectations of Board Members
Attend and participate in all meetings.
Attend and participate in at least three functions and outreach events as able.
Participate on a standing committee of the board, and serve on ad-hoc committees as necessary.
Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by Lansing Makers Network's mission, objectives, and programs.
Help communicate and promote Lansing Makers Network mission and programs to the community.
Become familiar with Lansing Makers Network finances, budget, and financial/resource needs.
Understand the policies and procedures of Lansing Makers Network.
Maintain membership in Lansing Makers Network
Financially support Lansing Makers Network in a manner commensurate with one’s ability.
Term Length
Board member terms are 3 years in length with no renewal limit (subject to approval of the membership).
Meetings and Time Commitments
Meetings
The board of directors meets on the Fourth Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm. Meetings typically last 90 minutes.
Board members are expected to attend *ALL* board meetings. While occasional, excused absences are understood, an active, engaged board of directors is vital to the success of the organization. As a result the board will vote to remove board members who miss more than 3 consecutive meetings.
The Board will work together to accommodate scheduling conflicts and move meeting dates and times as needed.
The Board recognizes that board meetings are an opportunity for the membership to have a voice with their elected leadership and consistency of meeting times and dates are important to achieving that purpose.
Committees meet as needed depending on their function (operating committees generally meet once per month in advance of the regular board meeting, while other committees may meet less often)
Functions and Outreach Events
Lansing Makers Network participates in many outreach events, such as:
Fundraising
Board Members must consider Lansing Makers Network a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority.
So that Lansing Makers Network can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, we expect to have 100 percent of Board Members make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their individual capacity.