Solid Ground Board Member

Solid Ground’s Board of Directors sets strategy, oversees management, and provides financial oversight of the organization.

About Solid Ground

We believe poverty is solvable. Our communities our stronger when we support stability and break down barriers to overcoming poverty – which means ending racism and other oppressions embedded in our institutions, policies, and culture that hold people back from succeeding. Solid Ground combines direct services with advocacy to meet basic needs, nurture success, and spread change. Through our programs, people gain stability and build skills that equip them to move forward in their lives. And by bringing the voices of people experiencing poverty into the political process, we further social justice, supporting our entire community to reach its potential. 

Board Member Volunteer Position Primary Responsibilities

1) Policy Making

• Define the agency’s mission and purpose.
• Determine the agency’s overall principles, direction, functions, and activities.
• Work with staff to develop overall goals and strategies to carry out the agency’s mission.
• Monitor the implementation of approved polices.

2) Fiscal & Legal 

• Ensure the agency has adequate resources to carry out its plans and activities.
• Promote accountability and ensure the agency meets its legal and contractual obligations.
• Adopt, amend, and adhere to the agency’s bylaws.

3) Fundraising & Public/Community Relations 

• Actively participate in the agency’s fundraising efforts.
• Advocate for the mission and activities of the agency.
• Serve as a link to other organizations and community groups.
• Engage with the communities the agency serves.

4) Hire & Evaluate the CEO’s Performance

5) Other Responsibilities  

• Manage and evaluate the Board itself for productivity and effectiveness.
• Foster a good working relationship between the Board and agency staff.
• Ensure that the Board’s work is accountable to the people served by Solid Ground.
• Actively engage in training and other activities designed to increase the Board’s understanding and involvement in agency initiatives, including anti-racism work.

Commitment

• Minimum 2-year commitment, with the potential to renew for up to 10 years
• Approximately 5-8 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (6-8pm on the first Thursday of each month)
  • Service on one subcommittee
  • Additional time to review materials and participate in other activities to support Solid Ground

Qualifications

To ensure a well-rounded and representative board, Solid Ground encourages people with the following experience to apply:

Underrepresented demographics:  

• Under the age of 40
• BIPOC  (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color)
• Gender nonconforming 

Representation:  

• Lived experience with poverty, oppression, and/or homelessness 
• Elected officials or their representatives – preferably someone with strong links to City of Seattle, school systems, and/or equity practices

Experience or expertise with: 

• Fundraising
• Human Resources (HR), labor engagement, and/or employment law
• Housing and/or human services
• Youth work
• Behavioral health

Accommodations Policy

The Solid Ground Board Accommodations Policy includes:

• The option to request reimbursement via local Fred Meyer or Target gift card for expenses directly related to board service up to $600 per year. Examples of expenses include bus fare, childcare, meals, etc.
• A stipend up to $200 a month for members with lived experience of poverty.
• Access to laptop for use during board meetings, including committee meetings and meeting preparation and follow-up.