BOARD RECRUITMENT KIT

BOARD RECRUITMENT

Serving on a charitable nonprofit's board is about more than just being elected – it requires continuous learning about those served and being an advocate for the mission, making decisions that are in the best interest of the organization, ensuring prudent use of the nonprofit's assets, and looking ahead to help the nonprofit plan for the future. Use this kit to recruit board members.

© 2015 – 2016 Live2Create Center for the Arts, Inc.

BOARD MEMBER JOB POSTING:

Live2Create Center for the Arts Board of Directors is composed of leaders from the nonprofit and for-profit sector who are dedicated to the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for children living in poverty through the expressive arts. Because Live2create desires to be the preeminent creative arts resource for the State of South Carolina, its board strives to be a model of excellent governance performance. Serving on the Live2Create Board of Directors is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about making the arts apart of everyday life, strengthening leadership and governance in the nonprofit sector, and who has a track record of board leadership.

Our board members champion the importance of exceptional board leadership and believe — as the organization does — that each and every nonprofit needs a strong and effective board to fully accomplish its goals. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of a board member, Live2Create’s board members are active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Live2Create to advance its mission.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE We are currently recruiting for diverse leaders with expertise in the following areas:

Corporate Leaders: One of the most tangible ways that Live2Create draws new and diverse leaders into nonprofit board service is through partnerships with corporations that are seeking strategic ways to engage their employees in high-impact service positions throughout the nonprofit sector. Live2Create is growing its outreach and partnerships with corporations and is fortunate to have a strong group of corporate partners working with us to


strengthen nonprofit board service by offering educational programs within their companies, as well as provide philanthropic support to Live2Create’s larger mission to enhance the quality of life for children living in poverty through the expressive arts. The ideal candidate for our corporate leader role will possess the following qualifications and areas of expertise:

• A belief in board service — and service more broadly — as a critical element of corporate social responsibility; a personal reputation as a committed and inspired proponent of service.

• A strong understanding of how nonprofit board service can support and augment corporate goals around employee professional development, community engagement, and philanthropic investments.

• A strong network of decision-makers and influencers at other companies and a willingness to tap those connections to help Live2Create identify and connect with potential corporate partners.

Recognized Governance Expert/Academic: Live2Create values the views and research initiatives of our academic peers and is eager to increase and leverage connections with academia. The ideal candidate for our recognized governance expert/academic board member will possess the following qualifications:

• A recognized authority in nonprofit sector issues with a body of peer-reviewed research focused in the areas of nonprofit governance or policy.

• A leader in respected academic networks in the area of board leadership and an ability to identify opportunities for Live2Create to connect and collaborate with these individuals and groups.

• A willingness to provide guidance on board trends that may affect Live2Create, our members, and our resources and services and to serve as a resource to the internal research team when requested.

Individual Board Member Responsibilities: Each board member is expected to know what exceptional governance is, to practice it as a board member, and to remain apprised of new developments in the governance and regulatory environment.

Board members are expected to read and understand Live2Create’s financial statements and otherwise help the board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities.


Board members are expected to attend 75% of board meetings per year. They are expected to read board materials in advance of board meetings and come prepared to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Board members are expected to serve on one or more committees of the board and to actively participate in committee work.

Board members are expected to play an active role in securing the financial resources necessary for Live2Create to achieve its mission.

Board members are expected to leverage personal relationships and connections to help the development committee and staff identify and solicit potential funders, as well as directly invest in Live2Create’s work by making a personal contribution each year.

Board members are expected to responsibly represent Live2Create to their respective communities and to advocate for Live2Create’s mission, programs, and services as appropriate.

Application Process

To be considered for nomination to the Live2Create Board of Directors, please submit a letter of interest and biography or resume to [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER/CEO

Dear Prospective Board Member,

Let me start by thanking you for expressing interest in Live2Create Center for the Arts Board of Directors. We are excited about getting to know you better and talking with you about the Board's projects and needs. Chances are you already know about the organization and its mission, but Live2Create fund critical expressive art programs and services for families affected by poverty regionally. There are over 74,691 residents living in poverty in Richland County. Research indicates that children from low socio-economic (SES) households and communities develop academic skills more slowly than children from higher SES groups. The school systems in low SES communities are often under resourced, negatively affecting students’ academic progress.

At Live2Create, our vision is a world where every child, despite their socio-economic status has an opportunity to experience who they are and who God has created them to be. The prevalence of poverty has increased tenfold in the last decade and we are taking a stand as community leaders to make a difference.

Live2Create relies on a small staff to handle administration and finance, event programming, development and marketing, and volunteer management. The Board will focus on governance issues including strategic planning, financial oversight, organizational assessment, and fund development. We are currently seeking new board members who can expand our capabilities in those areas plus strengthen our connections with the ethnic, artistic, business, and geographic communities that are essential to pursuing our mission.

Live2Create Board members are active in everything from representing the organization at community events to reviewing financial reports and researching issues and policies in their committee work. The Board, and most of our committees, meets monthly, and we communicate frequently using e-mail, web-based file systems, and phone/computer-based meeting tools. As Board members, we are custodians of the public's trust in us to fulfill Live2Create’s mission. In doing so, we enjoy great collegiality, and there is great satisfaction when we see our efforts culminate in the celebration of our programs/events.

The attached materials will tell you much more about the organization and the Board. Please do not hesitate to contact me or any other member of the Board with questions and comments. I will be in touch with you to discuss next steps. Again, many thanks for your interest.

With best regards,

Amy P. McIntosh, Founder/CEO Live2Create Center for the Arts, Inc.


MISSION:

The mission of the Board is to provide direction, guidance and oversight on a volunteer basis to Live2Create Center for the Arts; to ensure the organization remains on track with regard to meeting its goals and objectives; as well as crafting policies in support of those goals.

The mission of Live2Create Center for the Arts is to enhance the quality of life for children of all ages through the expressive arts, while addressing social issues in the underserved communities of South Carolina.

VISION:

A world where every child despite their socioeconomic status has an opportunity to experience who they are and who God has created them to be.

KEY VALUES:

• Accountability – Do what you say you will do

• Motivation – Be driven to deliver results

• Communication – Be open minded and willing to accept or deny requests

• Participation – Offer your assistance where needed

• Leadership – Lead by example and Inspire others to do the same

• Integrity – Be honest and transparent in your decisions and actions. Respect the

brand, the organization and God’s vision.

• Excellence – Deliver the highest quality performance in everything you do

• Professionalism – exhibit professional behavior at all times. Look, speak and dress

accordingly to maintain the image of someone who takes pride in the organization.

EXPECTATIONS:

• Enhance the public image • Fundraising • Utilize the networks and experience of Board members in growing the Movement • Futuristic thinking • Preparation for meetings / Attendance / Collaborative, inclusive discussions.


OUR STORY:

Through the story below, we hope you will gain insight into the organization’s current operations and future potential.

The Story

Live2Create Center for the Arts derived out of the idea of saving the arts in the public schools of SC. It’s a proven fact that the arts enrich all aspects of our lives, but state and local governments across the nation continue to cut or reduce funds needed to support these programs. In addition to budget cuts, the numbers for children living in poverty in SC are chilling, ranking 45th in the nation for child wellbeing. We wanted to find a way to connect the community, through use of our gifts and talents, while addressing social issues in SC.

We believe that the arts are an essential component of education and vibrant communities. We believe that through our service to the community, we have the power to increase change in our schools and provide a greater impact in the Columbia area. Live2Create targets a sector of the arts ecosystem, as well as public school systems undergoing great financial challenges, while supporting a more integrative arts education agenda via full service community programs.


We believe the arts are what makes us unique and should be available to all without regard to socioeconomic status. Providing an avenue to a spectrum of artistic education and artistic experiences is crucial to the development of healthy public schools and communities and contributes to the overall academic achievement and social well-being of our student population.

As part of the Board, you will be responsible for supporting financial sustainability, forging strategic direction for the next decade and extending the reach and impact that Live2Create has in celebrating, preserving and enhancing the many cultural, ethnic and community focused expressions in the arts of dance, music, storytelling, visual arts and theatre.

Our organization seeks prospective board members for seven primary Board of Director positions. They include:

- President - Vice President - VP of Administration - VP of Finance - VP of Membership/Volunteers - VP of Programs - VP of Marketing/Social Media - VP of Technology

Persons interested in learning more about the work of the board and the organization send email to: [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOB DESCRIPTION / DUTIES

As custodians of the public’s trust, the Directors of Live2Create and I as a member of the board, bear the responsibility of governance of the not-for-profit corporation. As a director, I make a significant commitment of resources (time, money, expertise, community contacts, organizational skills or leadership talents) to advance the mission and goals of Live2Create.

My Responsibilities as a member of the Board of Directors are:

• Policy making • Evaluating, hiring and firing the Executive Director • Long-range planning • Financial oversight • Evaluation of the organization • Fundraising • Public relations • Board training and development • Advocacy in the community at large for the organization and its mission.

This means that I:

• Know Live2Create’s mission, purposes, goals, policies, programs, strengths and weaknesses

• Join in discussions and votes • Understand the budget process • Review financial statements • Evaluate the organization and the Board • Review the performance of the Executive Director • Lead, support and participate in fundraising projects • Serve on a committee of the board • Represent and promote the organization in the community • Assist Live2Create through personal commitment and contacts • Take part in Board development and training activities • Participate in Live2Create activities in as many capacities as time allows, while

fulfilling primary responsibilities to the Board.


Time Commitment: I agree to participate in Board meetings (11 per year) and special sessions or retreats. I will serve on a standing committee or special projects committee and attend Live2Create’s annual appreciation Gala, in October, as well as other annual events. Most committees meet monthly.

Absent Special Circumstances: I agree to attend at least two-thirds of all board meetings and miss no more than three board meetings in a row. I will communicate special circumstances to the President.

Committee Chair Commitment: As part of my service on the Live2Create board, I agree to identify a standing or special project committee, to serve on that committee and prepare myself to chair that committee in the second year of, a standing of my first term.

Financial Commitment: I agree to contribute, according to my ability, to the Annual Membership Campaign and any other fundraising campaigns the Board may undertake from time to time. The Board is committed to showing 100% board participation in the Membership Campaign. I recognize that each director assumes responsibility for fundraising and assists in identifying and evaluating prospective donors (i.e., individuals, corporations and foundations).

Communication: The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day operations and for coordinating the activities of its various divisions and programs. Staff members report to the Executive Director who is further accountable to the board for their performance. For these reasons, the Executive Director must be aware of all board/staff communications. This is most easily achieved by copying the Executive Director; email messages between board and staff and through regular staff reports following meetings with committees and individual directors.

Board Terms: As stated in the By-laws directors serve for the term for which he/she is elected. At the end of each term, Directors who wish to stand for re-election are asked to renew their commitment. Individuals who do not meet membership expectations as determined by a performance review as described below will be asked to step down by the President of the Board.

Officer Terms: Officers serve for one year. Each officer may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in any one position.


Leave of Absence: Where business or personal matters make it difficult to meet his or her commitment, a Board member may, with permission of the Board President, take a leave (or leaves) of absence of up to 12 months during a three-year term.

Governance and Oversight: I understand that directors are legally responsible for the organization; however, South Carolina State law and Live2Create’s By-laws indemnify directors from individual liability except in the 16 case of gross negligence (Live2Create maintains directors and officers liability insurance coverage). An important part of serving as a director is protecting assets and ensuring that funds are managed properly. Accordingly, I will review financial information provided prior to each Board meeting and the annual audit. I recognize that participation in discussions of financial reports and in the budget preparation process are essential duties.

Conflict of Interest: I confirm that I will not use my service for my personal advantage or for the advantage of friends or associates. I agree that I will not obtain for myself, my relatives or my friends a material benefit of any kind from my association with Live2Create. I agree that I will represent the interest of all people served by the organization.

Advocacy and Leadership: As a member of the Board of Directors, I will represent Live2Create to all its constituents: the public, elected and governmental officials, private industry and foundations. Individually and collectively, I confirm that directors are primary advocates for the organization, responsible for projecting and maintaining the organization’s public image. I will work actively to educate elected officials, the business community and the general public about the important and essential role of the arts in society. They serve as leaders to strengthen understanding and support of Live2Create.

Board Committees: a) Facilitate the setting of policy b) Monitor areas such as finance, development of resources and long-range planning

Committees review issues and receive staff reports that are not always presented to the full Board. They identify new or emerging issues, research and distribute related information and make recommendations to the Board. The Executive Committee acts for the full board between board meetings.


Resources and Recruitment: As a member of the Board of Directors, I will support the organization by drawing on my professional and social experience and contacts to suggest potential supporters, sponsors, consultants and committee members.

Learning and Training: Serving on the Board of Live2Create offers many opportunities to broaden understanding, experience and skills in the expressive arts. Directors participate in Board-specific training to enhance skills necessary for governance, leadership and advocacy.

Board Performance Review: Each year the Executive Committee reviews the performance of the Board as a whole, the performance of new Directors and those whose terms are ending. The review is based on duties described in this document and includes meeting attendance (as documented in meeting minutes), fulfillment of Board member responsibilities and the various contributions made to assist Live2Create in its mission. If concerns arise from the review, the President of the Board will discuss them directly with the individual member.

Executive Director Performance Review: The Board of Directors reviews the Executive Director’s performance annually under the leadership of its Executive Committee. I agree that I am expected to participate in the review. Assessment of the Executive Director’s performance is the Board’s primary intervention in day-to-day management.


SAMPLE LINKEDIN MESSAGE

Hi [Connect],

Your experience in [finance and with the public school system caught my eye]. I am seeking diverse business professionals in the Columbia, SC area who may be interested in serving as a member of the Board of Directors for Live2Create Center for the Arts.

Live2Create fund critical expressive art programs and services for families affected by poverty in our community. There are over 74,691 residents living in poverty in Richland County. Research indicates that children from low socio-economic (SES) households and communities develop academic skills more slowly than children from higher SES groups. The school systems in low SES communities are often under resourced, negatively affecting students’ academic progress.

At Live2Create, our vision is a world where every child, despite their socio-economic status has an opportunity to experience who they are and who God has created them to be. The prevalence of poverty has increased tenfold in the last decade and we are taking a stand as community leaders to make a difference.

We are seeking board members who can expand our capabilities in those areas plus strengthen our connections with the ethnic, artistic, business, and geographic communities that are essential to pursuing our mission.

Would you have time to discuss your current commitments and perhaps how this opportunity would be able to fit into your schedule? If you’re not looking for an opportunity right now, I understand, but would you be willing to share it with someone who may be interested?

We are excited about getting to know you better and talking with you about the Board's projects and needs.

Thanks for your time and consideration,

Amy P. McIntosh


BOARD MEMBER CONTRACT

I, __________________________________________, understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of _________________________________________, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward. As part of my responsibilities as a board member:

1. I will interpret the organization's work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson.

2. I will attend at least two-thirds of board meetings, committee meetings, and special events. 3. Each year, but no later than Thanksgiving of each year and without having to be asked, I will make a

personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to me. 4. I will actively participate in one or more fundraising activities. 5. I will stay informed about what's going on in the organization. I will ask questions and request

information. I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other matters. I will not stay silent if I have questions or concerns.

6. If I don't fulfill these commitments to the organization, I will expect the board president to call me and discuss my responsibilities with me.

In turn, the organization will be responsible to me in the following ways:

1. I will be sent, without having to request them, quarterly financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow me to meet the "prudent person" standards of the law. (The "prudent person rule," applied in many legal settings in slightly differing language, states that an individual must act with the same judgment and care as, in like circumstances, a prudent person would act.)

2. Opportunities will be offered to me to discuss with the executive director and the board president the organization's programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, I can request such opportunities.

3. The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about issues in the industry and field in which we are working and by offering me opportunities for professional development as a board member.

4. Board members and staff will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that I feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal, and moral responsibilities to this organization. Board members and staff will work in good faith with me toward achievement of our goals.

5. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board president and executive director to discuss the organization's responsibilities to me.

Board Member: ________________________________

Position: _______________________________________

Date: ________________ Term: ___________________

Chair of the Board of Directors:

_________________________________________________

Date: _________________ Term: __________________

BOARD RECRUITMENT KIT

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Transcript of BOARD RECRUITMENT KIT