JOIN OUR BOARD
This Q&A page will help you consider serving as a member of our Board of Directors.
What does a Director do?
Directors:
- create organizational goals and objectives based on our vision and mission
- create and oversee the implementation of policies and procedures
- monitor financial reporting and performance
- raise funds through activities, events, solicitations, and campaigns
- hire, support, and evaluate the performance of the Executive Director
What skills does the Board need?
We strive to create a productive team where each member contributes their:
- understanding of the issues of concern to children and youth ages 5-25;
- familiarity with the Greenbelt, MD area community;
- knowledge of entrepreneurship, job readiness, and financial education; and
- board or volunteer service, organizational development, and fundraising experience.
Who Can Be a Director?
Anyone over the age of 13 who supports YES’s vision and mission. (See 2010 Maryland Code CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS Section 2-403 – Qualifications of directors.) We prefer members who live, work, volunteer, attend school, play, or worship in Greenbelt, MD.
How does the Board function?
The Board uses Dynamic Community Governance (DCG) to make decisions, delegate tasks, and elect its members. DCG is a modern organizational “operating system.” Decisions are made neither by majority rule nor by consensus, but by consent. DCG helps meetings run smoothly and efficiently and ensures that each member has an equal opportunity to be heard. This leads to fully-informed decisions and better outcomes.
How is the Board structured?
The Board is comprised of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 11 members. This may include one (1) president/CEO; up to six (6) subject matter experts (SME) in the areas of economic development, government, education, business, law, and nonprofit management); and up to six (4) other directors as determined by the Board, provided an odd number of members is maintained.
Terms
New Board members serve a term of one (1) year. After serving their first term, they may be elected to serve for consecutive two-year terms.
Officers
The Board has three (3) executive officers: a president (and CEO), a treasurer, and a secretary. The treasurer and secretary are nominated and elected by the Board for two-year terms. They may be nominated and elected to serve for two (2) consecutive two-year terms.
How is a Director selected and elected?
After the founding Board completes it’s first nine (9) months of service (January-September 2023), prospective members must be nominated by a YES member, YES alumni, a current Board member, or a YES staff member. Elections take place at the hybrid annual membership meeting in October where candidates introduce themselves and field questions. The consent of all present at the meeting decides their election.
Vacancies
If there are vacancies on the Board between annual membership meetings, candidates may be nominated and elected to the Board by the consent of the then-sitting Board members, provided the candidate a) submits an Interest Form (see below) and b) attends a Board meeting for an interview prior to the vote that decides their election.
Are Board members protected from liability?
Board members are protected from liability through YES’ Maryland nonprofit corporate charter and through our general liability and directors and officers (D&O) insurance policies.
Must Board members complete a background check?
To ensure the safety of the children and teens we serve and to preserve the good standing and reputation of YES, all employees, contractors, and volunteers (including Board members) must complete a basic criminal background check prior to service. Please consult our Other Fine Print page for details on this and other YES policies.
Must Board members support YES financially?
Yes. We strive to have 100% of directors support YES each year by making a tax-deductible donation.
When does the Board meet?
The Board meets four (4) times a year for two (2) hours in January, April, July, and October (the annual meeting). Attendance is mandatory. Each member contributes to our ability to make good decisions and our bylaws require a quorum (a majority of members) be present to make decisions official.
Where does the Board meet?
Online and in-person in Greenbelt, Maryland.
Next Steps?
1. Review our entire website to better familiarize yourself with YES.
2. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
3. Complete and submit an Interest Form.
4. We’ll contact you with any questions or concerns we may have.
5. If we/you decide to proceed, we will invite you to attend a board meeting.