Member at Large | Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

As a member of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) Board of Directors, the Director-at-Large assumes responsibility for ensuring that the organization advances the vital role and capacity of the Girl Scouts by supporting and giving voice to the vision and mission of GSNEO. Members pledge to foster advancement in the depth and breadth of service offerings through the investment of time and talents in organizational oversight and the commitment and ability to raise friends and funds to support and sustain GSNEO.

Mission:

The mission of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Vision:

Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will be the organization of choice of girls and recognized by the community as the best model for leadership development for girls and women.

Major Responsibility toggle arrow

Establish organizational strategies.
Provide organizational leadership and advisement.
Participate on the Board and committees.
Formulate and oversee the Board’s policies and procedures.
Provide fiscal oversight and guidance, including adoption and oversight of the annual budget.
Oversee program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Review organizational and programmatic reports.
Promote the organization.
Participate in fundraising and outreach.
Members of the Board share these responsibilities while acting in the interest of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. Each member is expected to make recommendations based on his or her experience and vantage point in the community.

Length of Term toggle arrow

The Board of Directors-at-Large position is a two (2) year term, which commences at the close of the Annual Meeting. No member shall serve more than a total of three (3) consecutive years as a Director-at-Large.

Meetings and Time Commitment toggle arrow

New Board Member Orientation – 1 hour time commitment
Regular Board Meetings: The Board of Directors meets formally at least four (4) times per year, generally the meetings are held at the GSNEO Macedonia Service Center office or virtually.
Annual Meeting – Held in the spring.
Committee Participation – Serve as a member of (minimally) two (2) board committees or task groups.
Committees and task groups meet an average of six (6) times per year, depending on work level.
Annual Council Fundraiser – GSNEO sponsors fundraising events throughout the eighteen (18) county footprint. Board members are encouraged to support all fundraising events as ability allows, with a minimum expectation that each board member will actively support one key annual event.

Financial Expectations toggle arrow

Become a member of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
- Annually - $25
- Lifetime - $400 (encouraged)
Financial supporter of GSNEO at a minimum annual giving level of $500; as well as participation in major capital campaigns.
Support and assist with fundraising by identifying and assisting with relationships for sponsorships, underwriting, etc.
Local travel and expenses.

Volunteer Non-Financial Expectations toggle arrow

Be alert to GSNEO related concerns that can be addressed by GSNEO mission, objectives, and programs.
Communicate and promote GSNEO mission and programs to the community.
Familiarity with GSNEO finances, budget, and financial/resource needs.
Adherence to the policies and procedures of the GSNEO Board.
Compliance with GSNEO’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Code of Conduct toggle arrow

As part of the responsibilities of a board member:

Maintain confidentiality of the board’s sessions, follow the bylaws, and uphold the board’s legal responsibilities.
Help the board fulfill its fiduciary responsibility by exercising prudence and faithfully reading and understanding the council’s financial statements.
Attend at least 75 percent of board meetings and committee meetings, and make the best effort to attend Gold Award, Dessert First, Women of Distinction and Annual Meeting & Adult Recognition events. Read in advance the board and/or committee’s mailings prior to the respective meeting. In addition, will make every effort to participate in Convention, Council sponsored events and any other staff directed meetings.
Each year, make a personally meaningful financial contribution to the council.
Actively assist the fund development committee and/or staff by implementing fundraising strategies in ways best suited for Director-at-Large, for example, through personal influence with others (corporations, foundations, individuals).
Provide suggestions for board prospects.
Avoid prejudiced judgments on the basis of information received from individuals and urge those with grievances to follow established policies and procedures through their supervisors.
If currently serving as a Girl Scout operational volunteer in certain positions, step down from that position.
Act in the best interests of the organization, avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest, and disclose any possible conflicts to the board in a timely manner. Serve the council as a whole, rather than special interest groups or regions.
Stay informed about what’s going on in the council, ask questions, request information, and actively participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other board matters.
Support and encourage the chief executive officer (CEO) as appropriate and work in good faith with senior staff and other board members as partners toward achievement of our goals.
Avoid asking for special favors of the staff, without prior consultation with the CEO, board chair, or committee chairperson.
If these commitments to the organization are not fulfilled, expect the board chair to call and discuss responsibilities.

In turn, the organization will be responsible to the Director-at-Large in several ways:

Directors-at-Large will be sent, without request, quarterly financial reports and an update of organizational activities that allow to meet the “prudent person” standards of the law.
Opportunities will be offered to discuss with the CEO and the board chair the organization’s programs, goals, activities, and status; additionally, such opportunities may be requested.
The organization will help Directors-at-Large perform their duties by keeping them informed about issues in the industry and field in which we are working, and by offering opportunities for professional development as a board member.