LeadUS Mentoring Program 2015-16

Introduction

On behalf of everyone here at VIPP, thank you so much for your consideration of board service. We know that those with an interest in being a leadership volunteer have many choices. In our community, there are an array of remarkable organizations engaged in the important work of making our island a better place. Your board service would be a valuable asset to VIPP.

The following application offers us an opportunity to get to know more about you, your skills, attributes and what you would bring to our board. It also gives you a sense of what matters to us in a board candidate.

The goal of our process is to determine if we are a good fit for each other - your level of commitment and ability to deliver on our expectations so that we are confident that you can help us to increase the scope and impact of our work. On the other side, we want to know what motivates you and how you think about our organization so that we can help to create a supportive and fulfilling board experience for you.

Thank you again for your interest in our work and for taking the time to complete this application with thought and care. We look forward to reviewing it and continuing our conversations.

Overview

The VIPP Board of Directors governs the overall execution of the organization's mission. Principally, the Board manages organizational finances, spearheads the organization's fundraising efforts, and sets long term priorities and goals for programs. Overall, the members of the Board contribute the educational, management, legal, and financial skills needed to ensure long term organizational stability and to ensure year-to-year success of VIPP's work in the community.

Resources available to prospective board members:

Organizational Documents: Strategic Plan, Bylaws, Budget, Operating Principles, Conflicts of Interest Policy, and others upon request
Program Overview & Calendar of Events
Email/phone number of Board Chair

**Please reserve approximately 15 minutes to complete the following application**

Name

Last NameFirst Name

Email

example@example.com

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Home Phone

Format: (000) 000-0000.

Preferred method of contact:

At VIPP, we take the broadest view of diversity. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views as much as possible. We value the visible and invisible qualities that make you who you are. We also believe that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to advance our mission and therefore we are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our volunteers, clients, and vendors. We know that creating a culture of equality and diversity isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also the smart thing. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

The following questions are designed to help us assess some components of diversity; however, in the event that wish to keep some or all of this information private, we have made the following questions optional.

Age

How would you describe your gender identity?

If Different identity, please specify:

Which category best describes you? Pleas select all that apply.

If you selected Another racial-ethnic group not listed, please specify

Title/Profession

Company Organization

I own or have experience with:

Please list your current and past Volunteer Experience i.e. Boards, committees, task forces in the public sector such as business, civic, community, religious, political, professional, recreational, or social service (please include titles, if possible)

What experiences, expertise, skills, connections, or resources would you bring to VIPP?

WHY VIPP? Those committed to volunteering in a leadership capacity have an abundance of organizations to choose from. We are most appreciative of your interest in ours and would like to hear more. Please share your motivation and what it is about our work that has led you to raise your hand to be a leading ambassador for us.

Have you ever been engaged in any specific fundraising efforts? If so with whom, how, and what was the amount raised?

SKILLS/EXPERTISE

Please mark the skills and expertise (max 4) you will bring to us that will strengthen our board and enhance the ability of our organization to deliver on its mission

ATTRIBUTES

A board is more than a collection of individuals. It is an entity that governs, approves strategy and engages in a robust discussion and debate on relevant issues. It must act as a single entity. As such, the personality traits you bring to the board will help us to ensure that we have a diversity of personality styles and traits that, when added to our current board members, will enhance the ability of the board members to work together as a governing body. Please choose the top 4 attributes that you believe best describe you.

FUNDRAISING

Among other responsibilities, board members play a key role in raising funds for our organization. It is an expectation of board service that you will introduce people in your sphere of influence to our work and invite them to know and do more - as prospective volunteers, board members, and as donors. Our organization commits to providing you with the information and tools necessary for you to stand as a vocal and visible ambassador for our work.

Further, we expect every board member to make an annual financial commitment for each year of board service. 100% participation is sought, though the amount you contribute is optional. We ask that board members consider giving at a leadership level that is personally meaningful to your individual circumstances.

TIME

VIPP is currently an all-volunteer organization. Board positions require a time and energy commitment that should not be underestimated. Candidates are urged to consider personal priorities for the next year as well as the ways to contribute to the development of the organization. We estimate that board service could be a commitment of 3 to 8 hours each month.

Expectations for board service include:

Attendance and participation at special events and fundraisers, which sometimes fall on evenings or weekends
Attendance and participation at our yearly annual live auction event, the FurBall, held toward the end of May every year at the Open Space for Arts & Entertainment
Regular attendance at monthly board meetings, typically held on the second Monday of every month in person, when possible
An Annual Meeting, typically held in the early part of each new year, whereby the board meets to discuss strategy and plan for future goals of the organization

Do you have any concerns about fundraising or time expectations? Please take this opportunity to stipulate any questions or concerns you may have.

OTHER

A background check is required for all members of the Board. This is required for isurance compliance. All Officers and Directors are covered under the organizatin's insurance policy.

Summary: The VIPP Board of Directors is an exciting and engaged working board. Board members are expected to be timely and present at every meeting with a maximum of two absences from board meetings. Board members are also encouraged to participate in fundraising and development activities which includes an annual gift to VIPP that is personally significant and meaningful. Board members are expected to commit to the role for a minimum of one year. Will you be able to make this commitment to VIPP?

Please list and identify TWO references we can speak with. Please specify your relationship with each individual and a phone number or email address where we may reach them.

After you submit your application, we will be in touch to schedule an in person meeting so that we may both have an opportunity to address any specific questions or concerns.

Thank you for your interest!

Date

Board of Directors Applicant Form

Personal Information

Demographic Information

Business/Work Information