About Phoenix Bikes
Phoenix Bikes is an Arlington nonprofit that combines youth educational programs with a full-service bike shop, harnessing the power of bikes to help young people build passion, purpose, and a place in their community. With a budget over $1,000,000, we reach hundreds of students a year teaching bike mechanics, riding skills, and life skills.
Expectations of the Board as a Body
- Determine the mission and purposes of the organization
- Select and evaluate the performance of the Executive Director
- Conduct strategic and organizational planning
- Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
- Fundraise and ensure resource development
- Maintain and enhance the organization's reputation and public image
- Assess the board's own performance and recruit new board members
Responsibilities of Individual Board Members
- Attend new board member onboarding, including a background check and online SafeSport training (2-3 hours)
- Attend at least 4 of 6 regular board meetings a year — 2-hour evening meetings, typically the 4th Wednesday of January, March, May, July, October, and December
- Participate in the half-day annual board retreat, typically in September
- Serve on at least one standing committee and one event committee (roughly 2-3 hours/month beyond board meetings)
- Help the board fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities, including understanding our financial statements
- Serve as a resource to staff in your areas of knowledge and expertise
- Be actively engaged in recruiting new board members
- Be active in raising funds, including cultivating and soliciting donors and sponsors
- Attend the majority of major fundraising events each year
- Contribute or raise a minimum of $1,000 a year, either by giving personally, raising funds from your network, or providing in-kind value (extra time beyond board commitments, or an appropriate local business donation of service or product)
Total time commitment runs 5-15 hours/month depending on your committees.
Term
Each term is three years, with the option to serve a second three-year term if both you and the board want to continue. Board members are term-limited to two consecutive terms. With reapplication considered after a one year break from the board.
This application is for the next term, which begins January 1, 2027, and ends on December 31, 2029.
Visibility and Awareness
Board members are an extension of the organization. If you join this board, you agree to be an active, visible, and vocal advocate for Phoenix Bikes, spreading the word about our mission in your networks and your community.
Reminder: You don't need to be an avid cyclist to serve on this board — you just need to care about helping young people discover their full potential.