Seeking Board Members
Key Requirements
Commitment to Books Are Wings Mission
The mission of Books Are Wings is “putting free books in the hands of children.” Books Are Wings seeks to provide every child with regular access to books andworks to engage students in their classrooms, at school functions, community events, and playgrounds. We believe that offering books to children in different environments instills a consistent message that reading is not just schoolwork- it’s a way of life! For more information, visit our website at https://www.booksarewings.org
Books Are Wings is seeking members for its Board of Directors,who will provide strategic leadership and governance, working in partnership with the Executive Director, who oversees day-to-day operations of the organization. The Board of Directors supports the work of the organization and serves as the organization’s fiduciaries, who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
Time Commitment
Approximately 4 hours per month for meetings or other board-related activities.
Board Member Term
Board members serve an initial term of 3 years, which is renewable, for a total of 6 years.
Overall Board Responsibilities
Periodically review the mission statement and by-laws.
Ensure that Books Are Wings finances are adequate for its current and long-term needs by approving the strategic plan and budget and monitoring the financial records throughout the year.
Ensure that the legal obligations, including state registration and income tax forms, of BAW, are met.
Recruit board members, donors, and volunteers as needed.
Hire and annually review the Executive Director.
Individual Board Member Responsibilities
Attend all Board meetings and actively participate in discussions, supporting decision making and the consensus of the board once a decision has been reached.
Maintain confidentiality of board proceedings and internal matters of the organization, unless otherwise stated.
Disclose fully and completely any conflict of interest that may arise and to refrain from voting on matters that may result in a conflict.
Act as an ambassador for Books Are Wings within the Rhode Island community by personally advocating for the organization and by identifying potential donors and volunteers for our staff to contact.
Every boardmember has the obligation to remember that they represent the organization and to conduct himor herself in a professional manner.
Serve on at least one Board committee.
Make a yearly monetary or in-kind donation. We ask for 100% board participation in ourdevelopment efforts, based upon the board member’s ability to give.
Ensure Books Are Wings commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities Books Are Wings serves.
Benefits of Board Service
Help shape and support the direction and future of Books Are Wings.
Identify needs, and support and achieve organization goals.
Participate in opportunities to meet influential, intelligent, and well-connected people.
Develop your own leadership skills and leadership in others.
Opportunity to make an impact by improving childhood literacy and creating a love of reading and learning.
Make a difference in the community and for the youth of our state.
Please send your resume and cover letter to Books Are Wings Executive Director, Jennifer Smith, at jsmith@booksarewings.org for consideration. We would also appreciate your completing our Interest toServe Form.
Books Are Wings is an equal opportunity employer and organization. BAW does not
discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age,
physical or mental disability, medical condition, national origin, veteran status or any other
status protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment, volunteer and board
service is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
