Our community council is governed by a board of volunteers. Serving on the board is a way to serve your community and help make decisions about land use and development, approaches to youth development, and building the community. A formal board member "job description" is below. For more specifics or any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office. When you've read everything over and are ready to apply - click the Apply Now! button on the Election page to go to the application form.
Organization Summary
SouthEast Community Organization (SECO) is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible non-profit organization. Our mission is to share power and knowledge, to organize and to advocate for the people who live and work in our neighborhoods. We build leadership to seize opportunities and work for social and racial justice. We are founded on values of equity so that – together – we may build civic leadership to influence decisions about the social and physical infrastructure supporting community in all its complexity. Our programs focus on civic involvement related to land use, economic development, and the environment, and also on youth development. The Council expects its board to reflect the varied backgrounds and interests of its constituents.
Job Description
Job Title: Board Member Neighborhoods:Eastview, Conway, Battle Creek, and Highwood neighborhoods of St. Paul, MN Salary: Unpaid - but rewarded with great experience and resume building Type:Part-time - volunteer Meetings: Attend monthly board meetings held on the fourth Monday of the month in the evening, also participate in a committee or project.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: The board of directors of the SouthEast Community Organization is legally responsible for all activities of the organization. The board sets goals, determines organizational policies that guide staff implementation of goals, provides financial oversight and approves and monitors the annual budget. Each member of the board also participates in a committee or project. Training is provided.
Experience and Qualification Requirements: Interest in and support of the SouthEast Community Organization's mission and values. Must be at least 16 years old and reside or work in the district. Commit to attending and participating in meetings and assisting with projects. The board meets 10 times per year on the fourth Monday of the month. One of these dates is the annual meeting, and one is board orientation.
Time Commitment: Attend a minimum of 7 Board meetings annually (3 unexcused absences shall be grounds for dismissal) and any scheduled committee meetings.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Each board member has the following responsibilities:
Policy Administration:
Set policies, advise on the annual plan, and recommend program activities.
Approve annual budget and actively participate in financial reporting and oversight.
Fundraising:
Help the organization raise money by any or all of the following:
Establish a meaningful personal contribution (any amount).
Set fundraising goals with board and staff.
Assist with the annual fundraising campaign (e.g., providing names of potential donors, soliciting donations from individuals or businesses, assisting with preparation, mailing, thank you notes or calls).
Assist with solicitation of grants in line with strategic goals (e.g., identifying grantors, providing testimonials, identifying partners, assisting with grant writing and site visits).
Participate in fundraising events or events that bring money into the organization - such as Drop Off Day.
Public and Community Relations:
Represent and promote the purposes and activities of the SouthEast Community Organization in a positive way to the community.
Participate in planning and staffing community-wide events sponsored by the Council.
Abide by the organizational policy regarding the use of Board member’s name in conjunction with candidates.
Promote, whenever possible, the goals of the organization.
Clearly differentiate in public when speaking for the Council and when representing personal opinions.
Leadership Development:
Participate in one's own leadership development, and recruitment, orientation, and development of new Board Members.
Encourage the development of key volunteers to take on future leadership roles in the organization and community.
Understanding Issues:
Develop a basic understanding of issues that come before the board.
Utilize staff expertise whenever necessary.
Board members should possess or develop the ability to be effective advocates for residents’ participation within their community and if needed, to the media. However, Board members are not permitted to speak on behalf of SECO at any time unless given authorization to do so through the Board of Directors or the Executive Director.
Read the newsletter that staff e-mail out each month.
Read materials prior to meetings.
Ask questions!
NOTE: Each board member must sign a Code of Conduct form and a Conflict of Interest form.
