What are the responsibilities and job description for the Board Member position at Roots & Wings NJ?
ABOUT ROOTS AND WINGS
Did you know there is a forgotten segment of the population that must transition into adulthood all on their own?
Roots & Wings plays a critical role in addressing one of our nation’s most pressing and difficult-to-solve issues: young people aging out of the foster care system. The clients in our program have lived in as many as 20 out-of-home placements, before the age of 18. Many have been abandoned and endured unthinkable abuse and neglect. Foster youth are among the most underserved, disconnected, and statistically vulnerable segments of our communities. At Roots and Wings, we utilize an evidence-based model to help these youth obtain educational degrees and/or vocations, as well as learn critical life skills necessary to sustain self-sufficiency.
Our mission is to: Provide safe housing, emotional support, life skills, and educational opportunities for youth aging out of foster care; empowering them to rise toward their greatest potential.
WHY SERVE ON OUR BOARD?
As a board member, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization and the lives of the youth we serve. This is an opportunity to make a profound impact in your community by helping to steer our mission and strategic direction. Our goal is to develop and transition our clients to vibrant and self-sufficient lives.
TIME AND TALENT
The total time commitment, including meetings, preparation, and events is in the range of 5-8 hours per month.
- Board Meetings: There are a total of six board meetings per year. Four are virtual meetings and two are in-person meetings, at the Denville, NJ office.
- Board Committees: Board members are expected to serve on one Board Committee.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Board members make every effort to support the agency financially, personally, and by identifying, obtaining, and or introducing new donors, sponsor prospects, or grant providers to the Executive Director. Board members also promote the Roots & Wings’ mission across personal and professional networks, to raise awareness of the challenges aged-out foster youth face and to promote attendance at fundraising events.
DESIRED BACKGROUNDS
While previous board experience is a plus, it is not required. We welcome applicants from diverse fields to apply and bring their unique insights and experience to our board.
BOARD TERM AND COMMITMENT
· Two-year terms, with the option for 3 additional, two-year, term renewals
Join Us in Making a Difference! If you are ready to make Roots & Wings a priority in your giving and advocacy efforts, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we can empower aged out foster youth lead vibrant, self-sufficient, lives.
For more information about the wonderful work we do, please visit www.https://rootsandwingsnj.org
Please also feel free to message Ilene Patasnik, Governance Chair, on Linked In with any questions you may have.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
Roots and Wings is committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We welcome individuals with diverse perspectives from all backgrounds to join us in helping change the lives of ages out foster youth.