Member of the Board of Directors: Equity and Inclusion

Get Connected Icon Get Connected Icon ongoing

Description

REST SUMMARY

REST exists to provide pathways to freedom, safety, and hope for victims of sex trafficking and people involved in the sex trade. REST offers programs that are centered on the strengths, needs and individual choices of each survivor we serve. In fiscal 2019 REST connected with 785 individuals through our holistic continuum of services. In all of our programs, we work with survivors to increase their safety and move toward healing, stability and economic self- sufficiency. REST believes that everyone deserves to be loved and everyone deserves a life without exploitation. We are motivated and inspired by our faith as a Christian organization and dedicated to serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS SUMMARY

The Board of Directors is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the organization. To that end it: 1) determines how the organization will carry out its mission through long and short- range planning; 2) adopts an annual budget and provides fiscal oversight; 3) recruits, orients, and develops board members; 4) hires and evaluates the performance of the Executive Director; 5) evaluates the overall performance of the organization in achieving the mission; and 6) establishes policies for the effective management of the organization.

While all Board members are responsible for contributing to the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization, this board position helps REST adopt a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that produce a culturally responsive and diverse yet welcoming environment for clients and staff. In partnership with the Executive Director and executive team, the DEI Board member is responsible for influencing the strategic goals and direction and holding the organization accountable for achieving important outcomes related to DEI.

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Understand and promote the organization’s mission

  • Be familiar with the organization’s programs, policies, and operations

  • Work collaboratively to center the voices and needs of victims and survivors of sex

    trafficking and people with lived experience in the sex trade when making decisions for the organization

  • Inform organizational values, policies, and practices to support sustainability and healthy expansion

  • Attend board meetings and appropriate committee meetings as applicable

  • Actively offer to take on special assignments or serve on at least one committee

  • Review agenda and supporting documents prior to meetings

  • Make an annual contribution to the organization commensurate with ability

  • Leverage network to support the fundraising efforts of the organization

  • Contribute to recruiting guests and sponsors for A Night of REST annual gala

  • Keep current on issues and developments in the anti-trafficking movement and

    approaches to serving survivors of sexual exploitation

  • Adhere to the REST code of ethics, conflict of interest policy, and confidentiality policy

  • Contribute to the improvement of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization

  • Contribute to the spiritual health of the board of directors and the executive team

    SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Advise on the definitions and identification of systemic racial injustice, implicit organizational bias, cultural responsiveness, and an equity mindset

  • Provide culturally inclusive recommendations to management for the purpose of advancing diversity and social justice and eliminating structural biases

  • Audit existing policies, practices, and programmatic literature to identify systemic barriers to equity and inclusion, and ensure cultural responsiveness

  • Recommend changes to organizational policies that do not reflect inclusive or equitable approaches

  • Consult with leadership team to improve training and training practices of key staff and leaders, to ensure diverse and inclusive perspectives. May include assisting with implementation

  • Consult with executive team around recruiting and hiring practices to increase diverse representation

• Other special assignments as applicable and/or as time allows

TIME COMMITMENTS (APPROXIMATE)

• Attend the REST Training Day (8 hours on a Saturday, offered quarterly)

  • Attend and actively participate in board meetings, approximately two hours in length on Monday evenings, held every-other month

  • Attend and actively participate in the annual meeting in May, approximately 3 hours

  • Attend special events and fundraisers, including the annual A Night of REST gala. (Two fundraisers per year recommended)

  • Attend the annual REST Anniversary Party in November, (2 hours)

  • Meet with potential donors/funders to make a case for funding the organization, answer questions, etc. (approx 6 hours quarterly)

  • Participate in special assignments in coordination with the executive team (time commitment is based on the assignment)

QUALIFICATIONS

  • As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of REST and be driven by the mission. The candidate should demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground to lead social change.

  • Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and concepts

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and populations to influence and bring about positive change

  • Honors the contributions and strengths of all cultures

  • Experience working with vulnerable populations, especially survivors of sexual exploitation preferred

  • Experience in nonprofit management and governance preferred

  • Ability to broaden the reach of the organization

  • Willingness to invest time into the organization

  • Demonstrates the characteristics of a servant leader

  • Ability to engage in constructive and productive dialogue, valuing all voices and supporting consensus-driven decision making

  • Board members must not represent a conflict of interest

  • Board members must align with the REST Statement of Faith, values, and principles of care

  • Board members must pass a criminal background check

LENGTH OF TERM:

Two years, no current limit on number of terms

REPORTS TO:

Entire Board of Directors

COMPENSATION:

This is a volunteer position