The covid-19 crisis is a deafening wake-up call of the inadequacy of health care availability and access in America, and of the fiscal politization of our public health system. Health Care for All Washington has long advocated for universal access and coverage of health care. Our mission is high quality, sustainable, affordable, publicly financed, privately delivered health coverage for all Washington residents. We seek to eliminate the stark disparities in health and health care by race, ethnicity, class, gender, and citizenship status; and to expand and rebuild our public health system capable of rapid response and resiliency in the face of contagion or catastrophe.
Most of us want to make a difference, to leave the world a better place. People who have health problems, or who would be financially devastated by an illness or accident, are on the sidelines of life. .We believe that Health Care for All Washington is making a difference, because access to health care enables admittance to life and all she has to offer: liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.”
Formed in 1994, HCFA-WA is the oldest grassroots organization in Washington that is solely dedicated to bringing about publicly funded, privately delivered universal health care. Two-thirds of its Board of Directors are healthcare professionals, providing expert guidance and insight into the development of public policy. And we have been effective. HCFA-WA was instrumental in the progression and passage of the Pathway to Universal Health Care Bill, as well as the Cascade Care Bill, in 2019. This year, HCFA-WA advanced several bills containing costs of prescription drugs and addressing the cost of insulin; the bills we incubated passed with nearly unanimous support.
We seek individuals committed to the evolution of our health care system. While we always need and welcome providers in healthcare, HCFA-WA is in need of those with backgrounds in financial analysis, budgeting, fiscal policy, legal compliance and disclosure, public relations, and communications, governance, and development.
Purpose of New Board and Committee Positions
Determine the policies and board procedures necessary to advance single-payer universal health care in Washington; strengthen the organization’s research and policy development; ensure the organization is operating at peak efficiency and in full compliance with all applicable laws and intent; expand HCFA-WA’s membership; raise funds to support the operation of HCFA-WA’s programs; and directly advocate in the public policy arena.
Term: Three years, eligible for re-nomination thereafter.
Meeting Attendance
- Monthly board meetings (12) per year, in person or by ZOOM
- Standing committee meeting (serve on 1 or 2; meetings vary)
- Ad hoc committee (as appointed) Special events (as announced)
- Occasionally: Program events as announced (as a board representative), Training in board membership
- Annually: Board Planning Retreat (June), Annual Meeting (October/November)
Primary Board Member Responsibilities
- Develop and ensure policies and procedures that are in harmony with the agency’s mission.
- Ensure effective program planning, development and accountability.
- Secure financial and other resources required to support, sustain and grow HCFA-WA legislative and policy efforts by mobilizing the active participation of all volunteers and supporters.
- Ensure the financial affairs for the agency are conducted on a responsible basis in accordance with the law, established policies and donor designations.
Specific Duties of Individual Board Members
- Understand HCFA-WA: believe and act on its mission, goals, objectives; and advocate for HCFA-WA within the community; promote HCFA-WA in ways appropriate to your profession and contacts.
- Attend meetings - regularly, on time, and throughout for the entire meeting.
- Be well informed and prepared on all meeting agenda items.
- Participate fully and openly in meetings – share insights, ideas and suggestions based on experience and professional expertise.
- Consider and respect other points of view, make constructive suggestions and help the board make prudent group decisions.
- Participate as an active member on at least one standing committee, as well as any special ad hoc committees to which appointed.
- Be a financial supporter of HCFA-WA, making an annual contribution appropriate to your personal circumstances.
- Assume leadership in HCFA-WA funding and resource raising efforts
- Provide counsel, advice and encouragement to the Board President. Assist the President in understanding the community and partner with her/him in furthering the CIS mission.
- Recruit other volunteers – board members, committee members, and program volunteers.
