Serve on Our Boards

Serve on our national board

Do you want to serve with a team of dedicated fellow board members across the country working to end the cycle of youth homelessness? Join a nationwide non-profit organization recognized by three presidential administrations with a thirty-year history of meeting the needs of youth and young adults who have fallen through the cracks and need support to move from surviving to thriving.

We are 501(c)3 organization providing a combination of street outreach, drop-in center programs, mentoring, and housing support in 18 locations in 12 states to youth under the age of 25 experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness. We are seeking national board members with a strong sense of integrity, commitment, and dedication to implementing our mission in the community. We are proud of our current board’s diversity in terms of experience, skillset, employment, geography, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, and socioeconomic status.

Ideal board members possess these characteristics

  • Committed to the mission and resonates with our values
  • Strategic and results-oriented
  • Value transparency and integrity
  • Excel at finding and sustaining resources
  • Accessible and regular communicators
  • Committed to expanding the organization’s circle of friends

Nine things you should know about the national board

  1. Board terms are for approximately 3 years depending on the month you join, with an option to renew for two additional years in yearly increments, as approved by the board.
  2. Our board has 15 members and is presided by a chair and vice chair. We have a range of seasoned professional skillsets. Members come from across the country. We celebrate leaders of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, and all other aspects of identity.
  3. The Board is currently only meeting virtually.  We hope to resume meeting twice a year in person soon, once in Atlanta and once in conjunction with our annual conference located in one of the cities we serve.
  4. The board also has 11 monthly 1.5-hour calls in the evenings. Active participation is needed.
  5. Board members must serve actively on at least one committee (e.g., fundraising, finance, executive, HR, marketing, board development, operations) and a specific project as requested (e.g., strategic planning, national conference, capital campaign).
  6. Board members are expected to fundraise. There is an annual requirement each board member “give” or “get” $2,500, whether through individuals contributions or through leveraging personal and professional contracts. In addition, board members are expected to assist in helping the organization leverage larger partnerships and high value investments and occasionally calling or writing to thank donors of all sizes.
  7. Additional expectations of all board members are to: Communicate and promote the StandUp for Kids mission and programs to one’s community; become familiar with our finances, budget, and financial/resource needs; and understand our policies and procedures.
  8. The boards primary “clients” are our national office (located in Decatur, Georgia) and our 18 programs located around the country and served by a mostly voluntary leadership teams.
  9. We strive to grow the organization in order to serve more kids in need across the US.  We are a working board and we need members that are willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

 

What next

We hope you’ll consider serving with us. It is the experience of a lifetime with a truly unique organization, and you’ll be rewarded tenfold by what you learn, who you do the work alongside, and in the end, by the legacy you leave in strengthening our foundation and helping us reach more youth more comprehensively. Please send a message with your resume to Kelly Fields at [email protected].

 

Serve on a local advisory council

Some of our local programs operate an Advisory Council. The Advisory Councils in general will consist of 4-8 individuals who volunteer their time to provide a variety of services to help fulfill the organization’s mission and strategies at a local level. Advisory Council members are selected based on their ability to bring unique knowledge and skills which complement the knowledge and skills of the Executive Director and Leadership Team of StandUp for Kids to more effectively guide the organization. The name advisory implies friendly advice, not mandates nor fiduciary responsibility. Members are expected to bring their expertise and acumen to bear on strategic planning, proposed policies, allocation of funds, public relations, community needs assessments, and the like. Members will receive no remuneration for their services, except the knowledge that they are truly making a difference in the lives of young people and the world we live in! A financial give-or-get may be required. Contact the program closest to you to inquire about service in this capacity.