Title: Corporate Secretary  

Term: One year. Note: Board members are elected to three-year terms starting in March of each year. Following the election, each new board then elects its officers for the following year.

Description: The Corporate Secretary works closely with the Chairperson to prepare agenda’s and deliver meeting notices; as well as preparing reports for distribution and recording actions taken. The Corporate Secretary also reviews and stores legal documents as well as reviews and signs board meeting minutes.

Tasks:

• Corporate Records 
  • Maintain in Google Workbooks folders information containing the governing documents, key governance policies, agendas, minutes for Board and Executive Committee meetings, and official board correspondence.
  • Maintain Google Workbook copies of local, state and Federal documents (bylaws, articles of incorporation, State Charter, IRS classifications, etc.). 
  • Maintain a list of all state and Federal filing requirements and due dates (on Board Calendar and/or as a list in Google Workbooks).

     

• Board/Executive Committee Meetings. 
  • Distribute Agenda to Board Members. 
  • Record minutes of all Board/Executive Committee Meetings.
  • Post minutes to google workbooks. 

     

• Board Members 
  • Maintain list of Board member names and contact information in Google Workbook. 

     

• Communication
  • Follow up with the Executive Director periodically to ensure that donations are acknowledged within two weeks of donation receipt.
  • Maintains Board Calendar to ensure awareness of meetings, events, and annual requirements.

     

• Liaison Duties 
  • Participates in other committees and with support functions when necessary.

Additional Information: 

The Board is made up of 12 unpaid members, of which the officers make up a five-person Executive Committee that meets monthly to discuss major issues prior to the regular monthly Board meeting.  Meetings are the first and third Thursdays of each month from 9:00 am to approximately 11:00 am.  Background in business or non-profits, and interest in senior care or dementia is helpful.  If interested, text or call Deb Brantley at 610-308-5508.

 Role and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

Keep Blount Beautiful is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains organized in 1992. Our mission is to encourage and educate Blount County residents to take action to improve and beautify their community. We envision a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Blount County. This is accomplished through education, events, and volunteer engagement. Keep Blount Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.

The government and policy-making responsibilities of Keep Blount Beautiful shall be vested in the Board of Directors which shall control its property, be responsible for its finances, and direct its business affairs. Board members also play an important role in serving as ambassadors for the organization in the community. Daily operations are led by the executive director, who reports to the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS: Board members must work or live in Blount County. Members should have a passion for Keep Blount Beautiful’s mission and support environmental sustainability in Blount County. Members should have no conflicts of interest with the operations of Keep Blount Beautiful.

COMMITMENT: I understand that as a member of the Board of Directors of Keep Blount Beautiful, I have certain responsibilities as listed below.  I understand that this list is not exhaustive but is intended to provide a general guideline for Board membership.

TERM COMMITMENT: The terms of office are three years. Elected and appointed members can serve up to two consecutive terms.

RESPONSIBLE TO: President, Board of Directors

RESIGNATION: In writing to the President, Board of Directors and Executive Director

ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT:                  

• Regularly scheduled board meetings: The regular meeting of the Board shall be held on the second Thursday of each month.
• Required to attend a minimum of 7 meetings per year. The annual meeting in June is required.
• Special events (as announced)
• Note that all members are responsible for and affected by items voted on at board meetings whether they are in attendance or not.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a cooperative and effective relationship with the Executive Director and board members
• Regularly attend Keep Blount Beautiful board meetings or notify the Executive Director for reason of absence. Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board meetings.
• Represent Keep Blount Beautiful as an ambassador in the community
• Promote the effectiveness of litter prevention, waste reduction, and beautification of the community through actions and service to the board
• Know the mission statement: To encourage and educate Blount County residents to take action to improve and beautify their community.
• Know the vision statement: Keep Blount Beautiful envisions a cleaner, greener, more beautiful community.
• Assist with identifying and recruiting potential new board members
• Develop, review, and approve Keep Blount Beautiful Bylaws. Know the contents and obtain a copy of the Bylaws.
• Develop, review, and approve all Keep Blount Beautiful policies that govern the organization
• Approve Keep Blount Beautiful’s annual budget, financial reports, and business decisions
• Develop short and long-term strategic plans that fulfill Keep Blount Beautiful’s mission
• Provide meaningful feedback during annual Keep Blount Beautiful Executive Director evaluations
• Identify and assist with opportunities for fundraising and sponsorship
• Identify potential opportunities for partnership, programming, and/or events
• Serve on at least one committee
• Participate in at least two organization events per year

INDIVIDUAL GIVING: The Board of Directors has adopted a policy for members to make an annual monetary donation to Keep Blount Beautiful. Board members are expected to give at a level that is personally meaningful to them.

LIABILITY INSURANCE: Board members are covered under Keep Blount Beautiful’s Directors and Officers insurance policy.

Contact:

Brittney Whipple | Executive Director

Keep Blount Beautiful

356 Sanderson St., Ste. A4

Alcoa, TN 37701

865-681-4809

Our PLACE is a licensed, non-profit, non-sectarian Adult Day Center that opened in March of 2022. It serves residents of Loudon and Monroe Counties, as well as surrounding communities that have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.  It is located opposite Food Lion at the intersection of SR 444 and SR 72 in Loudon, at the edge of Tellico Village.  Website is “ourplacetn.org”.

Position:  The Board is made of up 12 members, four of which make up the Executive Committee.  Those positions are Chairman, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  The Executive Committee meets the first Thursday of each month; the Board meets the third Thursday of each (or every other) month.

Term: Board members are elected to a three-year term starting in April of each year. Following the election, each new Board then elects its officers for the following year.

Description: The Treasurer works closely with the Chairperson and other Board members in preparing budgets, forecasts, financial plans and other financial items as required. The Treasurer reports current financial results and issues to the Board on a regular basis.  A part-time, paid bookkeeper reports to the Treasurer and Executive Director.

Areas of responsibility include:

1. General financial oversight

• Prepare and present budgets, accounts and financial statements to the Executive Committee and Board
• Ensure that appropriate financial systems and controls are in place
• Ensure that audits are carried out as required by company By-Laws
• Ensure that record-keeping and accounts are in compliance with relevant tax and other legislation, and meet the conditions of lenders

2.. Financial planning and budgeting

• Prepare and present budgets and forecasts
• Advise on financial implications of strategic and operational plans
• Present revised financial forecasts based on actual spend

3. Financial reporting

• Present regular reports on the company's financial position (P&L, etc.)
• Prepare accounts for audit and liaising with the auditor, as required

4. Banking, accounting and record-keeping

• Manage bank accounts
• Monitor appropriate systems for book-keeping, payments, and petty cash
• Ensure proper records and documentation are kept

5. Control of fixed assets

• Ensure the bookkeeper is maintaining  proper records.
• Ensure required insurances remain in place.

General Information:

Quicken Books is used.  CPA would be a plus; but a sound financial background can work.

Time involved averages 20-25 hours per month.  This is a replacement for an individual whose term is ending late June.

If interested in being part of a wonderful and needed service for the community, please contact: Jim Dezzutti, Board Chairman, at jimd@ourplacetn.org.

Organization Name: Gennisi Charitable Birth Services, Inc.

Mission & Vision: To holistically approach the fight against birth disparities and inequities by providing free and low-cost pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support to families that are unable to afford care.

The board of directors of Gennisi Charitable Birth Services, Inc. is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the agency.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

• Determining how the organization carries out its mission through long and short-range planning and review.
• Adopting an annual budget and providing fiscal oversight.
• Recruiting, orienting, and developing board members.
• Hiring and evaluating the performance of the executive director.
• Evaluating its performance and the overall performance of the organization in achieving its mission.
• Establishing policies for the effective management of the organization.

Responsibilities of Individual Directors

• Understanding and promoting the organization’s mission.
• Being familiar with the organization’s programs and operations.
• Being a working member of at least one board committee.
• Participating in resource development and fundraising.
• Making an annual gift to the organization commensurate with one’s ability.
• Assisting in membership development.
• Advocating on behalf of the organization.
• Helping to educate the community.
• Reviewing board meeting materials before the meeting.
• Reviewing the organization’s Form 990 before its submission to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Identifying any potential conflicts of interest.

Time Demands (Approximate)

• Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings.
• 12 monthly board meetings – 2 hours: 3^rd Saturday of every month 1-3 p.m.
• Committee work – 1-3 hours per month, or as decided by the committee.
• Annual planning retreat – 1 day, usually a Saturday in November.
• Attendance at events (time varies).  Attendance at two events per year recommended.
• Participate in ½ day orientation for new board members.

Financial and Resource Development Expectations

• Annual gift to organization (100% board giving is expected).  Directors are asked to consider a gift that is “significant according to their circumstances.”  A $200 gift is suggested as a minimum goal.
• Sell tickets to organization fundraising events.
• Recruit sponsors if possible.
• Identify and assist in cultivation of potential donors.

Board Treasurer

• Financial management/oversight. Manage or oversee the management of the financial affairs of the organization, often including such basic tasks as selecting a bank, reconciling bank statements, and managing cash flow.
• Budgets. Responsible for preparing, or facilitating the preparation of an annual budget, as well as regularly monitoring and comparing the actual revenues and expenses incurred against such budget.
• Reports. The Treasurer should have thorough knowledge and understanding of the organization’s financial reports and important financial ratios. The Treasurer should keep the board apprised of key financial events, trends, and concerns, and her assessments of the organization’s fiscal health. The Treasurer is also generally responsible for completing, or ensuring the completion of, required financial reporting forms (including the IRS Form 990) in a timely manner and making these forms available for the board’s review.
• Financial Liaison. Should be able to translate financial concepts and information for board members who do not have financial backgrounds or substantial financial experience.
• Required to serve on finance committee.

Shora Foundation Board Expectations are attached. 

If you are interested in the position , please reach out to Tanika Harper at tharper@shorafoundation.org.

Also, check out the program websites to learn more about the organization at : www.shorafoundation.org and www.shorarootscollective.org

Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley's Board of Directors is seeking a new member to serve as the board's treasurer. 

Duties:

• Keep a record of expenditures and receipts of monies involving the organization
• Work with Finance Committee, prepare the annual budget and present such to the Board of Directors for adoption
• Ensures that an independent audit is completed before the federal income tax statements are filed
• Provide a report at each Board of Directors meeting and at the Annual Meeting

Skills:

• Cost-accounting: prepare budget and track expenses over time
• Monitor costs for restricted and unrestricted grants and prepare reports on spending for funding organizations
• Monitor spending categories, to ensure costs are accounted correctly
• Familiarity with financial statements

About Girls Inc. of Tennessee Valley

Our Mission: To inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Our Vision: To be recognized as the premier organization that helps all girls realize their potential and exercise their rights.

Our Programming: A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and research-based programming equips girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives, break the cycle of poverty, and become role models in their community. Girls Inc. offers after-school, outreach, summer camp, break camp and sports programs for girls ages 5-18 years old and has become an integral part of the Anderson, Knox, and Blount County communities serving over 1,100 girls per year.

For more information, please contact Sheryl.Houston@Cigna.com.

BETTER NATURE SOLUTIONS BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENT

Better Nature Solutions is seeking board members with multiple skills and a passion for economic equity, gardening, and environmental conservation.

Better Nature Solutions (BNS) will educate the future employees and owners of the arboriculture and landscape industries.  It will increase the presence of women and diversity in these industries.  How?  By providing first paid internships (clients) who can become full-time employees with an online education in arboriculture and landscape sciences. By focusing on women from the refugee and formerly incarcerated members of the community in the Knoxville area, we will provide economic opportunities and empower women.  Internships (clients) will be paid a living wage of $15 per hour with cost-of-living increase reviewed annually once they become full-time employees.  By creating a horizontal (as opposed to top-heavy) pay-schedule, BNS will be able to offer competitive prices to customers along with competitive wages.  Long-term employees (>4 years), clients will have the option to move onto the BNS entrepreneurial education tract. 

BNS serves the community as a horticulture/gardening and tree-care service provider.  Our list of services will foster utilization of sustainable gardening and landscape practices and include education outreach to the Knoxville and surrounding communities.  This educational outreach will compliment BNS’ clients first year of online training by making them future educators.

1. Know BNS mission, policies, programs, and needs,
2. Read and understand the organization’s financial statements when they become available (ETA Oct, 2021),
3. Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for BNS and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for BNC to advance its mission,
4. Leverage connections, networks, and other resources to fully achieve the BNS mission,
5. Ensure diversity of representation on the Board exists and is maintained,
6. Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in Board Meetings,
7. Sell tickets to organization fundraising events of BNS,
8. Recruit sponsors if possible,
9. Participate fully in at least one committee when formed,
10. Evaluate Board efficacy on an annual basis,
11. Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure/increase Board and organizational efficacy,
12. Review Form 990 for BNS before its submission to the IRS, and

    Time and financial investments:

13. Give a personal financial donation or work contribution worth a minimum of $300 annually (or a mix of financial donation w/work contribution; $30/hour work contribution),
14. Attend and substantively participate in at least % of board meetings,
15. Commit to three years of board membership (exceptions granted).

Expectations of the Board as a Whole

1. Identifying and helping navigate changes in the mission/vision/goals of BNS as deemed appropriate to reaching initial Mission goals,
2. Evaluate the performance of the Executive Director on an annual basis,
3. Contribute to strategic and organizational planning,
4. Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management,
5. Help develop and ensure fiduciary transparency,
6. Monitor, assess, improve, and approve of BNS organizational programs and services,
7. Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update intra-annually, when necessary,
8. Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of BNS necessary to mission achievement and continued success.
   

For more information and to apply contact:

Dr. C Elizabeth Hamilton, Better Nature Solutions        

865-518-9052 (email or text preferred)

hamiltoncyd@gmail.com

www.betternature.solutions

The Tennessee Chapter of Postpartum Support International’s mission is to educate, advocate and collaborate to promote the emotional and mental health wellbeing of prenatal, postpartum mothers, their families, and support systems through awareness and connection to treatment in Tennessee. 

PSI-TN is a working board aiming to both identify resources as well as to encourage the creation of new resources in the community and to improve access to these resources for all families.

We are in search of new board members who are passionate about supporting us to achieve our mission.

If you’re interested in applying for the PSI-TN Board, please contact us at tennessee.psi@gmail.com for an application for more information

Criteria/Expectations:

• Willing to serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms as an elected member (or serve some portion thereof if appointed to fill the remainder of a vacant, unexpired term)
• Committed to attending board meetings for one hour each month, which are held Monday evenings, at 7:30CST/8:30EST on the fourth week of each month, excluding December.
• Willing to actively participate in one or more committees and carry out appropriate assignments outside of monthly board meetings (on average four to eight hours/month)
• Willing to serve as an officer of the board or in other leadership roles
• Attend at least one fundraising event per year (currently remote)
• Act as an ambassador for PSI-TN in a formal and informal capacity throughout the community

Targeted functions and networking for board candidates:

• Office of secretary (keeps minutes at meetings, receives applications for scholarships to events)
• Office of treasurer
• Grant writing experience
• Fundraising experience
• Printing - paper goods, promotional material

OUR VISION
We envision a region where folks who are coming out of incarceration and recovery hold the
power to create an opportunity for themselves and for their families.

WHO WE SERVE
Individuals coming out of incarceration, and who are now in substance abuse recovery.

POSITION

The Board supports the work of Century Harvest Farms Foundation (CHFF) by providing
mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by
Century Harvest Farms Foundations’ executive director (ED), the Board-ED relationship is a
partnership. The active participation of each board member in this partnership is both expected
and critical to the success and growth of the organization.

Each Director has a duty of loyalty and duty of care which they must carry out in all aspects of
service to Century Harvest Farms Foundation. Specifically, CHFF is searching for a board
member with experience guiding businesses or nonprofits from the startup phase through the
growth phase of the organization's life cycle.

The following provisions list many of the specific responsibilities and actions required to meet
those legal and ethical duties, and effectively govern the organization.

Leadership, Governance, and Oversight
● Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director as s/he develops and implements
CHFF’s strategic plan to serve CHFF’s mission and vision. And, generally, hire, monitor,
appraise, advise, stimulate, support, reward, and, if deemed necessary or desirable,
replace the Executive Director.
● Review the outcomes and metrics created by CHFF for evaluating its organizational
impact; Regularly measure CHFF’s performance and effectiveness using those metrics.
● Regularly review CHFF’s Statement of Ethics and Values, and monitor the organization’s
performance in accordance with those principles.
● Regularly assess the environment for the nonprofit sector, and develop, in partnership
with the Executive Director, strategies to be responsive.
● Meet as a Board no fewer than six times a year. Focus on “what matters most,” and
apply the knowledge and experience of individual Board members to the major
challenges facing the organization; Review agenda and supporting materials prior to
board and committee meetings in order to provide the most impactful input and
guidance.
● Ensure that management succession is properly planned.
● Establish Committee structure; adopt, and regularly review, Committee Charters.
● Annually review and approve the Executive Committee’s performance review of the
Executive Director, and establish compensation based on recommendations of the
Executive Committee.
● Ensure that the organizational strength and employee base can sustain the Mission and
achieve long-range goals.
● Approve appropriate compensation and benefit policies and practices.
● Propose prospective board members and fill vacancies as needed. Ensure adequate
orientation of new members of the Board.
● Periodically conduct a self-review of Board performance (including its composition,
organization, and responsibilities) and take steps to improve its performance through
board development training and exercises.
● Review compliance with relevant material laws affecting CHFF and its programs and
operations.
● Ensure that CHF has established appropriate policies to define and identify conflicts of
interest throughout the organization and is diligent in its administration and
enforcement of those policies.
Finance and Administration
● Ensure that CHFF’s financial structure and funding plans will adequately support its
current needs and a long-range strategy.
● Approve annual budgets; Review periodic and annual financial statements and funding
plans to ensure alignment with approved budgets.
● Ensure that published reports properly reflect the operating results and financial
condition of the organization
● Appoint independent auditors, review audit reports, and review management letters
with the Executive Director.
● Ensure that adequate risk management policies are established and implemented.

BOARD PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

Fundraising
CHFF Board Members will consider CHFF a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that
reflect that priority. In order to credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations,
and individuals, CHFF expects to have 100 percent of the Board of Directors make an annual
financial contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Board Terms
CHFF’s Board Members will serve a two-year term to be eligible for re-appointment for one
additional term. Board meetings will be held every other month and Directors are expected to
prioritize these meetings each occurrence.

Qualifications
This is an extraordinary opportunity for an individual who is passionate about empowering
individuals with barriers to employment and who has a track record of guiding organizations
into and through a robust and successful growth phase. Selected Board Members will have
achieved leadership stature in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.
His/her accomplishments will allow him/her to attract other well-qualified, high-performing
Board Members.

● Extensive professional experience with significant executive leadership
accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector.
● A commitment to and understanding of CHFF’s beneficiaries, preferably based on
experience.
● Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading,
convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals.
● Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of CHFF’s
beneficiaries.

Service on CHFF’s Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative
support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

For more information, please email Jen McMahon at jen@centuryharvest.org

Seeking board members for women’s health equity organization

A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee is looking to grow our Board of Directors. A Step Ahead East is the fifth affiliate of a Tennessee-only, state-wide nonprofit that provides free Long-Acting, Reversible Contraception (LARC) to women. A Step Ahead has been recognized by state and local-level Departments of Health as a vital service to women in our community. In the East Tennessee area, we focus on reducing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and providing health services for women who cannot afford their basic contraceptive health care. We also provide reproductive health education.

We are seeking Board members that support providing strategic, practical and upstream solutions to women's health, educational, and economic equity. We welcome anyone interested in our project to apply, and we are especially interested in representation and voices from clinicians and public health, development support, BIPOC communities, and rural county representation. We serve 16 counties in East TN and are based out of Knox County, and we are the 2^nd largest affiliate of A Step Ahead in the state. Join us as we begin our 5^th year of rapid growth and impact.

Volunteer commitment is approximately three hours per month, including a board meeting.

Responsibilities of Individual Directors

• Understanding and promoting the organization’s mission.
• Being familiar with the organization’s programs and operations.
• Being a working member of at least one board committee.
• Participating in resource development and fundraising.
• Making an annual gift to the organization commensurate with one’s ability.
• Assisting in membership development.
• Advocating on behalf of the organization.
• Helping to educate the community.
• Reviewing board meeting materials before the meeting.
• Reviewing the organization’s Form 990 before its submission to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Identifying any potential conflicts of interest.

Interested? Please email info@astepaheadeasttn.org or use our website contact form. You can make a real difference in East Tennessee women and children’s lives.

Friends has a working Board, committed to advocating for a strong Knox County Public Library. In addition to the projects we sponsor, such as branch and annual book sales, author events for the public, and support for a number of library projects, the Board oversees the organization’s budget for operating expenses. A director may expect to spend a minimum of six to eight hours per month. This includes preparation for and participation in monthly Board meetings held on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 PM, and participation in some committee work reflecting personal interests or expertise.

Board Directors and Officers: Benefits and Expectations

Board service for a public library is a public trust. The benefits of serving as a Friends Director and/or Officer are many, including:

1. Association with other life‐long learners committed to public libraries as institutions essential to democracy and cultural vitality.
2. Non‐partisan civic engagement in the community.

Directors of Friends of the Knox County Public Library are expected to:

1. Be a dues‐paid Friends member in good standing.
2. Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings.
3. Actively participate in at least one committee.
4. Read and review all materials pertaining to Board discussions and decisions prior to meetings.
5. Read and review all electronic, print, and phone communiques and respond promptly as requested.
6. Develop and support events, activities, and policies consistent with Friends' mission and objectives.
7. Support the majority decisions of the Board and make no personal statements or take private actions that might compromise the Board.
8. Learn about and advocate for Friends and for the Knox County Public Library.

In addition to the above, Friends Officers are expected to:

1. Attend monthly Executive Committee meetings.
2. Expedite the business of the Board meetings.

For more information or to get involved, please email info@knoxfriends.org.

Purpose: MyLife Foundation is formed for the exclusive support and benefit of and to carry out the purposes of Sertoma Center, Inc.

Vision: Community inclusion with purpose, empowerment and promise for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission: Our team of employees provide opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential through residential experiences, community interactions, employment and job skills training.

Values: Respecting the people we are proud to serve, Developing careers with purpose, Serving with passion, Empowering people, Acting with Integrity, Advocating for community inclusion

Expected Meeting Attendance:
• Regularly attend meetings as scheduled (minimum of 50% of meetings)
• Attend standing committee meetings
• Attend Board retreats and other Board development activities
• Attend and participate in special events

Obligations of the My Life Board:
• Serve as a supporting organization to Sertoma
• Secure adequate funds
• Monitor investments

Specific Duties:
• Attend meetings and show commitment to board activities
• Be well-informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings
• Contribute skills, knowledge, and experience when appropriate
• Listen respectfully to other points of view
• Participate in organizational decision-making
• Support the organization either with resources, talent or financial
• Assume leadership roles in all Board activities, including fund-raising/events
• Represent the organization to the public and to private industry
• Educate yourself about the needs of the people you serve

For more information, please contact Lee Freeman, Chief Executive Officer, at lee@sertoma.com.

Better Nature Solutions is seeking board members with multiple skills and a passion for economic equity, gardening, and environmental conservation.

Better Nature Solutions (BNS) will educate the future of the arboriculture and landscape industries and increase the diversity of who works in and runs business within these industries. Paid interns and employees will receive an education in plant sciences and ecology, the basics, through online training to support skill development and their educational outreach duties. By focusing on women from the refugee and formerly incarcerated members of the community in the Knoxville area, we will change the face of the industry locally, increasing diversity. Interns will be paid a living wage of $15 per hour with cost-of-living increase reviewed annually. By creating a horizontal (as opposed to top-heavy) pay-schedule, BNS will be able to offer competitive prices to customers along with competitive wages. Long-term employees (>3 years) will have the option to move into a new entrepreneurial education tract. These are the business owners of the future.

BNS serves the community as a gardening and tree-care service provider. Our list of services will foster utilization of sustainable gardening and landscape practices and include education outreach to the Knoxville and surrounding communities.

Longer-term goals will be to develop a training pipeline for green urban planning and employment adjacent to the horticultural and arboriculture industries. Helping our students through internships with city planning commission offices (in and around Knoxville), landscape architectural firms, and more, will increase the diversity of representation in city design and spread the utilization of ecological sciences in green, softscape design and management.

Responsibilities and Expectations of Individual Board Members:

• Know BNS mission, policies, programs, and needs,
• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements when they become available (ETA April 2021),
• Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for BNS and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for BNC to advance its mission,
• Leverage connections, networks, and other resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the BNS mission,
• Help identify personal connections benefiting the BNS’ fundraising, volunteer programs, and reputational standing (minimum of five contacts per year), Ensure diversity of representation on the Board exists and is maintained, Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in Board Meetings,
• Sell tickets to organization fundraising events of BNS (you may want to specify how many tickets and which events),
• Recruit sponsors if possible,
• Identify and cultivate potential donors,
• Participate fully in at least one committee when formed,
• Evaluate Board efficacy on an annual basis,
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure/increase Board and organizational efficacy,
• Review Form 990 for BNS before its submission to the IRS.

Time and Financial Commitments:

• Give a personal financial donation or work contribution worth a minimum of $300 annually (or a mix of financial donation w/work contribution; $30/hour work contribution),
• Attend and substantively participate in at least 75% of board meetings,
• Commit to three years of board membership (exceptions granted).

Expectations of the Board as a Whole:

• Identifying and helping navigate changes in the mission/vision/goalsof BNS as deemed appropriate to reaching initial Mission goals,
• Evaluate the performance of the Executive Director on an annual basis, Contribute to strategic and organizational planning,
• Ensure strong fiduciary oversight and financial management, Help develop and ensure fiduciary transparency,
• Monitor, assess, improve, and approve of BNS organizational programs and services, Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update intra-annually, when necessary,
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of BNS necessary to mission achievement and continued success.

Your Return on Investment?

Better Nature Solutions is seeking board members passionate about building the local economy especially for women and increasing the sustainability practices used within the landscape, gardening, and arboriculture industries. In return for Board commitment, BNS will provide liability insurance to protect Board members, make public your contribution to BNS, and help facilitate respect for your time and other contributions to BNS.

For more information and to apply contact (email or text preferred):

Dr. C Elizabeth Hamilton

Better Nature Solutions

865-518-9052

hamiltoncyd@gmail.com

www.betternature.solutions

Our Mission is the help homeless and low-income families achieve sustainable independence.

Our Vision is a community in which every family has a home, a livelihood, and the chance to build a better life together.

The board of directors of Family Promise of Knoxville is legally and ethically responsible for all activities of the agency.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

• Determining how the organization carries out its mission through long and short range planning and review.
• Adopting an annual budget and providing fiscal oversight.
• Recruiting, orienting and developing board members.
• Hiring and evaluating the performance of the executive director.
• Evaluating its performance and the overall performance of the organization in achieving its mission.
• Establishing policies for the effective management of the organization.

Responsibilities of Individual Directors

• Understanding and promoting the organization’s mission.
• Being familiar with the organization’s programs and operations.
• Being chair or co-chair of one committee and possibly a working member of another. Committees:
• Participating in resource development and fundraising.
• Making an annual gift to the organization commensurate with one’s ability.
• Advocating on behalf of the organization.
• Helping to educate the community about family homelessness.
• Reviewing board meeting materials before the meeting.
• Reviewing the organization’s Form 990 before its submission to the Internal Revenue Service.
• Identifying any potential conflicts of interest.

Time Demands (Approximate)

• Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of board meetings.
• Eleven monthly board meetings – 1.25 hours. Meeting on the third Tuesday in each month.
• Committee work – 1-2 hours per month, or as decided by the committee.
• Annual planning retreat – 1 day, usually a Saturday in January. 6-8 hours.
• Work to set up and take down events. Currently we have two fundraising events; a Pasta and Bluegrass Festival in August and a Golf tournament in May. 6-8 hours
• Helping with occasional projects at our Day Center and on our annual “Day Center Deep Clean” in the spring. 4 hours
• Participate in 4 hour orientation for new board members.

Financial and Resource Development Expectations

• Make an annual donation to Family Promise of Knoxville. Directors are asked to consider a gift that is “significant according to their circumstances.”  (100% board giving is expected).
• Sell tickets to fundraising events.
• Recruit sponsorships for fund raising events. Sponsorships start as low as $250.
• Identify and assist in cultivation of potential donors.

For additional information please contact Rev. John-Mark Brown, Executive Director, director@familypromiseknoxville.org or James Lovingood, Chairperson 2020, jdl2455@gmail.com.

We are a nonprofit dedicating to helping individuals and families affected by mental illness build better lives. We offer classes and support groups in Knoxville and Knox County, along with awareness programs. 

Our board is a working board, and service requires experience, knowledge, commitment, and time to help Knoxville and Knox County residents affected by mental illness.

Board members should have decision-making experience and knowledge in at least one of the following areas: public policy, fund raising, non-profit or legal oversight, outreach and educational programs, technology and communications, marketing, membership development, business, and/or finance.

Board members are elected to 3-year terms. Board members should be prepared to dedicate 5 hours per month to NAMI Knoxville service, including serving on at least one committee.

Board members are expected to:

• Attend and participate in all scheduled or special called meetings with no more than three unexcused absences. Board meetings take place once a month and may take place by teleconference or conference call;
• Attend and support the NAMI Tennessee NAMIWalk in Knoxville; our annual meeting; and other organizational functions;
• Understand and protect the fiduciary health and legal responsibilities of the organization;
• Understand and support NAMI programs and public policies;
• Be a NAMI member in good standing; and
• Commit to assisting NAMI Knoxville fundraising efforts by direct contribution, participation in fundraisers, assisting with grants, reaching out to members of your network for donations, or developing relationships with donors.