Communitopia Board of Directors Member

Communitopia is seeking new board members!

Are you passionate about climate change education? Do you believe that youth should have a voice in climate action? Would you like to join a group of like-minded people to take action on climate change? If so, support Communitopia’s mission by joining our board!

We welcome all to apply for our board positions. We are making a special effort to include new board members who:

• Represent the populations we serve (including marginalized identities based on race, gender identity, age, and others).
• Have prior Board leadership experience.
• Have skill sets regarding any of the following: fundraising, nonprofit financial literacy, nonprofit management, and communications.

Organizational Overview:

• Mission: Communitopia exists to provide transformative climate change education that develops today's climate leaders and advances equitable solutions.
• Vision: We envision a world where solution-based climate change education has transformed community thought and practice, resulting in empowered and healthy local communities.

Communitopia is a solution-centered environmental nonprofit working to promote climate change education in environmental justice communities in and around Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Our work includes direct outreach/action with youth, helping teachers create climate change curriculum, and assisting K-12 school districts in implementing district-wide climate action plans.

Board Responsibilities and Expectations:

Purpose: To advise, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of Communitopia to support the organization's mission and needs.

Term:

Board members serve a three-year term.

Meetings:

The Board meets monthly for one hour. Board members are expected to attend meetings regularly and be prepared to address the issues under consideration. Meetings are virtual with occasional in-person meetings. Additional meetings are occasionally called, but with at least 2 weeks' notice.

Committees:

Board operation committees may be created under the direction of the Board, as needed, which convene no more than 6 times a year via conference calls or meetings.

Leadership Responsibility:

The Board establishes organization policy and works alongside staff to set the strategic direction of Communitopia. Board members are expected to be familiar with the bylaws and carefully review the board minutes, financial statements, and other relevant board materials. They are asked to be active participants in the life of the organization by attending board functions and other Communitopia events and by being actively involved in at least one development activity each year.

Public Ambassadors:

Board members are expected to believe in, understand, and support the work of Communitopia. Board members are also asked to serve as goodwill ambassadors in the community. Through the efforts of individual board members, we will expand Communitopia's network by connecting with their friends, relatives, and colleagues who can help meet needs in areas such as fundraising, public relations, community engagement, and education.

Board Member Giving:

Each member of the Board is required to make a personal financial contribution to Communitopia, between five dollars ($5.00) and fifty dollars ($50.00) per month. Each member of the Board of Directors may determine their contribution amount within this approved range. Contributions may be made on a monthly or annual basis. Board member giving is intended to demonstrate the Board’s commitment to Communitopia’s mission and to support its ongoing operations. The President may exercise discretion to grant exceptions to this requirement in cases of financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances.

In addition to the monthly or annual personal financial contribution and monthly board meetings, there are two major events a year: a youth climate action summit and an end-of-year fundraiser. For these events, board members are requested to give their support in fundraising, event planning, community outreach, and/or professional advice to the best of their abilities.

Interested in joining?

Any individual interested in learning more about becoming a board member at Communitopia is welcome to email Board President Rachel Bukowtiz at rachel@communitopia.org and we’ll be in touch!