Board Member – Volunteer (Founding Board)

Board Member – Founding Board

DV-Focused Commitment (Expanded + Trauma-Informed)

Commitment:

Founding Board Members commit to a minimum 1-year governance term to help build a trauma-informed, survivor-centered domestic violence organization. Members must uphold the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, safety, and community accountability.

Your decisions directly impact survivor safety, confidentiality, program effectiveness, and long-term organizational stability.

Expectations (Domestic Violence Focused)

Board Meetings & Strategic Planning

• Attend 4–6 DV-focused governance meetings per year
• Participate in annual trauma-informed strategic planning
• Review and approve DV program policies, safety protocols, and reporting procedures

Trauma-Informed Governance

• Uphold all survivor confidentiality laws, including:
  • VAWA
  • FVPSA
  • Illinois Domestic Violence Act
• Maintain strict non-retaliation and non-judgment standards
• Promote a culture of safety, compassion, and empowerment

Ethical + Legal Responsibilities

• Protect the organization’s mission and survivors by:
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Following board ethics guidelines
  • Ensuring compliance with DV state and federal grant requirements
• Review and approve:
  • Client program guidelines
  • Safety planning standards
  • Mandated reporting protocols
  • Trauma-informed policies

Advocacy & Community Representation

• Represent the organization with professionalism and integrity
• Support community outreach that raises awareness about domestic violence
• Model trauma-sensitive communication at all times

Fundraising & Resource Support

• Assist in connecting the organization to:
  • Community partners
  • Donors
  • Resource networks
• Participate in fundraising and annual DV awareness events

Survivor-Centered Leadership

• Keep all actions aligned with empowerment, safety, dignity, and respect
• Help shape programs that support survivors in:
  • Housing
  • Legal advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Job readiness
  • Crisis response

Time Commitment:

2–4 hours per month, with additional time during strategic planning or crisis policy updates.

Why This Matters:

Founding board members of a DV organization are not just “board members.”

They are guardians of survivor safety, architects of healing spaces, and protectors of mission integrity.

You help establish:

• Ethical standards
• Safety protocols
• Legal compliance
• Community trust
• Resource development
• Long-term trauma-informed program excellence

Your leadership shapes the foundation that survivors will walk on for years to come.