Board of Directors, The Language Connects Foundation

The Language Connects Foundation launched in November 2022 with a bold mission: To elevate the language education profession and promote the transformative power of language learning.

LCF is committed to providing greater support for language educators, broader access

to language learning, and deeper connections across communities and cultures.

We recognize that all this can only be achieved through collaboration and

partnerships with strong leaders from all business, association and non-profit

sectors. To that end, we are actively recruiting a volunteer Board of Directors for whom language learning has played a pivotal role in their lives and and/or career opportunities

to help shape our future and deliver the possibilities of our mission and vision.

Here is the Board of Directors Position Description:

The Language Connects Foundation (LCF) board is responsible for overseeing the mission and purpose of the Foundation. Its duties include participation in strategic

planning, making policy decisions, and making connections within their respective

networks to help secure financial support of LCF priority initiatives.  Members must be willing to attend the requisite meetings, follow through on commitments, and participate fully in the decision-making process. The board also presents the Foundation’s image to the

community and engages its support in achieving LCF’s goals.

General Responsibilities

Ambassadorship

●     Promote LCF’s mission, generating good will for the organization, and

encouraging support for the efforts of the staff and volunteers.

●       Make introductions to new communities, corporate sponsors, foundations, and helpful individuals.

Fiscal

●       Review revenues and expenses on a quarterly basis to ensure the mission of the organization is being upheld.

●       Strengthen LCF’s financial base by participating in and contributing to the organization’s fundraising efforts.

●       Participate in strategic planning and the setting of long-term goals.

Legal

●       Act on behalf of the Foundation and its interests, putting aside personal concerns, affiliations, or constituencies.

●       Set procedures and policies to ensure that this ACTFL charitable affiliate is organized and administered in a manner that is in compliance with applicable law.

Organization

●       Be willing to use individual expertise to assist in staff organization and development.

●       Ensure that management succession is thoughtfully planned.

●       Ensure that the organizational strength and employee base can substantiate long-range goals.

●       Approve the organization’s strategic plan, which will be updated at least every three years.

Specific Responsibilities

Attendance and Contribution at Meetings: Board Members are expected to attend and be active in three out of the four scheduled meetings each year (in person or virtually).

Promote a Culture of Philanthropy: Board Members are asked to commit to the financial

growth of LCF by first financially investing in the organization and by offering direct involvement in donor engagement.

Fundraising: Board members are responsible for fundraising and giving a combined minimum of $5,000 annually. Each Board member is required to make a personally meaningful gift each year. 100% giving participation from the Board demonstrates LCF’s leadership is invested in its

mission and influences other donors to give, especially institutional funders who consider Board giving participation in their funding decisions.

Committee Membership: Each board member must sit on at least one committee, and a board member will be asked to lead each committee. The full committee list with descriptions follows:

Governance Committee: Assist in selecting new board members who will help the organization achieve its goals. Annually review the performance of the board (including its composition, organization, and responsibilities) and take steps to improve its performance. Development and Marketing Committee: Assist in guiding the fundraising activities that LCF has established or needs to create. Responsible for guiding the many opportunities that LCF can take advantage of in putting our name and face into the best public light possible.     

Finance and Audit Committee: Assist in oversight of the operating budget and ensure the financial structure of the organization will support its current needs and long-range strategy. Oversee the process in which financial practices are conducted.

Terms: We expect our board members to commit to a 3-year term with up to two consecutive terms allowed for a total of 6 years.

General

To carefully prepare for, regularly attend, and actively participate in board meetings and

committee assignments.

To accept and by the legal and fiscal responsibilities of the board as specified by

organizational charter, bylaws, and state statutes and regulations.