Board Member

Application Information: Below is the written application for GSA Network’s Board of Directors. If you would like to submit a video application instead, please respond to the below questions via video and email the file to isabellan.eckart@gmail.com

Organization Description:

Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network (GSA Network) is an intergenerational LGBTQ racial and gender justice organization that empowers and trains Queer, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC), and allied youth leaders to advocate, organize, and mobilize an intersectional movement for safer schools and healthier communities. Our overall strategy for fighting for educational justice is to work with grassroots, youth-led groups and GSAs, empowering them to educate their schools and communities, advocate for just policies that protect LGBTQ youth from harassment and violence, and organize in coalition with other youth groups across identity lines to address broader issues of oppression.

What is the Board of Directors? 

GSA Network's Board of Directors is a group of youth and adult allies who work in partnership to oversee the organization. Board members are responsible for ensuring GSA Network stays true to its mission, and engage in projects like strategic planning, fundraising, evaluating the job performance of the Co-Executive Directors, reviewing and approving budgets and financial audits. 

What is the commitment for the Board of Directors? 

• 8-10 hours a month which includes the following:
• 4-6 full board meetings a year 
• We are currently only meeting virtually via ZOOM. We hope to resume in-person meetings at least once a year and when appropriate. 
• Committee meetings 
• Serving on committees that work on specific tasks or projects and report back to the full board. Currently active committees include: Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Development & Recruitment Committee, Evaluation Committee. Committees typically collaborate on additional calls and/or by email.
• Reading and responding to emails in a timely manner (typically 48-72 hours from the end of day when an email was sent)
• Work with other board members to reach the Board’s collective fundraising goals
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*During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Board is only meeting virtually via Zoom.

Each board member signs a Board Contract that further details what the organization expects from board members, and what support the organization provides for board members.

What Does it Mean to be an Adult Board Member?

• GSA Network’s Board of Directors is composed of both youth and adults. 
• Adults serve in partnership with Youth Board Members to fulfill the duties of the Board
• Adult board members serve 2-year terms and can serve up to 3 consecutive terms. 
• Representing the organization to the public, donors, and the media 
• Engaging in strategic planning to set long term visions for the organization and movement 
• Support Board fundraising activities such as: donate directly, participate in fundraising drives, hold fundraiser, etc

Adult board members should be at minimum 25 years of age at the time of application submission. (Current program participants and recent alumni should see our Youth Board Member Application.) 

Adult board members will learn from the youth board members about the GSA Network programming on the ground that informs the work of the board. Travel for adult board members (typically 1-2 trips to Oakland per year, currently suspended due to COVID-19) is not covered by GSA Network. 

GSA Network is looking for

• Adults who have familiarity with GSA Network, the GSAMovement, or other youth organizing toward racial and gender justice, or who have experience working with young people, in particular, youth leadership development
• Previous experience in non-profit settings (in particular fundraising, administration, and strategic planning) or previous service on a non-profit board preferred
• Adults living in underrepresented areas of the United States: Northeast, California 
• Adults passionate about learning about the social justice nonprofit sector and interested in nonprofit governance, experience preferred

Skills & Experiences Gained

• Understanding of state and national climate on LGBTQ issues
• Deepened relationships with other committed youth and adult community members on a local and national level
• Strong understanding of nonprofit operations (finance, budgets, human resources, policies, etc.)

If you are under the age of 24, please look out for our Youth Board Member Application later this year.