Board Member

About Farma Cares

Vision:

A world where marginalized communities—especially youth—have equitable access to healthy, culturally relevant plant-based foods, entrepreneurship opportunities, and pathways to sustainable futures.

Mission:

To empower underserved communities through plant-based education, youth skill-building, culturally grounded nutrition programs, and advocacy—while securing the funding and partnerships needed to scale impact.

Guiding Principles:

• Accessibility
• Education
• Implementation

Board of Directors (BoD) Members shall ensure that organizational decisions, programs, and partnerships align with the above principles.

The BoD of Farma Cares serves as the governing body responsible for oversight, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and mission advancement of the organization. The BoD work in collaboration with the Founding Members and Advisory Council to uphold the vision, mission, and guiding principles of Farma Cares. Day-to-day operations, programming and brand identity are coordinated by the Board until the implementation of an Executive Director at which point this will be a collaboration.

Board Members will partner with the Advisory Council to develop and uphold organizational policies and procedures while providing strategic oversight of planning, evaluation, and implementation of programs. All BoD members:

• Attend all board meetings and review the agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings. NOTE: Meetings are not held in July and August; however, there may also be an annual retreat or an orientation for new members which BoD is expected to attend.
• Participate in committee work as appointed
• Attend the annual retreat and at least three (3) Farma Cares events annually
• Adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order during Board proceedings
• Maintain corporate bylaws and governance practices
• Strengthen organizational sustainability and institutional capacity
• Provide written notice for meeting absences when applicable
• Serve on at least one standing committee and/or task force and actively participate in committee work including attending committee meetings which are held at the discretion of the committee chair/s and are typically convened virtually.
• Partner with the Founders and Advisory Council to ensure board resolutions are carried out
• Act as an ambassador for Farma Cares
• Promote Farma Cares’ commitment to a diverse board that reflects the communities that Farma Cares serves

Board Qualifications & Skillset

We are implementing an inaugural Board of Directors and want to implement a well-rounded and capable board that is motivated to support Farma Cares’ success and growth. We currently have three (3) board positions open and would like to fill these positions with people who have strong experience in financial management, brand identity, programming and/or governance. Other skillsets/capabilities/knowledge that are important to us are:

• Legal issues related to nonprofits
• Equity and Diversity
• Marketing
• Social Media
• Public Schools/Literacy initiatives
• Curriculum Development
• Nonprofit management and fundraising

Benefits of Service

• Opportunity to shape a growing, community-centered nonprofit
• Direct impact on youth leadership and food justice initiatives
• Collaboration with mission-aligned leaders and partners
• Meaningful civic engagement in Yonkers and beyond

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

To fully achieve our mission, and realize our vision, our board must be composed of individuals with perspectives drawn from a wide range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, skill sets, areas of expertise, and lived experiences.

We are committed to creating a board that is diverse in its composition, inclusive in its culture, and equity-focused in its approach to how it views its mission, its work, and the communities it serves.