JOIN OUR BOARD

We are seeking volunteers to join our Board of Directors. This Q&A page will help you consider becoming a director.

What does a Director do?

• create organizational goals and objectives based on our vision and mission
• create and oversee the implementation of policies and procedures
• monitor financial reporting and performance
• raise funds through activities, events, solicitations, and campaigns
• hire, support, and evaluate the performance of the Executive Director

What skills does the Board need?
We strive to create a productive team where each member contributes their:

• understanding of the issues of concern to children, teens, and young adults;
• familiarity with the communities we serve;
• knowledge of entrepreneurship, job readiness, and financial education; and
• board or volunteer service, organizational development, and fundraising experience.

Who Can Be a Director?
Anyone over the age of 13 who supports YES’s vision and mission. (See 2010 Maryland Code CORPORATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS Section 2-403 – Qualifications of directors.) We prefer members who live, work, volunteer, study, play, or worship in the communities we serve.

How does the Board function?
The Board uses Dynamic Community Governance to make decisions, delegate tasks, and elect its members. DCG helps meetings run smoothly and efficiently and ensures that each member has an equal opportunity to be heard. This leads to fully-informed decisions and better outcomes.

How is the Board structured?
The Board is comprised of a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 11 members. This includes three officers, a President/CEO, a Treasurer, and a Secretary; up to four subject matter experts in the areas of economic development, government, education, business, law, or nonprofit management; and up to four other directors as determined by the Board, provided an odd number of members is maintained. 

Terms
New Board members serve a term of one (1) year. After serving their first term, they may be elected to serve for consecutive two-year terms. Officers serve for two-year terms and may be nominated and elected to serve for two (2) consecutive terms.

How is a Director selected and elected?
Prospective members must be nominated by a YES member, alumni, a current Board member, or a staff member. Elections take place at the annual membership meeting in October where candidates introduce themselves and field questions. The consent of all present at the meeting decides their election.

Vacancies
If there are vacancies on the Board between annual membership meetings, candidates may be nominated and elected to the Board by the consent of the then-sitting Board members, provided the candidate a) submits an Interest Form (see below) and b) attends a Board meeting for an interview prior to the vote that decides their election.

Are Board members protected from personal liability?
Board members are protected from personal liability through YES’ Maryland nonprofit corporate charter.

Must Board members complete a background check?
To ensure the safety of the children and teens we serve and to preserve the good standing and reputation of YES, employees, contractors, and volunteers must complete a basic criminal background check prior to service. Please consult our Other Fine Print page for details on this and other YES policies.

Must Board members support YES financially?
Yes. We strive to have 100% of directors support YES each year by making a tax-deductible donation.

When does the Board meet?
The Board meets quarterly from 11AM-1PM on the second Friday of February, May, August, and November (the annual meeting). Attendance is mandatory; each member contributes to our ability to make good decisions and our bylaws require a quorum — a majority of members — be present to make decisions official. 

Where does the Board meet?
Online.

Next Steps?
1. Review our entire website to better familiarize yourself with YES.
2. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.
3. Complete and submit an Interest Form.
4. We’ll contact you with any questions or concerns we may have.
5. If we/you decide to proceed, we will invite you to attend a board meeting.