Needs From: ChaffeeVOLUNTEERS

Role of the Board of Directors 

Purpose: SOIL Sangre de Cristo’s Board is responsible for the general management and supervision of the business and affairs of the organization. Responsibilities 

1) Strategic and organizational planning 

2) Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and sound financial management 3) Overseeing fundraising and resource development 

4) Approving and monitoring SOIL Sangre de Cristo (SOIL SDC) programs and  services 

5) Enhancing SOIL Sangre de Cristo public image 

6) Assessing its own performance as the governing body of SOIL Sangre de  Cristo 

7) Actively Be Involved in Fundraising Projects and Campaigns SOIL Sangre de Cristo  

Position Description: Board Member 

Purpose: As a member of the Board, the Board member will support the work of  SOIL Sangre de Cristo by providing leadership, oversight,and advocacy. Board members are elected by the Board to serve a staggered, two-year term. 

Note: SOIL SDC Bylaws further define specific duties for each Officer. Responsibilities 

Each board member will: 

1) Understand the SOIL SDC mission, policies, programs, and needs 2) Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings 3) Review outcomes and metrics to evaluate SOIL SDC impact, and regularly  

measure performance and effectiveness using these metrics by reviewing the agenda and supporting materials before board and committee meetings. 4) Approve the annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions, including being informed of and meeting all legal and fiduciary  responsibilities 

5) Faithfully read and understand SOIL SDC financial statements 6) Serve as an active advocate and ambassador for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships.  Active participation in fundraising is expected from all board members. 7) Help identify personal connections that can benefit SOIL SDC fundraising and  reputational standing 

8) Participate fully in one or more committees or task forces 

9) Assist in identifying and recruiting new Board members 

Board member expectations: 

1) Attend nine or more board meetings a year, plus an annual retreat, and actively participate in SOIL SDC activities. 

2) In addition to annual membership, SOIL SDC Board members will consider  SOIL SDC a philanthropic priority and make annual gifts that reflect that priority. So that SOIL SDC can credibly solicit contributions from foundations, organizations, and individuals, SOIL expects to have 100% of Board members make an annual contribution within their capacity. 3) Sign an annual conflict of interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, disclose actual conflicts during meetings. 

4) Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of SOIL SDC and donors. 

Standing Committees (Time commitments vary; see Chair for details)

⬜ Communications and Media 

SOIL SDC regularly posts announcements, blogs, provides radio interviews, and press releases to keep its mission fresh and interesting to current  members, prospective members, and the public. Members help with writing  text, using CANVA and other visual design tools as well as posting on  Instagram and Facebook 

⬜ Events 

Members budget, plan, and staff an annual fundraising dinner, typically in the summer. In addition, members help plan and host the Speakers Series as well as plan and staff other periodic social/networking meet and greet events at area restaurants, wineries, and food producer venues. Organization, collaboration, good follow-through, and people skills are key.

⬜ Membership 

Committee members help identify new members, encourage annual renewals, and steward members to consider volunteering and higher gift amounts. Knowledge of the community, self-confidence, communication skills, and a desire to meet and make new like-minded acquaintances are key traits.

⬜ Loan Review 

This committee helps to coach loan applicants before making a submission.  Members review assigned applications and become the principal point of  contact and follow up throughout the loan process, presenting applications to the entire committee and to the Board. Loan applications may be received at anytime during the year, with members taking turns being responsible for guiding 2-3 applications per year. Financial experience not required, however  common sense and an ability to follow up on open questions are a plus. 

Connect and collaborate with a community of change makers. Make a difference in our community and beyond. 

Your time is precious -- maximize your impact. 

Grow our local, sustainable food economy.

SOIL Sangre de Cristo is a membership based community loan fund that awards 0% interest loans to local farmers, ranchers and other food producers.

SOIL Sangre de Cristo is looking to recruit volunteers for a rotating list of needs and ongoing projects. They need volunteers to help with various seed exchanges, both in Chaffee County and the San Luis Valley.

Reach out to Taijel Benton, info@soilsangredecristo.org, to express interest and hear more about joining the volunteer team!

See more about this organization and their work at www.soilsangredecristo.org.