Volunteer Board Member

Texas Fair Defense Project seeks energetic, dedicated, justice-loving people to join our Board!

Texas Fair Defense Project is a small legal nonprofit based in Austin with a mission to fight for a criminal justice system that respects the rights of low-income Texans. We envision a new system of justice that is fair, compassionate, and respectful.

We use direct representation, advocacy and impact litigation to challenge unjust systems that imprison and otherwise punish people simply because they cannot afford to pay for better outcomes. We have challenged bail policies that jail people because they cannot afford bail; worked to reform local practices of arresting and jailing for failure to pay tickets and fees; and helped people get out of criminal justice debt to stay out of jail and keep their driver’s licenses.

We need passionate board members willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work changing the world! We are especially interested in individuals with strong fundraising experience and deep networks who can champion our mission among peers, partners, and philanthropic communities. As a TFDP Board Member, you’ll help steward our vision while leveraging your resources and relationships to ensure we have the support we need to thrive.

Board Members are expected to:

• Serve as active ambassadors of TFDP’s mission, engaging personal and professional networks to advance our work;
• Lead and participate in fundraising efforts, including meeting a “give or get” minimum that reflects your capacity and commitment;
• Dedicate an average of 2–3 hours per week to board responsibilities and organizational support;
• Attend at least four board meetings annually (1–2 in person), and actively participate in strategic discussions;
• Attend and help promote TFDP events to expand our visibility and reach;
• Contribute fresh ideas and a hands-on, collaborative spirit to everything we do.

We’re especially excited to welcome board members who:

• Have a track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation;
• Possess media, communications, or strategic messaging expertise;
• Bring skills in graphic design, video, or multimedia advocacy;
• Have prior nonprofit board leadership experience;
• Have lived experience with the justice system or other systems we seek to reform;
• Are seasoned in grant writing, philanthropy, or nonprofit development strategy.

If you're ready to drive real change and can bring both passion and resources to the table, we’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested, please apply through Idealist or contact Board Member Allie Hartry at ahartry@themoralesfirm.com so we can set up a time to talk!