Board Member

The Board of Directors is foundational to the culture, growth, and impact we make. The purpose of the Board is to guide Rhizome toward creating a future where youth Organizers and Fellows are put in the position to create the world they want to live in, and to help Rhizome create conditions for this process to take place over time.

Experience working with youth and/or youth organizing is required.

Time Commitment: Board Members engage at roughly 3-4 hours per month over the course of one or two year term. This includes the following commitments:

• 60 minute Board Meeting, monthly
• Check-in conversations/emails with Co-CEOs, as needed

Expectations: There is no exact requirement, but all Board Members are expected to make an annual contribution commensurate with their means - this can be additional time, fundraising, in-kind donations, etc.

Board Members are expected to offer expertise and decision-making on long-term strategy.

Rhizome’s Board of Directors has three formal responsibilities: financial oversight, legal oversight, and executive oversight. Though not involved in daily operational conversations, Board Members may also be involved in fundraising or networking work, in coaching the leadership team, and in high-level strategic conversations. Some Members may be asked to chair various committees, as their interests and capacity allow.

Board Members clear agendas will be sent at least one week in advance of Board Meetings, including materials and questions.

Approval Process: Prospective board members outside of Rhizome are nominated for membership, to be approved by a vote of our Youth Organizers. Organizers will be provided with a short bio of their experiences, and then will have 10-15 minutes to ask questions. At the end of the discussion, Organizers vote to approve or deny a nomination. This process is built to establish mutual understanding and center the voices, perspectives, and dignity of the Organizers at the forefront of our work.