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Board Member

As a member of the Society of Young Inklings (SYI) Board of Directors, you will help advance our mission to equip the next generation of storytellers with community and tools. Through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, and community advocacy, you will share responsibility for the organization’s health, sustainability, and ability to serve a growing community of young writers.

Role and Responsibilities

Board members work collaboratively to guide and strengthen SYI, bringing their individual expertise, perspectives, relationships, and commitment to our shared mission.

  • Mission and Strategy: Understand and champion SYI’s mission, programs, and goals, and contribute to strategic planning and organizational decision-making.

  • Governance and Oversight: Exercise sound judgment and independent perspective in overseeing the organization’s financial health, policies, and long-term sustainability.

  • Executive Leadership: Support and provide appropriate oversight of the Executive Director, maintaining a clear distinction between board governance and day-to-day operations.

  • Fundraising and Sustainability: Share responsibility for SYI’s financial sustainability by actively cultivating and securing financial support, taking ownership of fundraising opportunities, and following through on commitments.

  • Community Advocacy: Positively represent SYI, build awareness of its work, and develop meaningful connections with individuals, businesses, and community organizations.

  • Collaboration and Engagement: Contribute your expertise, participate in board initiatives, and collaborate with fellow board members to advance organizational priorities.

Time and Participation Commitment

Board members should plan to dedicate approximately 4–8 hours per month to board responsibilities, including:

  • Attend at least 75% of monthly board meetings, preparing in advance and participating actively in discussions and decisions.

  • Stay informed about SYI’s programs, activities, financial position, and strategic priorities.

  • Participate in fundraising activities, relationship cultivation, and follow-through on individual commitments.

  • Engage in board discussions, planning, and learning that strengthen the organization’s effectiveness.

  • Contribute to special projects, committees, events, or community outreach efforts as appropriate to your interests, skills, and availability.

Time commitments may vary throughout the year based on organizational needs and individual responsibilities.

Annual Giving and Fundraising Commitment

Board members commit to an annual $3,000 give/get fundraising goal, fulfilled through personal giving, fundraising on behalf of Society of Young Inklings, or a combination of both.

  • Give: Make a personally meaningful annual financial contribution to SYI, at a level appropriate to your circumstances.

  • Get: Take an active role in securing financial contributions through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, matching gifts, fundraising campaigns, or other opportunities.

  • Combine: Meet the $3,000 annual goal through any combination of personal giving and funds raised from others.

For example, a board member might contribute $500 personally and secure an additional $2,500 through donations or sponsorships.

The give/get commitment is measured by funds contributed or secured, rather than by introductions, recommendations, or fundraising ideas alone. These activities are valuable ways to support SYI, but fulfilling the commitment involves taking an active role in moving opportunities forward and generating financial support.

Every board member is expected to take personal responsibility for working toward this annual commitment. We recognize that members bring different financial circumstances, networks, and fundraising experience. The board will work collaboratively to identify opportunities, develop strategies, and support members in reaching their goals.

Our aim is 100% participation in personal giving and active fundraising, reflecting our shared responsibility for SYI’s financial health and long-term sustainability.

Organization Advocacy

Board members serve as ambassadors and champions for Society of Young Inklings, helping more young writers, families, educators, and community partners discover the opportunities SYI provides.

Through their relationships, leadership, and active engagement, board members help build the community of support that makes SYI’s mission possible.

Current Board Openings

We welcome applications from prospective board members with a variety of backgrounds and strengths. At this time, in addition to general board members, we are particularly seeking candidates interested in these Executive Committee roles:

Treasurer: View Treasurer Position Description

Administrator: View Administrator Position Description

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