Update: Based on the conversations we’ve been having with women so far, we’ve added a FAQ to the bottom of this page.
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Do you want to do more for women? WDI USA is beginning an open search for prospective new members of our Board of Directors. This is an opportunity for you to get involved with the movement in a big way.
In looking to add women to the board at the annual elections in July, we are committed to developing a broader talent pool and matching dedicated women with leadership opportunities. Alongside evaluating each candidate individually, we are seeking to craft a group that has a wide array of skills, interests, life experiences, and perspectives.
Some qualifications include being a signatory to the Declaration on Women’s Sex-Based Rights, understanding of and dedication to radical feminist principles, and the ability to engage skillfully, creatively, and ethically in strategic thinking. The full job description is attached below.
- We are looking to add between one and five Directors to the Board between now and August.
- Two of those open seats would be Officer roles: Board Secretary and Board Treasurer.
- Board terms last one year.
- Directors are eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms before a hiatus of at least one year must be taken.
- WDI USA is a national all-volunteer, all-women organization; most Board work is conducted via Zoom and email.
- For more information on processes, read our organizational bylaws.
How to Apply
To apply for the position of Board Secretary, Board Treasurer, or Board Member At Large, please send the following materials to [email protected] with the subject line “WDI USA Board Application.”
- A written response that includes:
- Your history (if any) with the organization
- Why you’re interested in the position
- Your vision for the organization
- What makes you well suited to contribute to the organization.
- An optional academic/professional resume
Board Member Job Description
FAQ About Board Service
Q: What is the time commitment like?
A: We’d estimate the time commitment at 5-15 hours per week. Some women regularly have a lot of free time to work on this, and others don’t, and that’s fine. It also varies week to week and seasonally. For new board members, we’d suggest planning on around 5 hours a week to start: one weekly 90-minute board meeting and around 30 minutes on email each day, with some time spent getting more familiar with what we have going on. It’s not unlike becoming a volunteer: As you become more familiar with the work we’re doing you’ll find yourself getting gradually more involved.
Q: What kind of support and onboarding does a new board member get?
A: We are very cognizant that joining a board and getting up to speed is a challenge! Alongside providing any specific support that a new board member needs, we have a formalized onboarding process to help make the transition smooth. If selected before the summer elections, a new board member is invited to “shadow” board meetings before the beginning of her term. In the beginning of a new member’s tenure, we set aside time in meetings to talk through documents like our style guide and bylaws. We also do regular reading and discussion of articles and book excerpts on governance and leadership. Finally, new board members are assigned a “board buddy” to be their first point of contact for the many, many questions that will arise!
Q: Is there a giving requirement for board membership?
A: Board members are required to make at least one annual gift, of any size, to the organization. Being financially invested, even in a small way, helps ensure good governance.
Q: Will you hold any more open board meetings?
A: Yes! We are planning one in early June and another in early July. Email us to find out more.
Q: What if I’m interested in getting involved in other ways?
A: If you are not interested in a position on the board but would like to get involved in other ways, please feel free to submit a volunteer application. Aside from always welcoming volunteers-at-large, WDI USA’s current needs include spokeswomen, legal experts, digital marketers, and State Contacts in some states.
