Black Hills Chapter Seeking Board Nominations

Submit Volunteer Application to rsmitharc@rushmore.com 

As a prospective member of the Board of Directors, you would be in a position to make a significant contribution to the people of Western South Dakota.  The vitality of Red Cross in our community depends on your commitment and imaginative leadership.  You and the other members of the board are trust holders of all that is important to the life of the chapter and as such need to be clear about your responsibilities.  Please review the responsibilities below:

1. Attend board of directors meetings held 8 times a year.  Meetings are typically the third Thursday of the month.  Your presence is valued and your active participation is a critical component of board deliberations.  Therefore, according to the bylaws, after three unexcused absences, it is assumed that you do not want to serve.

2. Serve on a minimum of one committee, or task force, i.e. Financial Development, Finance, Audit, Executive or other board level committee.  The work of the board is most often accomplished through its committees, and your expertise will help move the board’s agenda forward.

3. In order to be an effective director, you must read and be familiar with material sent to you in advance of board and committee meetings.

4. Ensure that the chapter develops and maintains sound fiscal and governing policies; develops and monitors strategic direction; monitor operations; and assesses CEO performance, chapter and board performance.

5. Contribute direct financial support to the chapter at the level where this contribution is one of your top charitable donations.  It is expected that 100% of the Board will contribute a personal gift annually.  Your support tells other potential contributors that our board of directors is tangibly committed as donors.  Directors serve as key resources for access to other individuals, foundations and corporations where they have influence.

6. And generate additional monetary support for the chapter by participating in fundraising from the community.  This participation will be in the form of Heroes Campaigns, Major Donor Campaigns, personal solicitations or other activities indicated in the chapter’s annual development plan.  These contributions may come from individuals or businesses in support of general chapter operations, special programs, or other uses designated by the donor.

7. Spend half a day experiencing the chapter’s programs so that you can really understand the work of the organization.

1. Complete a volunteer application packet; undergo and clear a background check that includes a verification of the social security number and a search of the National Criminal File.  Note: background checks are used solely for the purpose of evaluating an individual’s suitability for employment or volunteer service with the Red Cross. Access to the information gathered is limited to only those with a need to know and remains on the vendor’s secure website.   The vendor conducting the background check was selected from a number of qualified vendors by the National American Red Cross based on their uncompromised security systems.

You can anticipate a judicious and respectful use of your time.  The asset of time is one of the most critical resources busy people such as you have.  We commit to make the best use of your time in a manner that will return value to your personal contribution.  If we fail in our attempt, I hope you will let us know.

We will get important information, including meeting agendas, minutes, financial reports, committee updates, and reports requiring action, to you in a timely manner before each meeting.  We will also keep you informed about any critical events/concerns that may arise between meetings.  Please let us know if the format of the reports does not facilitate your participation in the board’s work.  Are they too long, too terse or confusing?  Can you ask the important questions that need to be asked from the information provided?

We will provide you with a thorough orientation to the board and the organization and ongoing training and education to assist you in being the most effective director you can be.

The American Red Cross provides directors and officers’ liability insurance, as well as an indemnification policy, if you were to be accused of wrongful acts committed while performing your fiduciary duties.  However, the terms of the policy must be met.

Please feel free to contact the chapter at 605.342.4010.  We do look forward to hearing from you, whether it is with questions or concerns on organization or board issues or even praise of the organization and board accomplishments.

The quality of Red Cross service to our community is dependent upon a committed and involved Board of Directors.  We look forward to serving with you and accomplishing results that make a difference in the lives of others.