Open Call for Board & Committee Nominations

Now through July 31st, 2024

Our Board of Directors is reorganizing to support the redirection and revitalization of Free Forest School. We need you!

Do you believe every child deserves to grow up playing freely outside and that any caring adult can support this play? Are you convinced that the health of children, communities and the planet depends on children playing outdoors?

Then join us in dreaming big and creating an expansive future!

This summer, we are welcoming a new cohort to join our existing group. We want to bring in as many new perspectives as possible by making the process of joining our Board both easy to understand and widely accessible. Outdoor play (and the learning that goes with it!) is a universal experience. We believe Free Forest School will be able to do its best work when our Board and leadership represents the rich diversity of young kids and caregivers throughout the United States. We encourage people who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ, veterans, or differently-abled to apply to join our Board.

If you’re interested and would like to learn more, you can attend a zoom meeting to learn more about joining the Board or getting involved as a committee member on July 18th from 8:30pm-9:30pm CST. Sign Up Here.

Board Member Roles and Responsibilities

  • Support and refine the Free Forest School mission and purpose

  • Ensure effective organizational planning and adequate resources

  • Promote awareness of the benefits of free play in nature

  • Educate the community and engage in knowledge sharing

  • Serve an initial term of 2 years, with the option to renew

  • Attend quarterly board meetings (meetings are virtual)

  • Participating in board work of your choice as an officer through committee work or otherwise

  • Have personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for the principles of child-led, nature play

    (Here is a link to the Board Agreement document)

Specific Skill Sets We Are Seeking

  • Communications and Marketing

  • Building Financial Strategy

  • Managing Nonprofits

  • Advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Initiatives

  • Cultivating Corporate Partnerships

  • Developing Fundraising Strategies and Seeking Foundation Grants 

  • Developing and Analyzing of Performance Metrics

 

What does the Board of Directors do?

Free Forest School board members volunteer resources to lead the organization. These resources include time, expertise, connections, and funds. As a Board member, you will commit to:

  • Serving a two year term, with the option to renew

  • Attending quarterly virtual Board meetings (8 hours/year)

  • Donating an amount of money to the organization that is significant to you each year or contributing your time and expertise

  • Assisting the organization with fundraising

  • Participating in Board work of your choice (3+ hours/month) as an officer or through committee work

Read more about what Board members do.

 

Nomination Process

JUL 8  – Call for nominations announced.

JUL 18 – Board Member Interest Zoom Meeting (8:30-9:30pm Central)

JUL 31 – Last call for nominations.

AUG 15 – New board/committee members attend the upcoming board meeting (board positions will be decided at this meeting).

Thank you for your interest in joining the Free Forest School board!

 

Who should I nominate?

Can you think of someone who might be a great addition to the Free Forest School Board or as a Committee Member (including yourself)? Great nominees will be people who:

  • Believe every child deserves to grow up playing outdoors

  • Are passionate about nurturing kids and empowering caregivers

  • Want to help families overcome barriers to accessing nature caused by systemic racism and inequity

  • Are ready to share their unique perspectives and skills to make our organization better

  • Are excited to help advance strategic thinking as we work to increase our impact

 

How will Board members be selected?

The working committee will review nominations by August 8th and will be in touch with nominees shortly after. Selected Board Members and Committee Members will be invited to attend the next Board on August 15, 2024.

Shout it from the rooftops!

Even if you can’t think of anyone to nominate, you can help us out by sharing this opportunity with your network!