FAQ about Joining the Board

We primarily are looking for members who are a part of the transgender community

This includes folks who are transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, two spirit, genderqueer, gender diverse, and gender expansive
Board members need not be residents of Minnesota
Every effort shall be made to ensure diversity
We prefer our board members to be local, but are also open to connecting with people in Greater Minnesota and northern Wisconsin

This includes parents, partners, and other family members to trans people, as well as our cisgender queer allies in community

There is no financial commitment required of board members. We welcome the support you’re able to give us whether that’s with monthly donations, your time and energy, etc.

Guide the organization as it continues to organize as a non-profit, including creating and approving written policies and procedures for the effective, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the organization, and the work and actions of its volunteers and future employees
Learn about and promote the organization’s vision, work, and values to the community
Attend scheduled board meetings, committee meetings, and special events, as applicable
Make personal financial contributions at a level that is meaningful to them, and actively participate in fundraising activities
Actively participate in one or more standing committees (executive, financial, communications, programming)
Act in the best interests of the organization, and excuse themselves from discussions and votes where they have a conflict of interest
Take seriously the major legal responsibilities of serving on a board, including and especially the fiduciary role
Stay informed about what’s going on within the organization. They will ask questions and request information as needed. They will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies, and other board matters
Work in good faith with other board members and future staff as partners towards achievement of our goals.

All board members may serve up to four year terms, and are eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms. Board members are eligible to be re-nominated after a year off the board and may continue to serve on committees.
Total Monthly Time Estimated: 4-6 hours
As of now, our Board meets once a month for an hour

Monthly board meetings are held virtually on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm (CST).
We are open to adjusting our board meeting time as we take on new members

Board members must also be able and willing to communicate in between monthly board meetings as programming and community needs arise
We ask each board member to join a committee or team, which meets 1-2 times a month (current committees are: grant team, communications team, resource team)

Helped out in some way, using their own gifts and skills, with our 3 annual events (Trans Day of Visibility, Trans Joy Fest, Trans Day of Remembrance)

Collaborated with other community organizations and groups to host events, like the Trans-Affirming Healthcare Night,

Wrote and reviewed our official bylaws, helped develop policies and procedures, and other organizational development documents
Connected community members and service providers with trans-affirming resources including services for healthcare, housing, employment, and more
Responded to community feedback and conflict as community members accessed us

Continue building and developing our nonprofit, including creating policies and procedures, as well as hiring and compensating employees
Plan and fundraise to establish a physical location for Trans Northland where community members can access us
Be responsive to community needs as they arise