image: SCBC Board Secretary Vicki Duggan, former Board member Barbara Moulton, SCBC staff member Tina Panza, Board president Tom Bahning, Sebastopol City Councilmember Patrick Slayter, and Cloverdale City Councilmember Bob Cox prepare take off on the Ride About Town at SCBC's 2011 Northern California Bicycle Expo.

D0 YOU WANT TO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR BICYCLING?
RUN FOR THE SONOMA COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

If you’re a Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition member who’s been looking for a way to do more to make Sonoma County the best place to ride a bike, consider running for the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors.

Overview:
For 10 years, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has been promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation in Sonoma County because it’s good for the environment, public health, the economy… and it’s fun to ride a bike! As a dues paying member, you've supported this mission by lending your voice to a growing group of people who want Sonoma County to become a bike paradise.

As a Board Member, you’ll have the opportunity to do more. As the leading bicycle advocacy and education organization in Sonoma County, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition relies on a core group of dedicated volunteers, experienced professional staff, and a skilled, committed volunteer Board of Directors.

The Board makes sure Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition grows and thrives by ensuring SCBC’s financial sustainability, defining and refining strategies to carry out SCBC’s mission, and fulfilling important governance duties that form the foundation of a successful nonprofit organization.

Board Member Position Description:
As a growing non-profit organization, it is critical for Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to be represented by a Board of Directors composed of members who understand and are willing to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Board members must be eager to spend their time, energy, and skills in the interest of the organization. The term is one year (February 2012 – January 2013), and this is a volunteer (no compensation) position. The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors has historically been a collegial group, and it is important that this collegial culture carry forward. In other words, we want the Board to have fun doing its good work.

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the SCBC Board of Directors:

• Fundraising: Fundraising is the most important responsibility of a board member. As a member of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors, you agree to use your connections to spur interest in and support of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Board fundraising activities include major donor solicitations, sponsorship solicitations, and fundraising events. Experienced AND inexperienced fundraisers are welcome – we can help you gain the skills you need to raise funds.
• Membership Development: Membership is the heart of our organization. Board members agree to actively participate in growing our membership, as well as increasing participation in events and programs by current members.
• Oversight of Programs: The SCBC Board of Directors is responsible for general oversight of the organization’s programs, including fiduciary oversight (approving the organizational budget, etc.). This role is strategic and does not extend into administration of policies and staff.
• Strategic Planning: The board works with the Executive Director to create or update the strategic plan, and evaluate the implementation plan presented by staff.

Attendance:

• Monthly Meetings: The Board meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Santa Rosa. Meeting attendance is required, and a maximum of 2 meetings per term may be missed.
• Annual Retreat: Board members are required to attend an annual retreat. The retreat is generally in early July, and provides training for board members as well as an opportunity to assess progress during the year and evaluate future opportunities for the organization.
• Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Events: Board Members are required to participate as volunteers in Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s major events. We generally produce 4-5 major events per year.

The 2012 – 2013 Board of Directors will be elected at the Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, January 27^th at 6:00 p.m. at Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa.

If you are interested in running for the Board, or learning more, please contact SCBC Executive Director Gary Helfrich at gary@BikeSonoma.org or call 707-545-0153 between December 28^th and January 11^th.

Thanks for considering taking on this important role!