HOPE Works
Overview of Organization
H.O.P.E. Works is a community-based organization that provides support and advocacy services to survivors of sexual violence, and public awareness campaigns throughout our community. Our organizational structure is intended to allow us to most effectively provide our services to the community, in a way consistent with our Mission Statement, Statement of Beliefs and Code of Ethics.
MISSION STATEMENT
Provide services for survivors of sexual violence along with their families and friends
in order to foster their recovery from trauma and bolster their self-empowerment.
Seek to increase community awareness, through education that leads to meaningful
change in law and society and eliminates sexual violence.
Offer a safe culture with opportunities for growth to clients, as well as staff,
volunteers and Board members, regardless of race; gender identity, preference or
expression; physical ability; or other characteristics or life circumstances.
STATEMENT OF BELIEFS
Pledge to the Community:
Our primary responsibility is to serve all those in our community whose lives have been
touched by sexual violence. To fulfill our responsibility we will continually improve our
services. We must expand our efforts to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse
community. In doing so, we support choice of conscience regarding reproductive rights.
We are committed to supporting the work of allied agencies to the best of our ability.
Pledge to One Another:
Foremost, we trust that all members will uphold the mission and vision of the agency. We
must continually affirm to one another that we recognize and respect each other’s
individuality, dignity, and merit. We resolve to always speak plainly, honestly and
respectfully to one another. We will be deliberate and thoughtful in all that we do and
uphold issues of confidentiality.
The Board of Directors’ Pledge to the Agency:
The Board of Directors’ ultimate responsibility is to provide for the long-term viability of
the organization. Its members are determined to support staff by creating and maintaining
a fair and equitable work environment where individuals are encouraged to develop
professionally and express their ideas and concerns.
Mission Area: Human Services (children/youth/adult/senior)
Size of Organization: Less than $250K
Position Overview
The Board of Directors is an organized group of volunteers who, collectively, are
ethically and legally responsible to the community for the success of the corporation. The
Board is the primary leadership of H.O.P.E. Works and strives to realize the
organization’s mission. The general term to describe the role and responsibility of the
Board is “governance.” The governance function includes legal responsibilities, general
oversight, planning, policy–making and fiduciary responsibilities. The Board is a working
group. Each member is expected to contribute to the success of the organization. Board
members are recruited based on their commitment to the cause of ending sexual violence,
as well as professional expertise and life experience. Each board member participates
and contributes to the execution of the Board’s functions. However, the Board has
authority only as a group. No individual Board member has governing authority.
Responsibilities of the Board of Directors are to:
• Set the vision, values and direction for H.O.P.E. Works
• Make organizational policies and set constraint policies
• Ensure that the corporation meets its legal requirements and complies with city,
state and federal laws and regulations
• Raise funds
• Hire, evaluate, support and terminate the Executive Director
• Ensure the strength and stability of the Board through recruiting new members
and ongoing training
• Monitor the financial health and sustainability of the corporation
• Connect H.O.P.E. Works to the wider community, interpret the organization’s
programs to the community and inform the organization of the needs of the
community.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities
Individual board members are responsible for the following:
• Support and advocate for the rights and safety of all survivors of sexual violence
• Support the Mission Statement, Statement of Beliefs, and Code of Ethics of
H.O.P.E. Works.
Board Book and attending required Board trainings. Board members are also
welcome to attend all or part of H.O.P.E. Works’ full volunteer training.
• Regularly attend and participate in Board meetings, Board Committee meetings
and any retreats or special sessions of the Board.
• Prepare for Board meetings by reading in advance all meeting materials.
• Serve actively on at least one Board Committee
• Give an annual financial contribution that is generous for your circumstances.
• Raise funds to support H.O.P.E. Works by assisting in fundraising activities.
• Use personal contacts, professional expertise, and life experience to benefit
H.O.P.E. Works and the survivors we serve.
• Be familiar with and abide by the Bylaws of the corporation.
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Fundraising/Development
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 8
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: No
Time Expectations: 1.5 hrs
Meeting Frequency: Once a month
Meeting Location: Remote
Length of Term (in years): 2
Financial contribution required?: Yes
Service on committee required?: No