The Safety Team
Overview of Organization
The Safety Team is a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to prevent violence, foster resilience, heal trauma and build safer communities. Founded 20+ years ago by a group of women passionate about making a difference, our core team members share a background in martial arts yet have diverse and extensive professional expertise in violence against people. Our highly trained instructors, along with our countless volunteers and interns, allow us to offer a range of empowerment, violence prevention, and trauma recovery services. In all our programs, participants find their voice, learn practical safety skills, reclaim a sense of power and control, develop resilience, and as a result, reduce their risk of assault.
Mission Area: Education Related (excluding higher education)
Size of Organization: Less than $250K
Position Overview
As a Board Member, you will play a critical role in helping our mission-driven organization grow. Our evidence-based and trauma-responsive Empowerment Self-Defense programs feature violence prevention strategies that have been shown to reduce risk of violence. Our specialized trauma recovery program has helped survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and other types of interpersonal violence heal. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an organization at a pivotal stage of growth and development as we move from grassroots to a sustainable, lasting non-profit.
We are specifically seeking individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas: financial oversight, nonprofit governance, and development and fundraising strategy. Board members will provide strategic governance oversight, ensure financial accountability, and actively support development efforts, including donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.
We look for candidates who bring professional expertise and a deep commitment to our mission. Experience in nonprofit startups, finance, or fundraising is strongly preferred, as we build towards sustainability needed for long-term success. Martial Arts experience is not necessary! All board members are expected to actively contribute their skills, networks, and leadership to advance The Safety Team’s mission and growth.
We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive board environment, equipping members with the tools and information needed to be effective and engaged leaders.
Board members are expected to participate in one Level 1 or Level 2 workshop per year, and assist in fundraising and community activities as needed. All Levels of Fitness Welcome.
Please watch this video by John O’Neill, an Emmy Award-winning documentarian, featuring members of The Safety Team, newly certified instructors, and community members who have participated in our programs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcxUyNSkLKw
Visit our testimonial page: https://thesafetyteam.org/testimonials/
Desired Skills: General Board Governance, Nonprofit Financials, Fundraising/Development, Marketing/Communications, Strategy/Business Planning
Additional Information
Current # of Board Members: 7
Carries liability insurance?: Yes
Carries D&O liability insurance?: Yes
Time Expectations: Eight 2-hr meetings per year
Meeting Frequency: Other
Meeting Location: Chittenden County
Length of Term (in years): 3
Financial contribution required?: No
Service on committee required?: Yes