Be part of The Shattered Glass Project community
join our board
Hey! You look like board material to me!
Before you say, “They must be thinking of someone else,” stop for a moment, and consider these two questions:
Question 1) Do you believe in the importance of our mission at The Shattered Glass Project?
Question 2) Are you willing to commit your time, passion, and personal skills to fulfilling our mission?
If you answered "yes” to both of these questions, then there's a good chance you have a lot to contribute to our board at TSGP!
At TSGP, we acknowledge that when many people think of “The Ideal Board Member” for an arts non-profit, they may not picture someone who looks like themselves. As an organization whose mission centers those who have been marginalized on the basis of their gender or sex (and maybe at the intersection of gender with other identities), we strive to break down barriers that prevent folks from seeing themselves as future board members of our organization.
If you are still on the fence about whether you are the right person to be on our board, consider these three categories, often used to describe three key contributions made by board members.
Time
The contribution of time to an organization is possibly the most essential commitment a board member makes. At TSGP, our board meets every other month and board members are expected to spend time outside of these meetings, dedicating time to the tasks they have agreed on to support the organization.
Treasure
Board members at TSGP are not expected to be financial donors (although that is welcome). Instead, we ask that our board members be generous with their services as they are able, for example, offering up a skill or service that you might typically charge for, for a lower price, or free of charge.
Talent
Not to fear, we aren’t asking you to audition for the board, no skills in juggling or unicycle riding is required (although that is welcome). Instead, giving your talent to the organization on TSGP’s board looks like performing tasks that help the organization further its mission using your skills in governance and support.
Ready to Dive Right in?
Want to Learn More about how you Fit in?
Take our Board Skill Self-Evaluation!
If you are curious about what specific skills you might bring to the table here at TSGP, consider a few of the questions below:**
**Important Note: If you don’t have a resounding “YES!” for any of the skills below, did you find yourself saying “no, but I bet I could learn how!” to any of the questions? At TSGP, we strive to create growth opportunities, which extends to our board!
Support Skill Questions:
Fundraising and Public Relations— Are you an excellent hype person? Do you find that you are a trend setter within your community? Are you and your opinions respected within your circle? When a friend or coworker tells you about a problem, do you often say, “I know someone who can help with that”? Do you have experience planning fundraising events? Do you set ambitious yet realistic goals in your life? Are you a fan of gathering data and using it to make decisions? Do you thrive when tasked with organizing information?
Volunteerism—Would you describe yourself as a people person? Would you describe yourself as hard-working? Are you someone who takes initiative in problem-solving situations? Do you enjoy getting others involved in the work you’re passionate about?
Advice—Do you have generational knowledge about a specific community in Seattle (be it an artistic community, identity community, or otherwise)? Do you have experience working with a PTA? Do you have experience writing newsletters or marketing? Working in community engagement or community organizing? Do you often find that friends and family come to you for your unique perspectives? Do you have expertise with financial planning? Would you describe yourself as good with numbers? Do you have experience with or knowledge of AI use?
Governance Skill Questions:
Direction and Programs— Do you feel you have a strong sense of the needs of some of the communities that surround TSGP (be it an artistic community, identity community, or otherwise)? Are you able to put yourselves into other people's shoes? Would you describe yourself as a fast learner when it comes to taking in generational or institutional knowledge? Do you have experience working with nonprofits that serve communities that have been marginalized on the basis of their gender?
Legal Affairs—Do you have knowledge of laws and other legal obligations as they apply to nonprofits? (Tax law, regulatory issues, contracts, employment, etc., etc.)
Finances—Are you skilled at reading and/ or creating financial statements? Would you describe yourself as someone who uses resources wisely? Do you have experience with managing investments? Are you interested in learning about finances and budget creation?
Human Resources—Do you like helping employees have the best work experience ever? Do you have work experience in management? Do you have experience with conflict resolution or mediation?
Planning, Impact, and Efficiency—Do you thrive when tasked with creating a strategy or plan of action with a particular goal in mind? Do you find satisfaction from creating organizational structures or completing organizational tasks?
Relevant Groups and Positive Affiliates:
Have you worked with any of the following organizations in a volunteer or official capacity? Much of your work is relevant to our mission and would make you a valuable asset to our team!
Path With Art | Lambert House | Mary’s Place | LGBTQ+ Center | Ingersoll Gender Center
Annex Theatre | Book-It Theatre | Macha Theatreworks | Intiman Theatre | Theatre Off Jackson
Any PTSA | Girls on the Run | Girls Rock Math | League of Women Voters
Ready to Apply?
I Still have a few more questions…
What are “The Three Duties” and What does that mean for me as a board member?
Perhaps in the past, you have come across the term “fiduciary responsibilities” in reference to a board and thought, “no thanks”. However foreboding they may sound, the spirit of the Fiduciary responsibility mainly refers to the commitments you make as a board member:
Attention (Duty of Care): A duty of care, at its core, is about being intentional and dedicating time and attention to the needs of the organization. This doesn't mean you need to instantly know the best course of action. It does, however, mean that when attending to the needs of the organization, a strong board member takes the time to seek out the knowledge necessary both in and outside of the organization to make the most informed decision possible.
Transparency (Duty of Loyalty): The word “loyalty” might give some pause, but what this duty really references is transparency. If you feel that a decision being made could bring up a conflict of interest for you, this should be brought up to your fellow board members.
Walking the Walk (Duty of Obedience): Arguably the most intimidatingly named duty, the obedience referenced is not that of the board being obedient to the organization. The duty of obedience is really about making sure our organization is walking the walk, not just talking the talk. This duty referred to the board’s responsibility to ensure that the organization’s actions further its mission and vision.
If you’ve gotten to the end of this, thank you! You have already contributed passion and time to TSGP by doing so. We hope that you can better see the many ways in which someone, from any background, can be a valuable member of our board. Whether you are a new or long-time supporter of our work at TSGP, joining our board is an excellent way to make your mark on this organization and the larger community, and to be a part of changing the narrative of who “The Ideal Board Member” is.