Women Enabled International Volunteer Board Member

Volunteer Board Member Role Description

Women Enabled International (WEI) is actively recruiting 2 new Board Members to join a dynamic, growing international governing Board for a three-year term (with the opportunity to renew for an additional three-year term). The Board currently has 6 members, and it seeks to recruit new members who bring diverse skills, expertise, and lived experience (including disability, gender, and geographic diversity).

WEI is the first—and only—international organization that advances human rights at the intersection of gender and disability. As feminists with disabilities and allies, we advance human rights and justice at the intersection of gender and disability to challenge exclusionary, unjust systems and support the leadership, and center the voices of women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities globally. For the past 10 years, through advocacy and education, WEI has focused on strengthening international and regional human rights standards across a range of issues–including sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender-based and sexual violence, and participation and inclusion. In this work, we envision a just world where the human rights and inherent dignity of women, girls, and gender-diverse people with disabilities are fully realized and recognized.

WEI is at a critical juncture in the organization’s growth. In 2022, WEI celebrated its 10th anniversary, welcomed acclaimed human rights activist Maryangel Garcia-Ramos as our new Executive Director (following the retirement of the founding ED), and adopted a new five-year strategic plan to guide the organization’s priorities.

The Board now seeks to open the Board to new members who can both contribute to and guide the organization’s trajectory. It’s worth noting that WEI is currently experiencing a period of hypergrowth, further emphasizing the importance of these roles.

The Board is looking for potential board members who:

Demonstrate a passion for WEI’s mission;
Live with a disability or serve as a caregiver for someone with a disability;
Can fundraise and enthusiastically serve as a spokesperson for WEI;
Commit to WEI’s guiding values of disability justice, intersectional feminism, community, accountability, respect, and dignity, and
Have a willingness to serve voluntarily.

The Board also explicitly seeks individuals who have experience in nonprofit law or management, finance, fundraising, human resources, and/or serving on a non-profit governing board.

WEI Board Member responsibilities include:

Establishing and upholding governance policy and procedures;
Providing strategic direction for WEI to fulfill its mission and vision;
Ensuring sound financial management of WEI’s resources;
Electing, supporting, and (if necessary) removing individuals from board membership;
Supporting and overseeing the Executive Director;
Contributing to fundraising by raising awareness about WEI;
Serving as an ambassador to amplify WEI’s communications and strengthen key relationships;
Adhering to ethical standards and, abiding by the conflict of interest policy, and
Conducting Board business aligned with WEI guiding values, including a commitment to reflection and learning.

Time Commitment

Board members spend an average of 5-7 hours a month on board business, including:

Reading the materials circulated in advance of board meetings;
Joining a minimum of five 60-90 minute virtual Board meetings per year;
Serving on at least one board committee;
Attending an annual in-person meeting. WEI covers the costs of travel, lodging, and meals for Board members and a support person, as needed, and
Living up to WEI Board member agreements.

Preferred Competencies:

Experience with change management and organizational development.

Experience in creating and implementing measures to increase diversity, equity and inclusion and to foster and/or maintain a dynamic organizational culture.
General knowledge of global human rights work, working within multicultural, feminist, and disability rights and justice organizations and movements.
Demonstrated passion for WEI’s vision, mission, and strategic imperatives.
English proficiency essential, Spanish preferred.

Benefits of serving on WEI’s Board:

Contributing to cutting-edge, gender-transformative disability rights and justice work;
Strengthening your network with scholars, professionals, and activists across regions;
Supporting a fierce and committed staff advancing the rights, well-being, and autonomy of women and gender-diverse persons with disabilities.
Building international networks of solidarity and advocacy
Learning alongside colleagues staunchly committed to feminist values and WEI’s mission.

Logistics:

The Board works in English as a written language, primarily communicates via email, meets bi-monthly via Zoom, and proactively ensures accessibility and reasonable accommodations. New board members will receive a Board handbook, initial onboarding from staff and Board, and mentoring from a fellow Board member.

To Apply:

Indicate your interest in joining the WEI Board or being considered for future opportunities before November 24th by completing the WEI Board Interest Form.

If the form is not accessible to you or if you have any questions, please reach out to catherinehydetownsend@outlook.com using “WEI Board” in the subject line.

We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Whatever your identity, we encourage you to apply. WEI is committed to working with individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of this volunteer position due to a disability or medical condition.

Role: WEI Board Member