Adopted: 01/22/2019 Revised: 12/13/2023

Be Part of a Pivotal Moment in History

The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is looking for new members for its Board of Directors! We are seeking passionate and dedicated members of our community to support the ACLU of Minnesota by serving as a valuable volunteer board member of our governance team. At the ACLU of Minnesota, we take pride in our reputation of more than 70 years of fighting the hard fight for people whose civil liberties are threatened or denied. This is a critical time for civil liberties and democracy and the ACLU of Minnesota is filling open seats on our Board of Directors to face the current threats to our civil liberties. There has never been a more important time to join us!

Working closely with other members of our Board, our Executive Director and members of our senior leadership team, you will play an essential role in helping our organization develop and maintain a healthy and thriving organizational culture that values the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and making sure that we make progress toward our goals.

Objective:

The Board of Directors of the ACLU of Minnesota (the “Board”) includes, among others, stakeholders from the community it serves and should accurately reflect the diversity of that community. Directors will be willing and able to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the Board Manual and support the Mission of the ACLU of Minnesota (“ACLU of MN”). This process is designed to support that end by outlining a well-organized process with clear expectations.

Commitment and Responsibilities of Directors:

This description is meant for quick reference and does not replace the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (the “Bylaws”) or the Board Manual. The responsibilities of Directors are set out comprehensively in the Bylaws and the Board Manual. Here is summary of expectations:

  • Directors are expected to prepare for, attend, and participate in all Board meetings. There are four regularly-scheduled Board meetings each fiscal year. Additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
  • Directors are required to serve on at least one standing committee and are expected to prepare for, attend, and participate in the meetings of that committee. Each committee will dictate the schedule and frequency of committee meetings.
  • Directors are required to be at least 18 years of age, a Minnesota resident and current members of the ACLU of Minnesota.

Schedule of Director Selection and Recommendation Process:

  • Candidates should submit their applications with all supporting materials by January 15, 2025.
  • The Governance Committee will review and evaluate all applications and recommend candidates for the Board’s approval.
  • At the final Board Meeting of the year, the Board considers and votes on a slate of candidates for consideration by the Membership of the ACLU of Minnesota.
  • Once nominated by the Board, the membership of the ACLU of Minnesota votes to elect candidates at the Annual Meeting.

Application:

  • Candidates should complete the online application and provide a resume and statement of interest by January 15, 2025. The statement of interest should help the Governance Committee and Board get to know the candidate and include information such as the candidate’s previous and/or current engagement and participation with the ACLU of Minnesota including volunteer experience, committee participation and attendance at events. Previous experience with the ACLU is not required.
  • Candidates should also share any prior/current involvement as an elected official or employment with government entities; prior/current involvement in community groups, advisory boards, etc. This information serves to inform the Board proactively as to whether there are any conflicts of interest issues that may need to be addressed.
  • Candidates should also share what skills and commitments they can contribute to the Board, including, but not limited to their ability and willingness to participate in Board and committee meetings and any other relevant board or leadership experience.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS

Evaluation of Candidates:

In assessing candidates, the Governance Committee will evaluate candidates based on the following criteria:

  • Commitment to the mission and values of the ACLU of Minnesota.
  • Reflection of the racial and ethnic community that the ACLU of Minnesota represents.
  • Ability to demonstrate honesty, sensitivity to, and tolerance of differing views; a friendly, responsive and patient approach; community building skills; a sense of values, personal integrity and concern for the development of the ACLU of Minnesota.
  • Ability to listen, learn, analyze, think creatively, and work one-on-one with people and in a group setting.
  • Experience in one or more of the Board’s identified subject areas listed.
  • Willingness to learn more about the ACLU of Minnesota, prepare for and attend board and committee meetings, ask questions, and take responsibility and follow through on assignments.
  • Willingness to contribute financial resources in an amount that is personally meaningful to further the mission of the ACLU of Minnesota.
  • Willingness to be self-reflective and evaluate themselves as Directors.
  • Willingness to develop skills, such as cultivating and soliciting funds, recruiting additional Directors and volunteers, and reading financial statements.

Representative Demographics:

The Governance Committee is charged with ensuring that candidates are being recruited and promoted in a way that reflects diversity in the following nonexclusive categories:

  • Members of racial and ethnic minority communities;
  • Reside in different geographical areas within the state of Minnesota;
  • Different gender identities;
  • Different sexual orientations;
  • Different socioeconomic groups and donors of all levels;
  • Different ages;
  • Lawyers (including those in academia, private practice, public service, and in-house counsel); and
  • Non-lawyers
    • Business Experts and Owners
    • Government and Public Service
    • Community Leaders and Advocates
    • Finance
    • Human Resources
    • Information Technology
    • Marketing/Advertising/Social Media
    • Medicine/Health Care
    • Real Estate/Facilities Management
    • Fundraising/Development

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