Thank you for your interest in applying for WSCO's 2023 Board of Directors!
About WSCO
The West Side Community Organization (WSCO) is a nonprofit neighborhood association and one of Saint Paul's District Councils (District 3).
Mission: WSCO organizes people of West Side to
build collective power to advance justice and racial equity in the
community for all people.
Vision: We envision a just, united,
self-reliant West Side where all of our people are connected, safe,
healthy and successful. We are West Side proud. We are West Side
strong.
ABOUT WSCO's BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The West Side Community Organization is guided and governed by a 13-member Board of Directors. Board members must be age 16 or older and live on the West Side (or be an authorized representative for a business located on the West Side) to be eligible for our board.
This is a working board. The board meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Baker Center (209 Page Street West). Each board member is expected to participate in a standing committee, projects, and/or other organizing efforts. We estimate the commitment to be about seven to ten hours per month, potentially more at peak times. Please be aware of this and only apply if you are ready for this commitment.
We are looking for individuals who:-are passionate about the West Side community
-value social/racial justice and equity
-will engage in board trainings, discussions and decisions
-will take an active interest in West Side issues
-will represent WSCO at community events
-agree to WSCO's code of conduct
-will help to strengthen the organization by bringing partnership and funding opportunities
-support WSCO's vision, mission, Strategic Action Plan, and Strategic Sieve
Strategic Action Plan and Strategic Sieve:
https://www.wsco.org/guiding_documentsWe are particularly interested in people with experience with strategic planning and fundraising.
We will be electing board members and alternates. Alternates are included in board communications and may be asked to serve should a current board member need to step down during their term. Board and alternate seats are filled in the order of number of votes received (the people with the most votes serve on the board, the next will serve as alternates.)
HOW TO APPLY
1) Please complete the following questions by October 27, 2023.
2) Email a photo of yourself to info@wsco.org
3) Prepare a short statement (less than 2 minutes) to
deliver at the annual meeting. It is not required that you be present to
run or speak but all candidates are offered this opportunity, and most
take advantage of it.
Your
contact information will remain confidential, but other information you
submit including your name, photo, bio, and why you're running for the
board, will be shared with WSCO's Executive Committee and West Siders attending the WSCO annual meeting, and may be included in WSCO's public communications so we can inform our voters.
Board election
The election will be held at WSCO's annual meeting, which takes place on Sunday, November 5th, at 1:00p.m. at Humboldt High School in Saint Paul. Please plan to be present at the annual meeting. (Note: you can sign-up to run in the election at the
start of the annual meeting, but we strongly recommend applying in
advance.)
All voting takes place AT the annual meeting -- so get the word out that you've applied and get your West Side friends and neighbors to the meeting to support you! Folks must be residents of the West Side and at least 16 years of age to vote in the elections.
Orientation and roles
A board orientation will be scheduled after the elections. Newly elected board members start January 2024, but are encouraged to attend one or more meetings in 2023 to get a feel for the board.
The 2023 WSCO board will vote for the 2024 Executive Team (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer at the beginning of the new year).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are interested in running for the 2023 Board of Directors or have questions, please get in touch with us at info@wsco.org, using the subject line "WSCO Board." Current board members are available to meet with interested applicants to answer your questions.