DIRECT Center for Independence
Become a Member of the Board of Directors
Qualities and Expectations of Board Members

Meeting Schedule | Board Committees | Board Member Roles and Responsibilities |
Qualities and Expectations of Board Members | Board Member Orientation |
Code of Ethics | Board Commitment

Board Member Qualities

1. An understanding and appreciation for independent living philosophy and a willingness to be involved with the disability community.
2. A respect for, and appreciation of, the purposes, goals, and objectives of DIRECT.
3. The ability to help DIRECT achieve its purposes, goals, and objectives.
4. An interest in the well-being and progressive development of the disability community.
5. Sensitive to and supportive of persons with disabilities and their individual needs.
6. A willingness to inform the public about DIRECT and advocates for persons iwht disabilities.

Board Member Expectations

1. A willingness to become actively involved, in terms of time and effort, in working with DIRECT to achieve its goals and objectives.
2. Attend all board meetings. If you are unable to attend a meeting, call the President of the Board or the Executive Director in advance.
3. Read all materials pertaining to the board meetings in advance and come prepared to discuss the agenda items.
4. Sit on at least one board committee.
5. Be willing to spend 4-10 hours a month on board/committee activities.
6. A willingness to share personal judgments, counsel, and financial resources, as these may be required, in the pursuit of DIRECT’s goals and objectives.
7. Promptly respond to requests for information from board and staff members.
8. Follow through on any commitments you make to the board or office staff.
9. Discuss/market DIRECT every time you have the opportunity to do so. Ensure that you have DIRECT brochures/materials on hand at all times.
10. Solicit and provide feedback (positive or negative) to DIRECT staff regarding how DIRECT is perceived in the community, DIRECT activities, etc.
11. Keep current on local, state, and national disability issues, laws, trends, etc. that affect DIRECT, its programs/activities, and its consumers, etc.
12. Continually solicit individuals whom you feel would be good DIRECT board members.