Join the SeaMo Board: Strengthen Microfinance, Work with Great People, Help End Poverty

June 24, 2009 3 Comments

SeaMo is seeking motivated, thoughtful, and hardworking people to join our board of directors. Our mission is to connect the microfinance community. If you are passionate about microfinance, interested in investing time and effort in the strengthening of microfinance, and work well in a diverse group, please read through the Criteria and Responsibilities and answer the application questions in an email submitted to ryan@seattlemicrofinance.org. Applications must be submitted by July 15 to be considered for our current board selection.

CRITERIA FOR SEAMO BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERSHIP

1.         Commitment to SeaMo’s mission.

2.         Significant experience in microfinance or in a field related to the work of SeaMo.

3.         Familiarity with SeaMo’s events and website.

4.         Time and energy to be on all conference calls, except for reasons of illness, etc., and time and energy to undertake needed pro bono tasks of the Board of Directors (e.g., membership on committees).

5.         Ability and commitment, barring unforeseen circumstances, to attend the Board of Directors face-to-face meetings in the Seattle area twice a month.

SEAMO INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Meetings

-           Prepare for and participate in board and committee meetings.

-           Suggest agenda items for board and committee meetings.

Avoiding Conflicts

-           Serve the organization as a whole rather than any special interest group or constituency. Board

members are, or should be, free of vested interests and are responsible for considering issues and

rendering judgments for the organization as a whole.

-           Maintain independence and objectivity and do what a sense of fairness, ethics, and personal

integrity dictate even though not necessarily obliged to do so by law, regulation or custom.

-           Never accept (or offer) favors or gifts from (or to) anyone who does business with the

organization.

Fiduciary Responsibilities

-           Read and understand the SeaMo financial statements thus helping the board fulfill its fiduciary

responsibilities.

Fund Raising

-           Assist with fund-raising strategies as needed and support fundraising events through invitations, direct contributions, or participation with grant writing and event coordination.

Application Questions for the SeaMo Board:

1. List address, telephone, email and any other relevant contact information in your application.

2. What is your present occupation/work (or attach résumé)?

3. Describe any previous involvement with SeaMo.

4. Describe any previous experience with microfinance.

5. What other organizations do you actively participate in currently?

6. What unique talents/skills would you bring to the SeaMo Board?

7. Please write a short paragraph about why you are interested in microfinance generally and SeaMo particularly.

Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, we will not be able to confirm receipt of your application. SeaMo will review all applications and select qualified applicants for an interview with representatives from SeaMo during the month of August. Invitations to join the Board will be issued by the end of August.

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