2024 YMCA Branch Board Orientation

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND

New Board Member Orientation

January 2024

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MISSION & GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Our Guiding Principles

The YMCA is for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Values Driven

We live and teach the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Open to All

We embrace the diversity of our community and welcome people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes.

Pursuit of Excellence

We strive to achieve the highest standards of quality programs and services.

Stewardship

We help people experience the joy of sharing their time, talent and treasure to help others.

Healthy Living

We live our mission by engaging in a lifestyle that develops a healthy spirit, mind and body.

Building Community

We create a sense of belonging throughout the YMCA, in our neighborhoods and the community.

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND PROFILE

OFFICIAL NAME

LOCATION

FACILITIES

YMCA of Greater Richmond

201 W. 7th Street, Suite 110

Richmond, VA 23224

16 Branch Locations

1 Day Camp

1 Aquatic Center

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

ONE MISSION

Chris Shockley, Board Chair

James W. Warren, Chair Elect

John T. Lancaster, Treasurer

Adam P. Carter, Secretary

Kristian M. Gathright, Immediate Past Board Chair

35 Additional Board members

Jody Alexander, President/CEO

Megan O’Neill, EVP/COO

David Wyman, SVP/CFO

265 full time

2,000 part time

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND HISTORY

1844 YMCA founded in London, England

1851 YMCA began in North America

1854 Richmond YMCA organized at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

1886 First YMCA building in Richmond, 6th and Main Streets

1887 First black member YMCA organized at Ebenezer Baptist Church

1955 All units merged into Metropolitan YMCA; began South Richmond/Chesterfield branch (name later changed to MANCHESTER FAMILY YMCA)

1959 Began TUCKAHOE FAMILY YMCA branch

1965 Purchased Camp Shawonodasee from the Boy Scouts of America to become the new YMCA CAMP

THUNDERBIRD

1974-5 Opened Three YMCA buildings: North Richmond, Manchester, Tuckahoe

1989 Opened CHICKAHOMINY FAMILY YMCA

1990 Opened CHESTER FAMILY YMCA; PATRICK HENRY FAMILY YMCA chartered

1995 SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA YMCA merged with YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND

1998 Opened SHADY GROVE FAMILY YMCA

1999 Opened MIDLOTHIAN FAMILY YMCA

2002 Opened PATRICK HENRY FAMILY YMCA; Welcomed new President and CEO Barry Taylor

2004 Opened ELIZABETH RANDOLPH LEWIS POWHATAN YMCA and GOOCHLAND FAMILY YMCA

2005 Opened JOHN ROLFE FAMILY YMCA and JAMES CENTER YMCA

2007 Celebrated 15th year of YMCA Bright Beginnings, resulting in over 20,400 children served since inception. YMCA diversity initiative promotes the YMCA as an institution that celebrates culture by embracing diversity

2010 Opened consolidated PATRICK HENRY FAMILY YMCA

2011 Opened ATLEE STATION FAMILY YMCA

2012 Opened SWIFT CREEK FAMILY YMCA

2013 Welcomed new President and CEO Tim Joyce

2015 Celebrated 160th anniversaryOpened the new Tommy J. West Aquatics Center at the SHADY GROVE FAMILY YMCA

2017 Relaunched membership structure which opened the YMCAs to the highest membership base ever (36,000+)

2018 Opened the new re-chartered JAMES CENTER YMCA as the 10th STREET YMCA; began renovations on the historic NORTHSIDE FAMILY YMCA and PETERSBURG FAMILY YMCA for the largest investment in social equity in 25 years

2019 Opened the newly renovated NORTHSIDE FAMILY YMCA and PETERSBURG FAMILY YMCA

2020 Opened the FRANK J. THORNTON YMCA AQUATIC CENTER

2021 Welcomed new President and CEO Abigail Farris Rogers

2022 Opened newly renovated MANCHESTER FAMILY YMCA and ANDERSON FAMILY WELCOME CENTER

2023 Welcomed our new President and CEO Jody Alexander.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT HEALTHY LIVING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

3,600 CHILDREN received care and academic enrichment in Y Afterschool. 1 IN 3 FAMILIES relied on financial assistance.

900 TEENS gained confidence and leadership skills in a safe, supportive Y Teen program.

More than 5,000 YOUTH had outdoor adventures, learned new skills and developed meaningful friendships in Y Summer Camp.

10,500 CHILDREN learned critical water safety skills in Y Swim Lessons and Learn to Swim programs.

260 STUDENTS received FREE summer instruction in the Y Power Scholars Academy. Scholars gained 1 month in reading and 1.5 months in math.

Nearly 13,000 YOUTH gained confidence, learned teamwork, and developed a love of healthy activities through Y Youth Sports.

More than 2,000 STUDENTS received the supplies and clothes they need to succeed in school through Y Bright Beginnings.

50 YOUTH with diverse abilities experienced the joy of baseball in Y Miracle League.

Nearly 1,500 INDIVIDUALS were connected to resources like housing, transportation, and food through Y Social Needs Navigation.

9,079 VOLUNTEERS donated 52,730 HOURS to allow the Y to serve our community.

350 SENIORS socialized and stayed active through FREE Y Aging Strong programs.

IMPACT2022

190,000 PEOPLE were served by a YMCA in our region! $7 MILLION in financial assistance was provided to keep the Y OPEN FOR ALL.

More than

ymcarichmond.org/give

OUR MISSION To put Christian principles into practice through programs that strengthen spirit, mind and body for all.

IMPACT AREAS

PREVENTING DROWNING

IMPACT AREAS

ENRICHING LEARNING

IMPACT AREAS

ADVANCING WHOLE HEALTH

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Adaptive Programs

Active Older Adults

Development

Spirituality

Community

MEI

Community Health

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION STRATEGIC PLAN

The Y’s mission is reflected by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. These values inspire us to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and be authentic in all aspects of diversity including ability, age, cultural background, economic status, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, language, national origin, political view, race or sexual orientation. Together, we celebrate strong, inclusive communities FOR ALL.

For 167 years, our core values and “spirit, mind and body” focus, have grounded us to weather social change, expand membership, enhance our services, and thrive as a community organization that bridges divides and cultivates human relationships.

We are advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through an intentional strategic plan, BELONG WITH THE YMCA, to emphasize to our members, employees, donors, stakeholders, and communities that the YMCA stands committed to creating strong, inclusive communities that reject discrimination in all forms. This plan turns ideas into action and underscores our dedication to equity. Through these strategies, the YMCA will become a more inclusive, diverse, multicultural organization embracing anti-racist principles that actively identify and break down systems that perpetuate inequities.

GOAL: To create an environment in which staff, members and other stakeholders experience an organization rich with multicultural inclusivity, the promotion of equity

across all walks of life and a genuine sense of belonging for people of all demographics and identities with intentional focus on underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.

PURPOSE: To assure that the YMCA is promoting equity and inclusion, ensuring that our promise to be “Open to All” remains at the forefront of our approach to staff, members, community partners, and our communities, and increasing collective awareness of the YMCA as an agent of social change.

We are dedicated to being an organization where the entire community can thrive. Belong with the YMCA creates space for transparency and open dialogue for our community and staff to engage, collaborate, and hold each other accountable to the Y’s work of fostering health equity, equity of opportunity, and equity in education and leadership for all residents of our region.

WORKING AT THE YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND

Our employees are the Y’s most important resource. We are dedicated to becoming the most welcoming, inclusive, equitable organization possible, where employees feel a genuine sense of belonging. Y staff will reflect and represent the diverse and multicultural communities where we all live, work and play, and our authentic relationships with one another will create a culture of compassion and empathy where everyone can thrive. Employee Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives focus on retention, recruitment, advancement and culture.

OBJECTIVE: To recruit, hire and retain diverse, multicultural staff, with a focus on BIPOC, underrepresented and historically marginalized communities that is reflective and representative of the communities in which we work at all levels of the organization.

• By 2025, our employees will be at least 70 percent reflective of community demographics.

OBJECTIVE: Our employees feel a deep sense of belonging, support, and encouragement in a welcoming, respectful, nurturing, and affirming environment with equitable opportunities for advancement.

• By 2023, employee engagement will increase by 3.86.

• By 2025, employee satisfaction and sense of belonging will increase by 3.96.

OBJECTIVE: Increase YMCA employees’ opportunities for advancement through transparent, equitable practices.

SHARING OUR STORY

OBJECTIVE: Increase understanding and awareness of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion culture work to Y staff through enhanced communication of internal and external messaging.

OBJECTIVE: YMCA members and community partners are aware of and understand the YMCA’s mission to create a more equitable community—focused on equity of education, leadership, and health.

OBJECTIVE: Ensure that YMCA messaging is culturally intelligent.

OUR Y COMMUNITY

A vital component of our commitment to equity is that the YMCA is Open to All. This premise is foundational— part of our “DNA”—and we are dedicated to advancing health equity, equity of opportunity, and equity in education and leadership. We work in concert with others, engage alongside community members and partners, through authentic and trusting partnerships. Community Diversity, Equity and Inclusion focuses on investments in marginalized communities, advocacy for the organization’s mission, and commitment to community partnerships.

OBJECTIVE: To recruit diverse, multicultural board members, with a focus on BIPOC, underrepresented and historically marginalized communities, that are reflective and representative of the communities in which we serve.

• By 2023, YMCA branch Boards of Managers will be 65 percent reflective of the communities served.

• By 2025, YMCA branch Boards of Managers will be 70 percent reflective of the communities served.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure YMCA donors are aware of and understand the YMCA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

OBJECTIVE: To forge community partnerships that support and promote equity, inclusion, and asset-based community engagement.

• The completion and expansion of capital projects in under-resourced communities will be a measurement of success.

OBJECTIVE: For all YMCA facilities to be welcoming spaces for the community to access resources that support families and individuals in reaching their full potential.

• By 2025, we will support 4,500 families and individuals through social needs navigation and Help1RVA.

OBJECTIVE: To ensure that all community members can access YMCA programs and services in a barrier-free, user-friendly manner.

Every day, children, teens, senior citizens and families come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive. But we need people like YOU to help us make their experience even better and create lasting impact on our community.

We provide volunteer opportunities across the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND to fit your interests and schedule.

•

DOWNTOWN YMCA

2 West Franklin Street

Richmond, VA 23220

Phone: 804.644.9622

10TH ST. YMCA

919 10th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804.200.6070

• • • EAST END • • •

CHICKAHOMINY FAMILY YMCA

5401 Whiteside Road

Sandston, VA 23150

Phone: 804.737.9622

FRANK J. THORNTON YMCA

AQUATIC CENTER

3201 Watts Lane Richmond, VA 23223

Phone: 804.918.7433

• • • NORTHSIDE • • •

ATLEE STATION FAMILY YMCA

8017 Rutland Center Boulevard

Mechanicsville, VA 23116 804.427.9622

NORTHSIDE FAMILY YMCA

4207 Old Brook Road

Richmond, VA 23227

Phone: 804.329.9622

PATRICK HENRY FAMILY YMCA

217 Ashcake Road

Ashland, VA 23005

Phone: 804.798.5770

• • • SOUTHSIDE • • •

CHESTER FAMILY YMCA

3011 West Hundred Road

Chester, VA 23831

Phone: 804.748.9622

ELIZABETH RANDOLPH LEWIS

POWHATAN YMCA

2269 Mann Road

Powhatan, VA 23139

Phone: 804.598.0250

MANCHESTER

YMCA

YMCA

AQUATIC PROGRAM ASSISTANTS

The YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND teaches more than 3,000 children water safety education and swim instruction each year. Volunteers help make this life-saving program possible. You can help! Volunteers are most needed Tuesdays – Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon. Must be ages 13 or older.

TOGETHERHOOD

This is a member-led volunteer service program that invites Y members to activate their social responsibility by participating in the Y’s cause to strengthen community. Togetherhood provides Y members with fun, convenient and rewarding ways to give back and support their neighbors. If you are interested in serving on a committee or as a volunteer for one of our service projects, please reach out to your local branch.

YOUTH SPORTS VOLUNTEERS

Help coach a team or be a Program Assistant with any YMCA Youth Sports programs. No previous experience required. Teams just can’t run without our coaches or assistants, so you can feel great about making a real difference! Hours are based on program times. Must be ages 14 or older.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS

You tell great stories. So help us share stories of how the Y impacts lives in our community. You will help Y programs remain open to all by telling others how we’re “so much more.” Hours are flexible. Ages 18+

WELLNESS VOLUNTEERS

Give back to your community and make friends too! Help ensure that Y wellness areas are welcoming and inviting. You’ll assist members with questions, maintain an organized, clean center and create a friendly, engaging space for all.

MIRACLE LEAGUE

The YMCA Miracle League of Richmond is an exciting new partnership to provide children with intellectual, visual or physical challenges the opportunity to play baseball! To volunteer for this program, contact miracleleaguerva@ymcarichmond.org

SUMMER DAY CAMP AND AFTER-SCHOOL CARE HELPERS

Volunteer to brighten a child’s day! You can be a book reader, a homework helper, teach a special skill, play group games, lead group activities or introduce new creative learning experiences — just let us know! We’d love to match your talents to new opportunities for our children to learn and grow. Background checks and TB test required.

CHILD WATCH HELPERS

Love children? Help us make their time at the Y engaging and fun. Read stories, assist with arts and crafts, play games and provide quality, enriching care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old.

MEMBERSHIP GREETERS

People who love to interact with others are perfect for this volunteer opportunity. Greeters welcome everyone who comes into the Y — creating a welcoming and friendly culture. Hours are flexible. Ages 14+ preferred.

SPECIAL EVENT VOLUNTEERS

We’re seeking volunteers to engage in a variety of community programs and outreach initiatives throughout the year, including: special events at summer outreach camps, YMCA Bright Beginnings back-to-school outreach program, YMCA Christmas Connections program and more. Just let us know your availability and what’s in your heart — and we’ll help to make the match.

For more information, email volunteer@ymcarichmond.org

“Whatever your talents and no matter the amount of time you have to give, we need you. The Y staff will find a way for you to share your passion, talents and gifts.” - Evalynn Miller

The Y provides the opportunities to ACHIEVE, CONNECT and BELONG in ways that build communities that thrive.

ANNUAL GIVING

2023 GOAL: $3.5 MILLION

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

As our region’s largest provider of trusted childcare and enrichment programs, the Y addresses learning loss, achievement gaps and social-emotional health in education.

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) programming is expanding in response to the need for quality pre-school, ensuring a diversity of children are Kindergarten-ready.

• Before/After-school and Summer Day Camp provide children with healthy, engaging and safe care, supporting working parents. Power Scholars Academy (PSA) offers free summer enrichment for students needing extra support in math, reading and socialemotional skill-building.

• Achievers and Leaders’ Club help teens build supportive peer networks while developing character, leadership and life skills, building bright futures.

HEALTHY LIVING

In 2022, one-third of families received Annual Givingfunded Financial Assistance to participate in child care programs.

Last summer, PSA students gained 1 month in reading and 1.5 months in math! This is a reversal of the “summer slide” educators reported in prior years.

The Y is committed to improving health outcomes by removing physical, financial and logistical barriers to wellbeing.

• Youth Sports instill confidence, emphasize teamwork and promote the joy of healthy recreation. Aquatics programs ensure children and families learn skills to safely enjoy activities in and around water.

• Wellness programs support managing chronic health conditions, developing healthy habits and achieving fitness goals. Senior programs promote aging well with a focus on movement, fall prevention, socialization and cognition.

• Adaptive programs engage youth and adults of diverse physical and mental abilities in healthy recreation, building confidence and connection.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Learn To Swim is offered at no cost for 2nd grade students in partner school districts. Last year, more than 5,000 children had four weeks of fun “in the water” instruction through this program.

Each year, the adaptive baseball program, Miracle League at the YMCA, allows 50 children and young people with physical and learning differences to experience the camaraderie and thrill of rounding the bases for their team!

Through inclusive and accessible memberships and programs, the Y is OPEN TO ALL and serves as a connector to the basic resources and services individuals need to thrive.

• Income-based Financial Assistance and subsidized memberships and programs ensure that everyone can benefit from the Y.

• Compassionate, multi-lingual Social Needs Navigation experts use the YMCA-led HELP1RVA system to connect community members to housing, food, transportation, employment, healthcare, child care and more.

• The Welcome Center offers immigrants and newcomers to our region or nation culturally-minded programs including ESL classes, GED preparation, citizenship classes and more in partnership with schools, nonprofits, houses of faith and government stakeholders.

In 2022, Y Social Needs Navigators helped nearly 1,500 people move from crisis to thriving.

In addition to many no-cost program offerings, the Y provides approximately $7 million in Financial Assistance each year.

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND 2024 Annual Giving Pledge Form

YOUR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTS

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Through inclusive and accessible after-school and summer programs for youth and teens, the Y is addressing achievement gaps and social-emotional health while developing character, leadership and life skills.

HEALTHY LIVING

Through inclusive and accessible community programs, the Y is helping to improve health outcomes for seniors, individuals with chronic illness, and families experiencing barriers to vital basics like food and housing.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Through inclusive and accessible memberships and programs, the Y is OPEN TO ALL. The YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND provides more than $7 Million in financial assistance to ensure everyone can benefit from the Y.

PLEDGE INFORMATION

Pledge amount:

Date of Pledge:

Campaign Volunteer:

Name:

Address:

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone:

Email:

o SEND PLEDGE REMINDER: Quarterly OR One time in (month)

o CHECK: Payment of $ attached.

o EFT: Start date

CIRCLE 1st OR 15th / Monthly OR Quarterly

ATTACH voided check for banking information

o CREDIT CARD: Mastercard / Visa / Amex

Card #

Expiration Date / Code

o MATCHING GIFT COMPANY: ATTACH OR EMAIL match confirmation to brennane@ymcarichmond.org

o I have included the Y in my estate plans.

o Please send me information about including the Y in my estate plans.

Signature:

Recognize As:

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

2024 Budget Update

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

David

VP of Community Health Controller

Association Director of Risk Management

Barry

AVP of Marketing & Communications

AVP of Brand Strategy & Experience

O’Neill EVP/COO

SVP of Business Operations

SVP of Youth Development

SVP of Human Resources

Regional VP Operations

AVP of Equity Advancement

Jody Alexander CEO

Shawn Morrison SVP of Philanthropy

Saunders SVP of Strategy/ Membership/Programs

Wyman SVP & CFO

Lisa Ramirez SVP of Community Impact Megan

EXPECTATIONS OF A BRANCH BOARD MEMBER

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND

Your volunteer experience is important to us. This document should help clearly outline expectations, roles and responsibilities and identify the profile of an engaged volunteer. We want to thank you for your commitment and service to the Y and your community. You are the Y!

Expectations:

Attendance – be present!

• Strive to attend 80% of meetings a year (board and committee).

• Join and actively participate on a committee

• Attend at least 2 additional Y activities

Service – be involved!

• Be knowledgeable of programs and services by visiting them

• Contribute your personal gift and secure at least 2 others

• Become a leader in the Annual Giving Campaign

• Avail yourself to assisting leadership staff when called upon

Promote – be heard!

• Understand the goals of the organization and help involve at least 2 new people

• Enthusiastically support the Y, staff and volunteers

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Be an Ambassador – speak often and with enthusiasm

• Be an Advisor – share your personal and professional skills and talents

• Provide Access – open doors that will further the mission of the organization

• Provide Affluence – be able and willing to financially support the organizational needs through both a personal gift and obtainment of others

• Provide Assistance – volunteer your time and talent in programs

Engaged Member Profile:

• Committed – to the YMCA, its vision and mission, its principles and practices

• Connected – to the communities served by the YMCA

• Communicate – with comfort and ease around the YMCA its mission, cause and focus

• Constituency – board member reflects a segment of the community the Y is serving

• Capacity – support the efforts in helping fund the future of the organization

BRANCH BOARD OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES PATHWAY

COMMITTED TO SERVING

OUR COMMUNITY

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF THE YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND

The YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND was formed in 1854 to serve the spiritual, mental and physical needs of our community. Our first permanent location opened in 1887 at the corner of 6th and Main Streets in downtown Richmond. Today, the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND has grown to a 19-branch association employing approximately 2,400 people annually and has more than 160,000 members. The Y’s presence is also found in 124 countries around the world.

Although the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND is advised by YMCA of the USA, a national resource office, we are an independent organization having our own corporate charter, by-laws, staff and facilities. There are no individual owners or shareholders. We exist only to serve the community and all operational surpluses are returned to serve that end. We are recognized by the state and national government as a registered nonprofit charitable 501(C)3 tax-exempt organization.

The association is governed by a board of directors. The YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND operates 18 branches throughout the metro area. Most branches have its own executive director and board of management. Staff members interface with the branch board and implement the goals and objectives of the local branch.

ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The by-laws of the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND allow the association board of directors to establish branches and principles of governance. These guidelines have been established by the association to promote significant volunteer participation in the governance and support of the long-term health of the Y and its branches. The YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND association board of directors maintains an at-large board of approximately 35 members. The association board of directors delegates branch oversight to branch boards of management.

BRANCH BOARDS OF MANAGEMENT

The purpose of the branch boards of management is to align the work of the Y to the community it serves, as well as to the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND as a whole. Branch board members support branch programs and services by taking an active leadership role in giving and securing financial resources for the branch, enlisting volunteer participation and aligning community needs.

BRANCH BOARD OF MANAGEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning

Branch boards provide input for the association’s strategic goals based on branch needs and within the framework of the association’s goals. Branch boards review and recommend annual branch objectives to achieve goals prepared by the branch executive director.

Finance

The finances of the YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND are an association function. Branch boards should recommend and monitor budgets for the annual giving; encouraging endowments to interested donors.

Programming

Program needs are determined at the branch level consistent with community needs and the policies of the overall association. Branch boards may recommend new programming based on feedback from their strategic work.

Relationships

The Y is one of many organizations working to strengthen our communities. Board members are encouraged through their other community involvement to assist the Y in establishing partnership opportunities.

Staffing

The hiring and replacement of branch executives is the responsibility of the management of the association. Staff management will seek participation from branch board leadership in the selection of branch executive directors.

MAKEUP OF BRANCH BOARDS

Branch boards should be large enough to reflect the major stakeholder groups of the branch, reflect the diversity of the community and provide professional technical assistance. It is important that our boards mirror the communities they serve. Our goal is to have at least 70% demographic representation.

In general, large YMCA boards have more people available to volunteer for task forces and fundraising projects. An active board consisting of 24 members is preferred to satisfy proper roles and duties.

Paid staff may not serve on any YMCA board.

BRANCH BOARD STRUCTURE

Branch boards are typically structured around the board’s priorities and responsibilities as outlined above. The work of successful boards is accomplished through committees. Branch boards are encouraged to involve non-board members on committees, other than the board development committee, as a way to engage the membership and recruit new volunteers.

Board committees are:

• Board Development Committee

• Philanthropy Committee

• Mission Equity Inclusion

COMMITMENTS OF BRANCH BOARD MEMBERS

• Attend and participate in branch board meetings

• Attend meetings of committees or task forces to which appointed

• Support the Y with an annual gift at a meaningful level

• Assume leadership when asked.

• Speak proudly and positively about the Y

• Represent the Y at community events and with organizations and individuals

• Be informed about YMCA programs and policies

• Learn about the needs in the community and gaps in senior population.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO

• Serve as chief staff officer for the branch

• Work in concert with the board of management

• Recommend appropriate goals and objectives to strengthen the branch

• Inform the board fully and accurately regarding program development and delivery

• Develop the annual operating budget and present it for branch board review and recommendation to the association board

• Recruit, direct, review and develop competent branch staff to deliver programs and services to the branch community

• Work with committees of the branch board in concert with the committee chairs and the branch board chair

BOARD ASSESSMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND RECRUITMENT

These activities are the responsibility of both board and staff leadership. Diversity and representation is a critical component to a thriving board.

• Evaluate present board

• Identify nominees

• Recruit new members

• Nominate for election and approval

• Provide orientation for new members

• Mentor new members

• Plan succession of members and officers

• Apply term limits

• Recognize service

BOARD TERMS

• Three-year term

• Three-term limitation unless an officer

• After three terms, off the board for a minimum of one year before serving again

ELECTION

• Approximately one-third of terms expire each year

• New members are elected by branch board

• Annual elections to be completed by November with terms beginning in January

•Non-board members may be invited to serve on a board committee

OFFICERS OF THE BOARD

Elected for two-year terms starting in January

• Chair

• Vice Chair

•Commitee Chairs

KEY INDICATORS OF A SUCCESSFUL BRANCH BOARD

• Regular attendance by members at board and committee meetings

• Active committees

• Balance of new and experienced board members

• Leadership in the annual support campaign

• Representation from key stakeholders

• Attendance at association and national events

BRANCH

BOARD MEMBERS NEED TO BE INFORMED

Good stewardship depends on enlightened decision making. Effective communication between the branch executive, branch board chair and association board should always be maintained. Board members need to be knowledgeable about the Y’s status and needs if they are to make sound decisions that advance its mission. An effective board information system should focus on decision-making, stimulate participation and support an appropriate balance of responsibility between the branch board and staff.

10TH STREET YMCA

ASSOCIATION RESOURCE CENTER

DOWNTOWN YMCA

YMCA OF GREATER RICHMOND