Guiding Principles for AWBC Board of Directors:

• Develop partnerships wherever possible
• Make a difference
• Provide leadership
• Be a positive and supportive force for AWBC colleagues: board members, CEO and staff
• Be flexible and responsive
• Promote equity
• Strive for quality and excellence
• Measure the impact of our successes
• Believe in our clients and help them realize their potential
• Provide role modeling and mentoring
• Support holistic and comprehensive intervention strategies
• Innovate
• Promote entrepreneurial development
• Stay globally informed
• Weave a tapestry of support: financial, educational, motivational
• Value inclusivity and honor diversity

Board Member Roles:

• Work with a network of global partners who share and advance the AWBC’s vision
• Position AWBC as the pre-eminent voice for women’s entrepreneurship by energetically
  communicating the AWBC vision to excite and mobilize support
• Strengthen connections between Women’s Business Centers, women business leaders,
  community-based organizations and vital sector stakeholders
• Develop public and private strategies for sustainability and funding for AWBC and
  member organizations
• Research and disseminate the economic impact of WBC’s and women business owners
• Recruit and retain association members and affiliates

Duties & Expectations for Members of the Board of Directors

1. Participate in scheduled, and generally 12 Board meetings a year*  , which are usually conducted via conference call (90 minutes).
2. Attend at least one of the two face-to-face board meetings/strategic planning meetings.
3. Prepare for meetings by reviewing materials sent prior to meetings.
4. Perform a leadership and active role on at least one committee and/or working group.
5. Attend AWBC annual conference and other fundraising, networking and program events, as time and location permits.
6. Advance and support the AWBC and her staff, consultants and colleagues.
7. Make a financial donation to the AWBC: 100% Board Participation ($250 min.)
8. Commit time, talent, resources and network opportunities to AWBC; estimated resources include, as needed, phone calls, postage, materials, travel, and fees related to conferences, events, etc.

*Per bylaws: As attendance at Board meetings is critical, members who miss 2 or more consecutive  meetings may be requested to leave the board and/or transfer to a less active volunteer body that requires a lesser time commitment.

Members who have served on an AWBC committee in good standing for at least one year are eligible to apply for Board membership.

Application Process:

• Board applications must include:
  • Relevant experience in areas such as business/entrepreneurship, fundraising, women’s issues, leadership, economic development, or professional skills.
  • Explanation of interest in serving on the Board.
  • Indication of availability and time commitment.
  • Three letters of recommendation.
  • https://awbc.org/board-interest/