Joining the Access Press Board of Directors is a great way to serve Minnesota’s disability community. There’s still time to apply for 2022 board openings.
Access Press got its start in 1990 – the same year that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed. It is one of the few multi-disability news sources in the United States. Access Press exists to promote the social inclusion and legal rights of people with disabilities by providing a forum for news, features, opinions and conversations to benefit people who are often invisible and marginalized in mainstream society.
Board members bring expertise and concerns to address the needs of disability groups, working with staff. The board of directors views itself as a conduit to the public for the concerns of all disability communities in the Upper Midwest.
Board members are volunteers and are not involved in day-to-day operations of Access Press.
The board oversees and promotes general fundraising efforts on behalf of Access Press including but not limited to annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, memorial and honorary gifts, and corporate sponsorships. Board members participate in developing, implementing and monitoring advertising, editorial and social media policies.
Board members serve on committees and take on special projects.
Board members serve three-year terms following the calendar year (January-December), with a maximum of three terms or nine years.
Participation from Greater Minnesota is welcomed as board members can join meetings virtually.
Board membership requires attending regularly scheduled board meetings unless excused by the president. The board meets every third Tuesday of the month from 3:30-5 p.m. Board members can typically expect to engage in board activities five hours or less per month, depending on committee assignments.
Video attendance is supported for regular board and committee meetings, and all meetings are currently held via Zoom. Board members have also participated in meeting via teleconferencing. Those options participation to Greater Minnesota residents.
Board members are expected to participate in one or more committees, attend extra meetings whenever necessary, and help plan and attend special events. They also are expected to help develop, promote and secure the financial resources necessary for the current and future operational integrity of Access Press through making meaningful annual gifts, cultivating relationships to take advantage of financial networks and resources in their purview for Access Press’s benefit, and a willingness to participate in other fundraising activities in a way in which they are comfortable. Examples of this can include: accompanying the executive director on in-person or video cultivation/solicitation/stewardship donor visits, introducing persons of influence to Access Press for philanthropy advancement, and writing personal thank you notes to donors for their gifts.
Board members also develop and monitor short and long-range planning and goals, represent Access Press to the public and within the disability community; and bring personal and professional expertise to support the mission of Access Press.
To complete the initial application to join the board, visit https://accesspress.org/about/join-our-board/
