A group of Girl Scouts speaking at a podium outdoors

Governance

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Board of Directors comprises 23 men and women, with expertise in fields ranging from financial services to publishing, who guide the strategic direction of the council.

Additionally, there are four board member positions specifically for Girl Scout members over the age of 14.

Mission
The mission of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Duties and Responsibilities
To serve as a voting member of the policy-making body of GSEMA. The basic responsibilities of the board include:

Set the strategic direction to achieve the GSUSA Mission within the council jurisdiction.
Hire, support, and assess the performance of the Chief Executive Officer.
Ensure effective organizational planning.
Actively fundraise to ensure resources and sustainability of the council.
Exercise fiduciary responsibility and oversight; approve the annual operating and capital budgets.
Seek to understand the organization’s programs and services and advise as needed.
Enhance the organization’s public standing.
Assist with board leadership recruitment.
Ensure legal and ethical integrity and maintain accountability.

Board members are subject to relevant council policies and procedures including but not limited to the GSEMA Bylaws and GSEMA Volunteer Policies and Procedures.

Position Term

One-, two-, or three-year term, not to exceed two (2) consecutive full terms in the same position (as defined in the bylaws). Elected by the delegate body of the council at the annual meeting in May.

Time Commitment

Board members are expected to participate as outlined in the GSEMA Board Member Agreement and Attendance Procedure, including:

Prepare for and attend four to five board meetings per year, one board retreat, plus the annual meeting in May.
Serve on one or more board standing and/or ad hoc committees or advisory groups. Committees include but are not limited to:
- Audit
- Board Nominating and Development
- Brand
- Bylaws Review
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Finance
- Fund Development
- Investment
- Long Range Property Planning
- Membership
- Scholarship
Attend at least one additional GSEMA activity per year (such as fundraising events, regional meetings, girl events, and Gold Award ceremonies, representing the board to honor the highest achievement in Girl Scouts).

Financial Commitment

“Personal Give”: Before the end of each fiscal year of their board term (the fiscal year ends on September 30), adult board members are expected to make a cumulative minimumpersonal financial contribution of $2,500, which may include a company-matching gift, with the intention that GSEMA is among the top three nonprofit organizations they support financially, at an amount that is personally meaningful. A board member’s “Personal Give” contributions in excess of $2,500 will be credited to the board member’s “Give or Help Get” commitment.

“Give or Help Get”: Before the end of each fiscal year, adult board members are expected to proactively seek new philanthropic opportunities for GSEMA and commit to pursuing a minimum of $5,000 in support. This total minimum annual goal of $7,500 will ensure resources and sustainability of the council.

For New Adult Board Members: The council’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. New board members begin their first term of service in May, several months into the fiscal year. The “Personal Give” commitment is not prorated and remains level at $2,500. The “Give or Help Get” goal is initially prorated to $2,000 and the first-year total goal is $4,500. Each fiscal year thereafter, the total minimum goal is $7,500.

Qualifications

Must register as a Girl Scout member and/or maintain current Girl Scout membership per council bylaws.
Successfully passes GSEMA criminal background checks.
Accepts the Girl Scout commitment to work with all without regard to race, ethnicity/culture, religion, socio-economic status, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or differing abilities.
Inspired by and committed to the leadership development of girls and women.
Demonstrates dependability, honesty, and credibility.
Expresses ideas and facts clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
Has access and ability to use computer, internet, and phone.

The GSEMA Board Nominating and Development Committee is now accepting referrals for:

Members-at-Large for the Board of Directors
Successor Members to the Board Nominating and Development Committee (BNDC)

If you or someone you know is interested in serving GSEMA in any of these elected positions, please submit referrals to nominatingcommittee@gsema.org.