Help us build, program, and promote the Lafitte Greenway as a great public space.
Call for board members: 2017-2019 Term
Deadline to Apply: Thursday, January 5, 2017
Friends of Lafitte Greenway was formed in early 2006 by New Orleans community members who saw an opportunity to rethink the city's landscape to enhance livability, environmental sustainability, open space equity, and health. The organization built a network of diverse constituents who shared its vision of preserving the continuous open space in the former Lafitte rail corridor, and developing a greenway amenity that encourages active living, facilitates economic development, and links adjacent neighborhoods, cultural features, historic sites, retail areas and public spaces.
Following the official opening of the 2.6-mile pedestrian and bike path and linear park in November 2015, Friends of Lafitte Greenway continues its mission to build, program, and promote the Lafitte Greenway as a great public space. Together, we are working to build a healthier, more vibrant New Orleans community.
Friends of Lafitte Greenway is a volunteer and member driven organization guided by a board of directors.
During your 3-year tenure the organization has big plans to:
- Take on increasing stewardship responsibilities of the Lafitte Greenway
- Grow our membership and revenue
- Support capital projects on the Greenway, such as community gardens and the Greenway’s extension
- Grow our Health, Nature, and Community programs including the Get Fit the Greenway fitness series, gardening classes, Youth Explorers Program, Volunteer Program and the annual Hike
- Formalize our partnership with the City of New Orleans
We ask that you are willing to work as a team and share ideas openly. Additionally, we seek candidates with any or all of the following attributes:
- Alignment with Friends of Lafitte Greenway's mission
- Knowledge of the communities in the Lafitte Greenway Corridor
- Diversity in age, race, background, areas of expertise
- Fundraising experience and/or commitment to implementing fundraising strategy
- Access to diverse political, community, and philanthropic networks
- Accounting experience
- Public Health experience
- Ability to commit to serve at least one 3 year term limit
- Previous experience serving on a nonprofit board
Inclusivity: Friends of Lafitte Greenway is committed to community engagement and strives to include a diversity of voices in the process of programming and planning for improvements on the Greenway. We are looking for board members representing a broad range of backgrounds and communities. We encourage all interested persons to apply for this position regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, sex, age, or political affiliation.
Availability: Our board members serve on alternate rotating terms. This 3-year term begins in January, 2017. After the first 3-year term, board members have the option of renewing for a second 3-year term.
Commitment Details: As a volunteer working board, board members commit about 5-15 hours per month on tasks such as attending board meetings (7 per year), participation on at least one committee (committees include: Fundraising, Planning & Design, Finance, Growing the Greenway, Community Engagement, & Event Planning). Attendance at occasional events such as Member Happy Hours at businesses along the Greenway is encouraged. Other responsibilities include bringing your networking resources and becoming a champion of our shared cause. Additionally, a chief responsibility of our board members is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. As such, board members are asked to collectively (as a board) make a pledge of jointly securing annually a minimum of $75,000 in total through a combination of personal donations and other fundraising strategies (such as recruiting new members and assisting with donor cultivation).
Benefits: We are an all-volunteer board. Benefits of joining the board of directors include: giving back to the community while gaining excellent experience working hand-in-hand with like-minded folks, being part of shaping the future of a world-class Greenway, becoming familiar with current urban planning issues in New Orleans, and networking with local civic leaders.
Number of Seats Available: Friends of Lafitte Greenway is seeking to fill 4 board seats for the 2017-2019 board term.
Board Elections: Nominees will be selected by the board’s Nominating Committee, and elected by the organization’s membership at the annual membership meeting—Monday, January 30th, 6 PM at the Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center (2200 Lafitte Ave).
Other Ways to Get Involved: If you are interested in supporting Friends of Lafitte Greenway, but joining the board is not a great fit at this time, please consider volunteering on one of our committees: Community Engagement, Fund Development, Greenway Soirée, Growing the Greenway Community Gardens, and Planning and Design. Committees are open to all members of Friends of Lafitte Greenway. Join or renew your membership at lafittegreenway.org/membership. Email [email protected] for more information.
To apply for this position: Please submit a letter-of-interest and resume or equivalent to the nominating committee at [email protected] by Thursday, January 5th, 2017.
Please Share! Do you know somebody passionate about the Lafitte Greenway who would be a good candidate? Send them this announcement. We are looking for board members representing a broad range of backgrounds and communities.
Current Board Members: Click here for a list of current board members
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