ILA Board of Directors

Board Responsibilities

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Association and may exercise all the powers and authority granted to a non-profit 501(c)3 association by U.S. law. The Board of Directors shall oversee the Association’s policies and procedures. Among its other powers, the Board shall have and may not delegate the power to elect and remove directors; approve the budget; hire and fire the President/Chief Executive Officer; approve and amend the mission statement of the organization; amend the Articles and Bylaws of the Association; elect and remove officers; and approve major corporate changes, such as dissolution, merger, or transfer of all or substantially all of ILA’s assets.

Each Board member shall discharge the duties of a Board member, including committee duties, in good faith with the care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances, and in a manner the Board member reasonably believes to be in the best interests of ILA.

All Board members contribute their valuable time to the activities of the Board and do so at their own or their organization’s expense. Continuity of experience and participation contribute to the effectiveness of the Board. Applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to commit to a full three-year term of active service.

Beyond participating in Board and committee meetings, each Board member is expected to contribute their unique strengths and talents to the success of the ILA by:

1. Furthering the mission, purpose, and values of the ILA
2. Promoting the ILA throughout your own networks
3. Recruiting new members and conference participants
4. Identifying new sources of funding or in-kind services
5. Engaging with ILA members and member communities
6. Participating in the development and implementation of the ILA’s strategic plan
7. Making an annual gift commensurate with each individual’s capacity.

Board members are annually required to sign an acknowledgement form that they have read and agree to remain in compliance with the Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Time Commitment

We ask that you consider your ability to make the necessary time commitment at this point in your life to a three-year term of active service. It is estimated that Board members spend an average of about 75 hours a year on ILA activities, including three+ days at the global conference excluding related travel time.

The Board meets for 90 minutes via zoom 4-5 times a year, in person the day before the annual global conference, and for a two-day planning retreat. Depending on the year, the retreat may be online or person. Board members are expected to participate in person at the Global Conferences and are encouraged to attend other ILA conferences and events whether online or in-person.

Each Board member serves on one standing committee. Generally, committees meet about 8-10 times a year for 60-minute zooms and committee members often do work outside of the meeting. New Board members would be appointed to one of the following four committees.  The meeting schedules are determined by what works best for the members of that committee.

Board Development Committee
The charge of the Board Development Committee is to ensure the ILA Board fulfills it governance and fiduciary responsibilities by: coordinating the Board Nominations process, orienting new Board members, providing training and support to the Board, and as member terms expire, seeking new members who represent diverse groups.

Finance Committee
The charge of the Finance Committee is to: advise the Officers and the Board on financial planning and financial administration of the ILA; assist the Treasurer in developing for Board review and approval an annual budget that enables the ILA to carry out its strategic goals; review the ILA’s financial records/reports for compliance with the budget and policy; provide feedback to the COO, suggest modifications if needed, and make recommendations to the Board as appropriate; develop internal controls and financial and accountability policies for the Board’s approval and monitor their implementation.

Fund Development Committee
The charge of the Fund Development Committee is to steward the Board’s overall advancement of the ILA in general and to ensure the Board fulfills its resource contribution responsibilities in particular by: coordinating the fundraising activities of the Board through unrestricted and restricted gift giving; providing strategic advisory support to staff on grant and sponsorship development; engaging the Board in cultivation of foundation and corporate relationships.

Membership Committee
The charge of the Membership Committee is to provide strategic advisory support to the ILA Board and staff in matters related to: the recruitment, retention, and recovery of ILA members; membership structures and dues; and the enhancement of member benefits and leadership opportunities to deepen their affiliation and engagement with the ILA.