Join our board of Directors
Get Involved with our board
Get Involved with our board
Bring your perspective, skills, and commitment to the Grand Rapids Pride Center. Help guide our future and create positive change for West Michigan’s 2-SLGBTQ+ community.
About Our Board
The Grand Rapids Pride Center (GRPC) Board of Directors is a group of community members committed to advancing our mission and supporting the organization’s long-term success.
Board members help shape GRPC’s strategic direction, oversee its financial health, support fundraising, and strengthen community relationships. Working alongside the Executive Director, the board provides governance and organizational oversight.
We value a board that reflects the diversity of West Michigan’s 2-SLGBTQ+ community and prioritize including people with lived experience within marginalized communities.
What Board Members Do
Strategic Direction
Help develop and carry out GRPC’s strategic plan, keeping our mission and community needs at the center of decisions.
Financial Oversight
Review budgets and financial reports, help plan for the future, and support responsible use of the organization’s resources.
Fundraising and Community Connections
Participate in fundraising, build relationships with supporters and community partners, and serve as an ambassador for GRPC.
Governance and Accountability
Review and approve policies, make informed decisions, disclose conflicts of interest, and protect confidential information.
Committee and Event Participation
Serve on a committee and support GRPC’s major events, including Pride Festival and Prism Awards.
What You’re Committing To
Two-Year Terms
Board members serve two-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms, for a maximum of six consecutive years.
Monthly Board Meetings
The board meets once a month for approximately two hours. Meetings are currently held on the first Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. EST.
Meetings are generally virtual from October through April and may be held in person during the summer months. Any meeting may change between virtual and in-person formats with ample advance notice. The meeting schedule may change by board vote to accommodate the board’s membership and availability.
Attendance and Preparation
Members must attend at least 75% of regular board meetings and notify the Board President & Executive Director at least 24 hours before an absence. Members should come prepared to discuss board materials, financial reports, and organizational priorities.
Committee Service
Every board member serves on a committee. Plan for committee meetings and related work in addition to monthly board meetings.
Giving and Fundraising
Board members are expected to make a meaningful personal financial contribution and contribute to and help raise part of the board’s collective fundraising goal. That goal is reviewed annually.
Community Events
Board service includes supporting and promoting major GRPC events, including Pride Festival and Prism Awards, and participating in relevant orientations and volunteer training.
Ongoing Engagement
The commitment extends beyond the monthly meeting. Members contribute time to preparation, committee work, fundraising, events, and strategic priorities throughout the year.
What to Expect After You Apply
1. We’ll Confirm Receipt
The Executive Director will contact you within one week of your application to confirm that it has been received.
2. The Board Will Review Your Application
The board will review your application and decide whether to invite you to an initial interview. When GRPC is recruiting new board members, interviews are held quarterly, so an interview may not happen immediately after you apply.
3. Initial Interview
Selected candidates will meet with the Executive Director and one board member. This conversation is an opportunity to discuss your interest and experience, learn about board responsibilities, and ask questions.
4. Full Board Interview
Candidates selected to continue will meet with the full Board of Directors to further explore whether board service is a good fit.
5. Approval and Start Date
Following the full board interview, the board will decide whether to approve your appointment. If approved, your two-year term begins on the first day of the following month.
Getting Started
Once accepted to the board, new members complete the following onboarding requirements:
Board Orientation
Meet with the Executive Director and Board President for an approximately three-hour orientation covering your role, responsibilities, and what to expect as a GRPC board member, as well as sign all the mandatory paperwork. Whenever possible, this orientation will take place before your term begins on the first day of the month following approval.
Mandatory Volunteer 101 Training
Complete GRPC’s Volunteer 101 training within three months of your appointment. You’ll attend one of our regularly scheduled Volunteer 101 sessions. Available dates will be provided upon appointment.
Background Check
A background check will also be completed as part of onboarding. If you have questions or concerns about the background check, please email the Executive Director.