Step 1: Establish a Board of Directors
- Board members representing an organization preferably will hold a job title of director or above
- A two-year term of board membership is supported by the financial commitment of a corporation in a form of paid membership. There is a financial commitment for each board seat paid by their corporation
- Availability to attend meetings three times a year in person or by conference call
Additional Information
- The board seat belongs to the corporation and not to the individual who sits on the board
- The Board Officers will be selected through self nomination at the first board meeting
- The Board of Directors will consist of 10-15 individuals or another quantity stipulated by the bylaws of the council
Step 2: Hire a staff member
- Staff member will be responsible for initiating councils throughout the state and/or region and will report to both the state Board of Directors and the National Diversity Council
- Staff member will work directly with Dennis Kennedy to launch the council
Step 3: Develop a state strategy
- Strategy will be developed locally, based on the needs and imperatives of the state or regional council
- A Code of Order will be developed to serve as guidelines for the council
Step 4: Implement councils in major cities or regions
- Establish officers and advisory boards at the local level to drive local initiatives that align with the mission and vision of the NDC
- Develop annual agenda for the council
The Role of the National Diversity Council
- Incorporate the organization as a Non-Profit 501 (c) (3) and file all paperwork with the state and the IRS
- Provide job descriptions and direction for staff
- Coach the board of directors on steps to launch the council and maintain its momentum once launched
- Create initial website for the council
Corporations that prefer to hold board seats at more than one council may want to consider a membership at the national level.
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Interested in starting a council? We’d like to hear from you! Contact us today.