JOIN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Montgomery County Pride Family, MoCo Pride Center, Inc., is dedicated to empowering and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in Montgomery County, Maryland. We provide safe and inclusive spaces where all individuals can embrace their authentic selves, access vital resources, and find support on their journey to self-discovery and acceptance.

Our vision is a Montgomery County where every LGBTQIA+ individual feels valued, supported, and celebrated for who they are. We strive to build a diverse and loving community that fosters acceptance, understanding, and equity while working tirelessly to provide vital resources, and create a world where every person can live in their truth with pride!

JOIN THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY PRIDE FAMILY (MOCO PRIDE CENTER, INC.) INTERIM BOARD OF DIRECTORS, LEAD BY OUR BOARD CHAIR, PHILLIP ALEXANDER DOWNIE, TO DEVELOP THE FIRST LGBTQIA+ BRICK-AND-MORTAR RESOURCE CENTER IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND!

CORE VALUES

1. Inclusivity: We are committed to creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, or background, feels welcome, respected, and valued.

2. Authenticity: We believe in the power of embracing one's true self. We encourage and celebrate the authenticity of each individual within the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Equality: We advocate for equal rights, access, and opportunities for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, working to dismantle discrimination and prejudice.

4. Community: We understand the strength of unity and actively foster a sense of belonging and support within the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies.

5. Empowerment: We empower LGBTQIA+ individuals to live their lives openly, with confidence and pride, while offering them the resources and tools they need to succeed.

6. Education: We are dedicated to educating our community, allies, and the public about LGBTQIA+ issues, dispelling myths, and promoting understanding and acceptance.

7. Resilience: We are unwavering in our commitment to overcome challenges, stand against discrimination, and ensure a brighter future for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Montgomery County.

8. Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnerships and actively collaborate with other organizations, allies, and institutions to advance LGBTQIA+ equality and well-being.

9. Celebration: We celebrate the diverse identities, experiences, and achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals, promoting a culture of appreciation and pride.

10. Love and Support: At the heart of our values is love and support. We offer unconditional love, care, and support to all members of the LGBTQIA+ community, recognizing that love is the foundation of acceptance and growth.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Mission Alignment: Board members must align with and actively promote the mission, vision, and values of the Montgomery County Pride Family and MoCo Pride Center, Inc. 

  • Governance: Board members are responsible for ensuring the organization's compliance with all legal and ethical standards and fulfilling the duty of care and loyalty.

  • Fundraising: Active involvement in fundraising efforts, which may include personally soliciting donations, supporting grant applications, and leveraging personal networks for fundraising opportunities.

  • Annual Giving Requirement: Each board member is expected to contribute a minimum of $2,500 annually through fundraising, personal giving, or in-kind donations. This financial support is essential to sustaining our vital services and programs for the LGBTQIA+ community. (For community members facing financial hardships, a sliding scale will be implemented with the Chair of the Board/ED on a case-by-case basis.)

  • Advocacy: Advocate for the organization's goals, services, and issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community through public engagement, social media, and interaction with policymakers and community members.

  • Strategic Planning: Participate in the evaluation and evolution of the organization's strategic plan, goals, and objectives.

  • Financial Stewardship: Monitor the organization's financial health, approve budgets, and ensure proper financial management.

  • Committee Participation: Serve on and actively contribute to one or more board committees, such as Governance, MoCo Pride Prom, Volunteers, Montgomery County Pride Celebration, Charity Gala, Marketing & Media, and more. All board members serve as members of the fundraising and physical resource center development committees, which are incorporated into our general meetings.

  • Board Meetings: Attend and actively engage in board meetings, committee meetings, and special meetings as necessary. Board meetings are held once per month, and committee meetings meet at least once per month for a minimum of two monthly meetings. Additionally, board members are expected to work independently outside of those meetings. Please note that some board meetings may have a committee meeting component with a break-out session that counts for both board and committee meetings.

  • Resource Mobilization: Leverage personal and professional networks to secure resources, partnerships, and in-kind donations for the organization.

  • Nonprofit Expertise: Contribute skills, experience, and knowledge relevant to nonprofit governance, fundraising, legal matters, or programmatic needs.

  • Promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Advocate for and support initiatives that enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.

  • Mentorship: Offer mentorship and guidance to volunteers, fostering leadership development and organizational growth.

  • Represent the organization: Act as an ambassador for the Montgomery County Pride Family and MoCo Pride Center, Inc., within the community, fostering positive relationships and partnerships.

  • Evaluation and Accountability: Participate in the annual evaluation of the organization's performance and the board's effectiveness.

  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the organization's sensitive information, discussions, and matters.

  • Ongoing Learning: Commit to continuous learning, cultural competency education, and professional development. Staying informed about LGBTQIA+ issues, nonprofit governance, best practices, and relevant community needs—being a true ally is as much about unlearning as it is about learning. 

  • Conflict of Interest: In compliance with Montgomery County ethics guidelines, disclose any potential conflicts of interest promptly and recuse oneself from related decisions as necessary.

  • Volunteerism: Actively engage in volunteer opportunities or initiatives that further the organization's mission and goals.

  • Support the Board Chair: Collaborate with and support the Board Chair in their role as the organization's leader.

  • Comply with Bylaws: Uphold the organization's bylaws and policies. Familiarize yourself with and be knowledgeable about the legal requirements and regulations affecting nonprofit organizations.

  • Yearly Self-Assessment: Conduct an annual self-assessment of individual board service with the Board Chair, seeking opportunities for improvement.

  • Term Limit: Abide by the board's term limits as specified in the organization's bylaws. This board position is an interim 1-year board position to help develop the brick-and-mortar Pride Center while contributing to the future vision and overall function of the organization. Interim board members have the ability to join as regular board members with the board chair’s recommendation and board approval. Please note that time spent as an interim board member will not count as time served toward one’s term limits.

  • Strategic Networking: Utilize personal and professional networks to expand the organization's reach and influence.

  • Philanthropic Leadership: Demonstrate philanthropic leadership by actively participating in fundraising campaigns and inspiring others to contribute.