Become a Board Member

The deadline to apply is September 28th, 2023.

The NWI Food Council’s work covers service and support; education and outreach; and policy and advocacy for our local food system to cultivate a just, thriving and regenerative food system for all in NW Indiana. Applicants can learn more about the mission, vision, ongoing initiatives and collaborations of the Food Council at https://www.nwifoodcouncil.org/ 

At this time, we are actively recruiting farmers, accountants, fundraisers, lawyers, food systems workers and activists. However, we encourage anyone interested in sharing their skills and experiences with the NWI Food Council to apply. We additionally invite high school and college-enrolled individuals with an interest in food systems work to apply. Preference will be given to applicants who live or work extensively in NWI (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Pulaski, Starke counties). The NWI Food Council has an active working board of directors. 

Our team camaraderie and shared values are critical to our success. To this end, we are intentionally working to diversify the leadership of food systems work in our state and are committed to continuing to show up, listen, and do the work because we understand that racial justice and equity are not boxes to be checked or an achievement to be attained, they are instead a way of living and working. Applicants can view our additional thoughts on equity and inclusion at our website https://www.nwifoodcouncil.org/equity 

All efforts will be made for the Board of Directors to represent geographical distribution representative of the seven counties of the Council  (Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, Pulaski).

Board Member Overview 

• Terms Limits: Are 3 years and begin in October 2023. 

• Time Commitment: We meet as a board about every month (12x a year) for a 2-hour board meeting via Zoom (web conferencing software that is free and easy to use) and/or in-person. Board Members are expected to serve on at least one committee and at least one working group; and attend a minimum of 50% of scheduled board meetings. 

• Board Leadership: The board leadership consists of a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, and up to 21 total board members.

Specific Board Member responsibilities include:

Reviewing outcomes and metrics created by NWI Food Council for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics; reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings 

• Approving NWI Food Council’s annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities 

• Assisting board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members 

• Partnering with other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out 

• Serving on committees and/or working groups and taking on special assignments 

• Representing NWI Food Council to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization 

• Ensuring NWI Food Council’s commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities NWI Food Council serves

• Making an annual financial or in-kind contribution that is commensurate with their capacity.

Applicants will be invited to an October Board Meeting to introduce themselves, meet current board members, and ask any questions about their roles. You can learn about our current board members at our website https://www.nwifoodcouncil.org/staff  

Board membership is a volunteer position without remuneration. 

Please feel free to reach out to any of our current board members if you have any questions.