Leading Upper Valley Nonprofit Looks to Create a More Demographically Diverse Board 

Vital Communities, a White River Junction-based nonprofit, seeks new board members who share the organization’s commitment to inclusive, equitable, and long term community engagement that cultivates the civic, environmental, and economic vitality of the Upper Valley. Applications will be accepted through March 31 and new board members would begin their service June 1. 

With 17 full- and part-time staff, a $1.4 million budget, and a service area covering 69 towns in NH and VT, the 26-year-old nonprofit works with partners to lead projects in the areas of climate, economic resilience, energy, farming, food security, housing, leadership training, place-based education, and transportation. 

Specifically, the organization wants to increase its board’s demographic diversity as part of its commitment to identify, include, engage and connect with residents of all ages, genders, races, cultures, faiths, abilities, professions, documentation status, income levels, sexual orientation, and geographic locations within its 69-town Upper Valley service area. Previous Board experience is not required. 

The new board members would join Vital Communities at a particularly dynamic time, with new Executive Director Sarah Jackson and a heightened commitment to actively involving more diverse voices in designing and implementing the organization’s projects. Board members will be guiding the organization’s next strategic plan (2022-2025), ensuring that it aligns with community needs. They determine Vital Communities’ mission and purposes, ensure that programs align with the mission, and assess progress toward annual and multi-year goals.  

Board members serve in a volunteer capacity for two- or three- year terms starting on June 1. Board member roles and responsibilities include attending six meetings per year which are conducted either via Zoom or in person. Reimbursement for mileage and other expenses is available, and orientation and training are provided. Full information and a link to the application can be found at https://vitalcommunities.org/blog/vital-communities-seeks-new-board-members/. Interested parties are also welcome to contact board member Barbara Barry (bbarbellb@gmail.com) or Sarah Jackson, Executive Director (sjackson@vitalcommunities.org).

Published 3/2/21