The Hackerspace Charlotte board plays an important role in the evolution of growth and development of the organization. Hackerspace Charlotte (HSC) is a place where people with common interests, in technology, engineering, digital/electronic art, and/or DIY can meet, socialize and collaborate. HSC can be viewed as an open community lab incorporating elements of a machine shop, workshop, classroom, and studio where all kinds of hackers and makers can come together to share resources and knowledge to build and make cool things with technology.
Hackerspace Charlotte Board
The Hackerspace Charlotte 2016 Board will take up the discussions currently underway about how to set and update the mission and better engage our members, the mission, and reach out to the community. HSC’s Board duties are to govern the organization and look after the interest of the members in light of the organization’s mission. The board has the ultimate decision-making authority and, in general, is empowered to set the organization’s policy, objectives, and overall direction, adopt, and change bylaws, and appoint and dismiss officers. Officer titles for HSC currently include president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, and other committees in the future as the board sees fit. The board of director’s duties also include monitoring and evaluation of officers in light of the members’ interest and the organizational mission. All current members of HSC are eligible run for a board position.
(Here is a current copy of the HSC By Laws)
The HSC board acts as trustee of the organization’s assets and ensures that the nonprofit is well managed and remains fiscally sound. In doing so, the board must exercise proper oversight of the organization’s operations and maintain the legal and ethical accountability of its staff and volunteers.
Legal Responsibilities of the Board
The main legal responsibilities of a nonprofit board (like HSC) are often summarized by the following:
Duty of care: Board members are expected to actively participate in organizational planning and decision-making and to make sound and informed judgments.
Duty of loyalty: When acting on behalf of the organization, board members must put the interests of the nonprofit before any personal or professional concerns and avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Duty of obedience: Board members must ensure that the organization complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and that it remains committed to its established mission.
In addition to its legal responsibilities, the board acts in a fiduciary role by maintaining oversight of the nonprofit’s finances. Board members must evaluate financial policies, approve annual budgets, and review periodic financial reports to ensure that the organization has the necessary resources to carry out its mission and remains accountable to its donors and the general public.
Volunteering for the Board
Being a board member requires a substantial and ongoing investment of time and energy. It is a volunteer effort that should not be undertaken lightly. HSC insures its board and officers during their terms in office. For a better understanding of the legal liabilities of board members consider reading this article: https://www.501c3.org/how-to-protect-your-nonprofits-board-members/.
Should you be elected, expect to be called upon to serve both on the board and on some of its committees where the work of the foundation is conducted. If you’re committed to Hackerspace Charlotte and advancing the maker movement and are a person who works well with others, we encourage your candidacy.
What to Consider When Volunteering for the Board
The HSC 2015 board has suggested a few questions candidates should address where they stand in the following issues:
- What is your view of the mission of Hackerspace Charlotte?
- What are the key opportunities you see for HSC in 2016?
- How will you demonstrate your commitment to the work of the organization in terms of resources, focus and leadership?
- What would you like to see accomplished over the next year, and how do you personally plan to make these things happen?
- What resources can you bring to the organization to help the organization attain its goals?
- What current or past experiences, skills, or interests will inform your contributions and views?
Candidate Q&A and Elections
We will have several meetings to discuss details further and answer questions from candidates, the first of which will be held on February 21, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Hackerspace Charlotte. The other meetings have been tentatively scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday evening. HSC board elections will be held on February 28, 2016 at 7:00 PM at Hackerspace Charlotte.
You may also attend the meetings virtually, email cindy@hackerspacecharlotte.org to attend.
These meetings are open to current members only.
For further questions please email boardmembers@hackerspacecharlotte.org