December 31 is the deadline for NLIHC members and partners to submit nominations (or self-nominate!) to fill upcoming vacancies on the NLIHC board of directors. Nominees for board membership must be current dues-paying NLIHC members or be employed by a current dues-paying NLIHC member organization. Send a brief biographical description or resume and a statement of interest to NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel at [email protected] by year’s end.
NLIHC’s board consists of six low-income persons (defined as individuals with incomes less than 50% of their area median income), six representatives of allied national organizations, six representatives of NLIHC state partners, and up to seven unrestricted or at-large NLIHC members. NLIHC is seeking nominations for one state partner and three at-large board members to assume their duties in March 2020.
At least 90% of NLIHC board members must be people with low incomes or individuals who are or have been engaged directly in working on meeting the housing needs of low-income people. In selecting board members, NLIHC strives to achieve a broad diversity of race, ethnicity, gender, and geography, including representation from both urban and rural communities.
Board members are elected for 3-year terms and can be nominated to serve up to three terms. The board meets in person twice a year in Washington, DC, once in conjunction with our annual forum in the spring and once in the fall. The board also meets by conference call in the summer. Attendance at board meetings is required, with exceptions for illness or emergencies. Generally, new board members are elected by existing board members at the annual board meeting held in the spring. All board members serve on at least one standing committee of the board and all board members can be members of the NLIHC Policy Advisory Committee. Committees meet by conference call. All new board members attend an orientation soon after their election.
NLIHC subsidizes travel and lodging expenses of low-income board members to attend board meetings. All others are expected to cover their own travel and lodging expenses, unless doing so would prevent an otherwise qualified person from serving on the board. In addition to paying NLIHC membership dues, all board members are asked to make financial contributions to NLIHC at the level they are able. We strive for 100% board giving.
The best way to be considered for board membership is to get involved in the activities of NLIHC, particularly by serving on the Policy Advisory Committee and attending NLIHC’s annual Virtual Policy Forum in the spring. The NLIHC Nominating Committee will review the level of a potential board member’s involvement in his or her own community or state/national housing advocacy activities and accountability to a constituent base.
To make a nomination or self-nominate, send a statement of interest and bio or resume to Diane Yentel at [email protected] by December 31.