Description
Independence Empowerment Center (IEC) is a Center for Independent Living as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. IEC provides services enabling adults and children with disabilities to improve the quality of their lives, determine their own lifestyle, participate in all aspects of society, and secure their human and civil rights. IEC also provides a means for consumer control and policy direction of the service delivery systems affecting people with disabilities.
Governance: IEC is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by its members and a member-elected Board of Directors. Individuals on the Board serve three-year terms and (by directive) at least one-half of the Board must be comprised of people with disabilities. The Board elects officers including President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Formal Board activity includes an annual membership meeting, regular Board meetings, and Committee work (Executive, Personnel, and Finance). At the discretion of the Board President on an as-needed basis, special meetings are called, or ad hoc committees formed. The Board currently meets on a bi-monthly basis on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 4:00 PM in person at IEC’s offices in Manassas or virtually. Directors and officers serve without compensation.
Roles and Responsibilities: The Board is the oversight body that is legally responsible for IEC’s operation. The Board has a fiduciary responsibility to provide accountability and transparency to the community by ensuring that the center is operating legally and effectively within its corporate framework.
The Board develops policy, establishes long-range plans, attracts resources, advises the Executive Director on procedures to maintain a safe and productive work environment, and ensures financial stability. Specific responsibilities include tax filings, audits, annual reports, and insurance decisions.
The Board hires, supervises, and evaluates an Executive Director. Though the Board has oversight responsibility for IEC, it is not normally involved in its day-to-day activities. The Board communicates with staff through the Executive Director.
In addition to the Board’s legal and fiduciary role, Board members share in other responsibilities including IEC’s growth and development. Each Board member contributes her/his unique perspectives and skill sets to direct and operate IEC effectively and efficiently, advocates for its constituents and their rights, increases IEC’s visibility in the communities it serves, and maintains and develops funding sources.
Requirements and Qualifications: IEC relies on its Board members for clear direction and long-term success and sustainability. In part, success requires placing people with a keen interest in serving the greater good in key board positions who can assist in setting goals and performance objectives; develop, implement, and execute a strategic plan and aids the Executive Director in guiding the overall management and administration of the organization.
Board members should possess certain attributes that align with IEC’s mission and purpose, to include:
- A sincere interest in the ability of individuals with disabilities to lead independent lifestyles.
- A firm conviction that IEC performs a useful public service.
- A strong belief in the importance of IEC’s role in the community.
- An expertise in areas of greatest need to IEC and/or connections to such resources in the community (e.g., development/fundraising, finance, management, legal, personnel, marketing/public relations, technology, disability issues).
- Ability and willingness to advocate on behalf of and represent a current or potential service population.
Board members are expected to be active participants in Board activities:
- Regularly attend and participate in Board and Committee meetings.
- Motivate oneself and others to achieve IEC goals and objectives which requires a willingness to volunteer for specific calls to action as needed.
- Listen with an open mind, engage in critical thinking and creative problem solving, and guide group decision making for the benefit of the whole.
- Maintain awareness of changing needs in the community.
- Support and participate in fundraising activities.
- Endeavor to help the Board and IEC accomplish their work thoroughly, effectively, and efficiently.
It is expected that Board members will:
- Be actively involved, including 2 hours every other month for Board meetings and up to two additional hours per month for Committee meetings and/or representing IEC at other community/business functions in the local area.
- Employ his/her talents and contacts.
- Receive training on Board responsibilities and IEC’s organizational structure and operations.
- Be available to address unexpected problems or developments.
- Participate on at least one Board committee.
The best Board members are dedicated to the key issues of independent living and are willing to take stands on significant issues affecting the disability community. Likewise, they are in tune with the philosophical commitment and purposes of IEC. Board members who have personal disabilities or direct experience with disability through family, friends, and/or careers are a great asset to IEC.
To operate effectively, IEC requires a variety of management skills and looks to Board members to supplement the skills of IEC staff. Individuals with a working knowledge of finance, law, management, business administration, social policy, and persons influential in the community are of immense value to IEC. These skills can mean the difference between success and failure. Board members who have these skills and/or know how to recruit and access others in the community possessing these skills are our lifeline. People with disabilities are encouraged to join our board.
If you need more information, please contact Dr. Lopez at 703-257-5400 ext. 117. Dial the extension as soon as you hear the recording.
