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EXPECTATIONS OF THE BOARD AS A WHOLE

The mission of Connections for Independent Living is to promote the full inclusion and integration of people with all types of disabilities into all levels of society.

As the highest leadership body of Connections, and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board of directors is responsible for:

• Determining the mission and purposes of Connections
• Selecting and evaluating the performance of the executive director
• Strategic and organizational planning
• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
• Fundraising and resource development
• Approving and monitoring Connections’ ongoing programs and services
• Enhancing Connections’ public image
• Assessing its own performance as the governing body of Connections

EXPECTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

Each individual board member must:

• Know Connections’ mission, policies, programs, and needs
• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements
• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for Connections to advance its mission
• Leverage professional connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve Connections’ mission and goals
• Identify personal connections that can benefit Connections’ fundraising and reputational standing, and which can influence public policy
• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
• Participate fully in one or more committees
• Annually give to Connections a meaningful personal financial donation

BOARD MEMBERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO

• Follow Connections’ corporate bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
• Sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year, if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings
• Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of Connections

If you have interest in serving as a member of the board of directors, and live within the Connections service area, submit your letter of interest and how you can help Connections meet its goals, along with your professional resume, by email message for full consideration. Persons who live with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

[UPDATED 1/20/2022]

Connections for Independent Living is the nonprofit independent living center for northeastern Colorado, including Weld, Yuma, Sedgwick, Washington, Phillips, Logan and Morgan counties. Connections is also the largest provider of ASL interpretation for northern Colorado. As a Center for Independent Living, Connections is mandated to provide five Core Services: Independent Living Skills Training, Peer Support, Individual and Systems Advocacy, Information and Referral, and Nursing Home Transitions. These Core Services are delivered through a series of programs referred to as Independent Living programs.

Overview: The volunteer hours for a Connections for Independent Living TechMate will likely require fewer than two hours each week on average. Availability will be on days and times that are mutually convenient for the client and for the TechMate volunteer. This will include evenings and weekends.

All volunteer support will be by telephone, Zoom, FaceTime, or other virtual platforms. No travel is required.

People with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply as more than 50 percent of our team have a range of disabilities and life experiences, which enhance our ability to advocate.

Position Description:

Volunteers help unleash the power of technology to ensure persons with disabilities have the skills and tools to connect with the outside world. TechMates work with consumers to nurture the necessary skills to confidently use a range of mainstream technology, including PC computers, ChromeBooks, smartphones, and mobile telephone applications. In this role, the volunteer will:

• Provide personal, one-on-one support to individuals with disabilities in your community.
• Help people learn how to use ChromeBooks and other computers, set up new devices, and/or troubleshoot any technical issues.
• Teach participants how to use and navigate various computer and mobile applications (ex: Zoom, Amazon, Maps, Facebook, and Twitter).
• Share technical computer and device skills by leading or supporting technology workshops in a supportive online environment.

Benefits of Position

• Make a difference in the lives of people who are disabled through providing help and companionship to a person in your northeastern Colorado community.
• Develop or enhance experience and personal skills in serving clients.
• Be part of a dedicated and passionate staff and volunteer team working to further Connections’ mission.
• Reference or confirmation of volunteer hours served upon request, following three months’ of successful participation as a volunteer.

Qualities, Skills and Training

• Reliability, patience, responsibility, friendliness, organization, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to investigate and implement new technologies, troubleshoot hardware and software applications, help with basic computer setup, and support of user training.
• Age 19 or older.
• Willingness to make a six-month commitment to the program.
• Successfully pass a background check.
• Connections will provide orientation about our work and the people we help, as well as training specific to this role. For example, this includes working as a TechMate and how to address challenges that may arise advocacy to promote greater access people with disabilities.

We ask that the successful candidate provide their own home internet service, as well as home office space. This is a volunteer position, with a commitment of about two hours’ time per week on average.

Please send a brief letter of experience and interest to rick@connections4il.org to begin your application process.

EEO Disclaimer: Connections for Independent Living is an equal opportunity employer and therefore does not discriminate according to age, disability status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or genetic information. Individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.

[UPDATED 1/20/2022]