We will be filling up to 4 new seats to help us carry out the board initiatives that will support our next stage of growth. The board is volunteer-led with 5 current members.  

The Vermont Wilderness School is dedicated to restoring our relationships with nature, ourselves, and each other. Since 1999 we have offered nature-based mentoring programs for people of all ages, in southern Vermont and beyond.

Learn more about our history and approach.

Responsibilities of the Board

1. Uphold and affirm the VWS vision and mission.

• Represent the interests and perspectives of the full breadth of the VWS community.
• Together with the staff, set the strategic direction and goals for the organization.
• Interpret VWS’s programs and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as ambassadors. 

2. Actively participate in fundraising. 

Though concentrated efforts are made towards the end of the year, fundraising is a year-round endeavor. VWS will provide fundraising skills training, and we will match each board member to the types of fundraising tasks they think fits them best. We practice a grassroots fundraising model, which in part means that board members do not need to be wealthy or know wealthy people. However, because we strive for 100% board giving, each board member is expected to give an annual gift at a level that is meaningful to him/her/them/hir/xem/vir/kin (etc.)  Board members are encouraged to introduce creative strategies and initiatives.

3. Provide legal & fiscal oversight.

• Ensure that the organization is properly managed, including:
  • Set policy.
  • Supervise and evaluate (and when necessary hire and fire) the Executive Director.
• Oversee the organization’s finances, including:
  • Review periodic financial reports. (VWS can offer board members training on overseeing nonprofit finances.)
  • Approve and monitor the annual budget.

Time Commitment

• Participate in our monthly board meetings (12 per year). Meetings are the second Tuesday of the month from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, at the VWS office Brattleboro, VT or via Zoom.  Timing is subject to change by consensus agreement.
• When an urgent item comes up that requires an additional board meeting, that is usually a 1-hour Zoom call.
• Participate in the annual board/staff retreat (likely a full weekend day).
• Participate in the annual fundraising letter writing party. This is typically in early November, 3 hour evening commitment.
• Participate in the annual fundraising phone calling party. This is typically in the last week of December, 3 hour evening commitment.
• Serve on at least one board committee: Fundraising (avg 2 hrs/month). Organizational Development (avg 2 hrs/month). 
• Prep, reading, or research time for monthly board meetings. (0-1 hours per month)
• Advise the VWS staff in your area of expertise (on an as-needed basis).
• Board members are strongly encouraged to attend VWS programs and events whenever they can.
• Board members serve a three-year term, and can renew for up to three terms.

Board Policies

• The board is currently made up of 5 members.
• The board should reflect the diversity of our whole community, including gender, race, age, class, geography, and more.
• Board membership is a volunteer, unpaid position. Board members are asked to pay the costs of travel to board meetings and any program fees for VWS events they attend. In cases where someone would be prevented from meeting their board responsibilities because of lack of funds, VWS will make an effort to reimburse or waive those costs.
• Board members do not need to be local to the Brattleboro area, as there is a Zoom option for monthly calls and committee meetings, though in-person participation is preferred.  However, the ability to meet in person in southern Vermont at least once per year (ideally for the annual board/staff retreat) is preferred.

Our Current Focus

We have a strong staff, and there is increasing demand for our program offerings as well as for the scholarship and reparations funds we offer. During this time of growth for VWS and deepening needs of our community, the board has chosen to transition our executive leadership. Thus, our foremost foci are redefining and filling our leadership position, and fundraising towards goals of equitable accessibility of our programs and active reparation of land and lifeways theft. We also continue our work to increase the capacity of the organization,and strengthen our financial health. We are looking for new board members who can bring energy to fundraising efforts (foundation grants & individual donor initiatives) and help carry out the board initiatives that will support our next stage of growth. 

VWS Board Initiatives

1. Increase the capacity of the organization to serve our community’s needs
2. Expand equitable access to programs via scholarship and reparations funds
3. Improve staff compensation to ensure nature connection mentoring is a viable career path

 

Desired Skills

• Leadership or organizing experience
• Non-profit experience, especially prior board membership
• Fundraising experience, with individual donors, events, and/or foundations
• Financial literacy (Don’t let this discourage you; if wanted, you’ll have help)
• Marketing/media experience
• Vision, passion, and strong strategic thinking for the ongoing development of a small community-based nature education organization
• Strong ability to connect across social/cultural differences and work with staff, program participants, and community members of diverse backgrounds
• Skilled in clear and respectful communication
• Sense of humor, curiosity, and creativity!

The VWS Board provides you the opportunity to:

• Work with great people from diverse backgrounds with a shared vision.
• Be part of a team that strives to incorporate each person’s unique gifts and offerings
• Be in meetings that hold a culture of community– through personal check-ins and gratitude, as well as including embodied learning and fun (like games, skills, sit spots, etc.)
• Professional development and training possibilities, depending on the board’s needs. Possibilities include training on: fundraising; non-profit finance; diversity and inclusion; being an effective board member

What We Are Looking For

The VWS board is seeking applicants who are aligned with our mission and who bring new energy and perspectives to the fundraising efforts (both donor appeals and foundation grants) that underpin our board initiatives.

Board membership is an opportunity for you to support and influence a 25 year-old community organization while collaborating with board and staff to ensure VWS will be thriving far into the future.

Current VWS board members

• Ingrid Burrows
• Katharine Clemow
• Kelly Coleman
• Gia Neswald
• Alan Roberts

Bios available upon request.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THE BOARD? 

1. Apply by 4/30/2025.  There are several options for how:

• Complete an application form online; or

• Schedule and complete a phone or in-person interview; or

• Send us a video responding to the questions in the application survey

1. Ongoing through early June – The current board will review your application and may extend an invitation to join.
2. Ongoing through early May – Possible invitation to visit and observe the April 8 or May 13 board meeting.
3. Early June – New board member orientation session.
4. June 10  – First meeting for new members.

Questions? Contact Gia Neswald at gneswald@gmail.com.  To apply, contact Gia or visit: https://vermontwildernessschool.org/new-board-member-application/