Board Members Sought for the Sumner Downtown Association

People volunteer for many reasons.  Some volunteer to feel better about themselves while others do so for prestige.  Most volunteer because they see it as part of their civic duty to contribute back to their own community or to an organziation with whom they've had some kind of experience either personally or through family.  No matter the reason, volunteer work can be rewarding, fulfilling and leave us with a feeling of having done good for someone, something or a feeling of accomplishment.

Every year, the Sumner Downtown Association (SDA) has positions open on our Board of Directors.  While we like to reach out to our members for these roles, it is also good to have those involved who have no relationship to the organization to ensure we have a balanced perspective and varying opinions.  Finding prospects to fill these positions can be challenging.  We must find people who have a passion for SDA, and who support small business. They must understand the impact our organization has on the community and acknowledge the importance of our historic Main Street, mechants and local gathering places.   

Board composition is a key lever.  Having the right people with the right skills helps our organization achieve its strategic goals with the continual result of success in all aspects of our objectives.  We do this by knowing our key strategic priorities, and what new skills or expertise we need on our board to help us achieve those priorities.  We also seek diversity among board members as well as various professional levels and professions.  We look for those who have accounting knowledge, legal knowledge or who have strong leadership abiities as well as those who are task oriented.  Young or old, professional or retired,  SDA has a place for you on our board.

So what is required of our board members?  Obligations are few but commitment a must.  The SDA Board:

• Oversees the financial operations of the organization
• Maintains the legal and ethical standing of the organization and its staff
• Provides leadership and strategic direction for the organization
• Serves as guardian of the public trust
• Ensures that our organization remains accountable to its donors and to the general public

Some questions we may ask include:

• Can you fulfill our board’s fiduciary and legal oversight responsibilities?
• How have you already demonstrated a passion for organizations like ours?
• Do you fundamentally have the time to serve on our board?
• Are you able to meet the board fundraising requirement

We will also consider if a candidate will be a good cultural fit with the rest of the board and the organization itself. We will look for people whose motive is to advance the mission rather than their own personal gain. People who are good listeners and who ask probing, thoughtful questions will best add to the group dynamic.

We would be interested in having you consider applying for one of these soon to be available board positions.  If you can commit to two board meetings a month (8:30 am to 10:00 am the second and fourth Thursday), can commit to attending the membership meeting (the second Tuesday evening at 5:45 pm every other month-even months), participating on either the Promotions, Design or Economic Development Team, and finally, and willing to be activiely involved with two or more of our many annual events, then this could be a great fit for you.

For more information regarding the Sumner Downtown Association and the board positions coming available, please contact Executive Director, Laurie Miller at 253-720-9846.  This is invitation is open to residents of Sumner, Orting, Bonney Lake, Lake Tapps, Puyallup and Buckley.  Our events are shared by all of these communities and therefore, we seek input from all.