The Board of Directors at the Workplace Project, founded by Jennifer Gordon, is extraordinary. That is to say, it's no ordinary board, although it performs the typical functions, including strategic planning, fundraising, and working with the executive director. The Board is comprised of 7 immigrant workers who are part of the 375 membership of the Workplace Project and whom are elected by the membership for staggered two-year terms. The Board meets every three weeks and almost all members freely volunteer their time for additional projects. No one is comfortable speaking English.
None have prior board experience.
The Board plays a prominent role in planning and evaluating the success of the Workplace Project's organizing efforts. They convene for two full retreats with staff, board members, and representatives of the three committees to do a full evaluation of the organization's work and progress on organizing campaigns. They approve and change budget. Jennifer Gordon cautions fellows who want to follow in these footsteps that running a board with full constituency membership, while clearly a part of the organization's mission, requires careful investment of time and resources. Over the course of their terms, they attend additional trainings on fundraising, planning and running meetings, and other roles and then refine their skills by practicing them with the Board.