Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA

CHAPEL HILL-CARRBORO YMCA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. What is the YMCA Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors of our YMCA is a rotating group of community volunteers (both YMCA members and non-YMCA members) that meets monthly to oversee the activities of the YMCA. Board members also participate on a variety of Board committees. Click here to see our current Board member listing.

2. How many people are on the Board?

Our Board generally has between 20-23 members at any time, which gives us a good working group with lots of lively discussion and many points of view (a must when dealing with issues that affect a wide range of people).

3. What exactly does the YMCA board do?

Good question! The YMCA, like all non-profits, operates under a set of "bylaws", which the Board reviews annually, and that sets out the general structure of how the Board is to conduct its business. As a group, the Board is responsible for collectively envisioning and developing a strategy for the YMCA's future, as well as overseeing the policies of the YMCA and how it operates, particularly with regard to finances, expansion and facility management, and has a fiduciary responsibility to help the YMCA maintain fiscal health. (What the Board does not do is run the YMCA on a daily basis. We have an able and excellent staff that does just that.)

4. How often does the Board meet?

Monthly, at noon, at the YMCA.

5. What about these "committees" I've heard about?

Each board member is asked, at the beginning of each calendar year, to commit to serving on one of the standing or ad hoc committees designated by the Executive Committee that address various specific areas of the YMCA:

Board Development
Executive
Finance
Fundraising and Development
Planning
Youth Center Design

Occasionally, the Board Chair or Executive Committee may request the creation of an "ad hoc" committee that exists only for a short time, and only for a specified purpose. Committees generally meet monthly, and report to the whole Board at the monthly Board meetings.

6. Can non-Board members participate on a committee?

Yes, indeed! In fact, we welcome additional committee participation, especially from members, as it gives the Board more information to work with. Anyone interested in being on a committee can send an email to boardofdirectors@chcymca.org.

7. How does someone get on the Board of Directors?

Each fall, the current Board assesses how many open board spaces there will be for the upcoming year, based on turnover (terms ending) and any resignations that may have taken place during the year. Since the members' terms are all staggered, there is always at least one opening, and usually more. The Board notifies the membership of the YMCA that it is seeking to add the appropriate number of new members, and encourages members (and non-members, too) to apply. There is a formal application process, and anyone wishing to apply must complete a written application.

8. So that's the process, but what does it take for a person to get on the Board?

Anyone can be on the Board. There are some basic "requirements": certainly, being an enthusiastic supporter of the YMCA and what it does is a must. Being reliable and able to attend all Board meetings and selected committee meetings is another must. And (maybe most importantly) being willing and able to engage in open, frank discussion with Board members, staff and others as needed to accomplish both the Board's and the YMCA's goals. The Board assesses annually the needs of itself as a body, to ensure (to the best of its ability) that the Board has ample representation from as many corners of the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities as possible. This may include YMCA members, non-YMCA members, local businesspersons, representatives of UNC, local school districts, community groups and others.

9. How do I contact the Board?

Anyone can contact the YMCA Board or a individual member of the Board by sending an email to boardofdirectors@chcymca.org.

10. Do I know what the Board is working on, or what it has accomplished recently?

Board minutes are taken at each meeting. For a copy of the minutes, please send an email to boardofdirectors@chcymca.org.