We Need You!
The Guild’s mascot, Giant Pencil, looking ahead from fall into the new year and beyond! Photo by Jill Walters.
The Northwest Editors Guild is led by a volunteer board of directors. Every year, editors just like you give freely of their time to keep the Guild running for all of us… and we need volunteers who will help the Guild move into 2024 and beyond!
Interested in serving on the Guild’s board, but not sure what it entails? Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about Guild leadership.
What positions need to be filled? We’re especially in need of a treasurer and VP of member services, but also need members at large who vote and work on committees such as communications, DEI, and programming.
What are the requirements of board service? Any Editors Guild members of at least one year’s standing with time to devote to the organization, a desire to help out, a passion for the editing community, or a vision for the organization’s future are encouraged to become prospective board candidates. Candidates are evaluated by the current board and are voted into service in December.
I’m a really new editor, so I’m not eligible, right? Wrong! The perspective of editors who are new to the profession is extremely important and helpful.
I don’t live near Seattle, though… Great! All board meetings are online via Zoom, and we encourage members from outside our traditional metro-area focuses on Seattle and Portland to join.
But don’t I need experience with nonprofit boards or the position I might be filling? Nope! Many incoming board members have never worked with nonprofit boards before, and most have only tangential experience related to their board position.
Giant Pencil, dressed in blue jacket, red bow tie and white top hat with a white goatee and its signature glasses, poses in front of a blackboard. Photo by Jen Grogan.
But don’t I need experience with nonprofit boards or the position I might be filling? Nope! Many incoming board members have never worked with nonprofit boards before, and most have only tangential experience related to their board position.
So I have to figure it out all by myself?! Definitely not. There are detailed job descriptions written for each position and committee on the board, and if you join the board you will have help from current board members as well as the Guild’s advisory council (made up of past executive committee members) in getting ramped up on your position and all responsibilities. There is also an online board retreat at the beginning of every year, where outgoing, ongoing, and incoming board members meet to ensure a smooth transition.
Once I join, how long do I have to stay? Board terms begin in January and last for two years, with the option to renew for up to two more years. Additional training prior to the start of board service may also be possible.
What’s the time commitment like? Total time commitment varies depending on which subcommittees and extra projects each board member chooses. The minimum time commitment for a board member at large will be a few hours per month, but executive committee members, programming committee members, committee chairs, and those taking on special projects can expect a more substantial time commitment.
How can I learn more? We will be hosting a few more informational sessions in the coming weeks to answer questions and provide details about board service (see our calendar and look for the light blue “Board Recruitment Meeting” listings to find these, or check the listed dates below), or you can email info@edsguild.org to find out all about board service! You can also check out our full Board Service FAQ and Expectations of Board Members for more details.
Upcoming Board Recruitment Events:
Wednesday, September 27, noon to 12:30 p.m. PT
Saturday, September 30, 9 to 11 a.m. PT
Tuesday, October 3, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. PT
Wednesday, October 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. PT
Thursday, October 5, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT
Wednesday, October 18, 6 to 8 p.m. PT
You can also attend our open October board meeting on Monday, October 9, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. PT to see how board service really works!
