Volunteer Board Member

ABOUT US

Founded in Boulder in 1962, the Association for Community Living (ACL) is an independent advocacy organization that promotes and protects the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). ACL works alongside people with IDD and their families to navigate complex systems, access resources, exercise their rights, and participate fully in community life.

ACL is the affiliated chapter of The Arc of the United States serving Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The organization was created by families of people with IDD, and self-advocates and family members continue to provide essential leadership on ACL’s Board of Directors.

ACL envisions communities that welcome and value the contributions and participation of people with IDD. Its work is guided by the values of people first, equity, community, self-determination, and diversity.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Board Member, you will provide governance, strategic leadership, financial oversight, and community representation to support ACL's mission and long-term sustainability. ACL is looking for new members who bring fresh perspectives and a commitment to inclusive, mission-centered leadership.

What you'll do:

• Governance: Provide strategic guidance to support the organization's long-term growth and sustainability.
• Advocacy: Act as an ambassador to expand awareness, partnerships, and community impact.
• Expertise: Strengthen programming, operations, and organizational effectiveness.
• Representation: Keep ACL grounded in the voices and experiences of people with IDD and their families.

EXPECTATIONS

Within 15 Days

• Build relationships with fellow board members and organizational leadership.

Within 30 Days

• Actively contribute to board discussions and committee work.
• Identify areas where your expertise can support organizational priorities.
• Begin engaging your network to support awareness and fundraising efforts.

Within 60 Days

• Take full ownership of your role as a strategic advisor and advocate.
• Contribute to key initiatives, fundraising efforts, or partnerships.
• Demonstrate active engagement in board meetings and organizational priorities.

NEED TO HAVE

• Strategic Planning: ability to contribute strategic planning and guidance.
• Collaboration Skills: strong communication, relationship-building, and sound judgment for board-level decision making.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for advocating and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Age and Membership: 18 or older, a current ACL member (or willing to become one), and not employed by ACL in any capacity.
• Availability: capacity to attend the monthly Zoom board meeting (first Tuesday, 6 to 8pm) plus one committee meeting a month, roughly 4 to 6 hours total.
• No Dual Relationship: not currently receiving individual advocacy services from ACL and not holding a leadership role at an organization providing IDD support or case management.

NICE TO HAVE

• Financial Oversight: Prior experience in non-profit finance, accounting, audit, budgeting, or investment experience.
• Policy & Advocacy: Prior experience with government policy experience.
• Lived experience: self-advocates with IDD and family members of people with IDD are especially encouraged, since at least half the board is reserved for this group.
• Legal: Legal expertise or experience applying legal, regulatory, policy, or risk-management thinking
• Healthcare: Healthcare, medical, pharmacy, or health systems experience
• Fundraising: Fundraising, development, donor engagement, sponsorship, or community partnership experience
• Other expertise: Experience with public policy, legislation, advocacy, marketing, communications, human resources, or nonprofit leadership
• Community ties: Connections within Boulder County, Broomfield County, or the broader community

SCHEDULE

• Board meetings: first Tuesday of each month, 6 to 8pm, via Zoom.
• Committee meetings: one per month, timing set by each committee, also via Zoom.
• Location: remote, though ACL serves Boulder and Broomfield Counties, Colorado.
• Board Members should expect to dedicate approximately four to six hours per month to meetings, preparation, committee work, and other Board activities.
• Board Members serve a three-year term, with the potential to serve a second three-year term.

BENEFITS

• Leadership and governance experience within a mission-driven organization.
• Direct hand in shaping disability rights advocacy in Boulder and Broomfield Counties, plus a seat alongside self-advocates and families who've led this work for decades.
• Nonprofit leadership and governance experience, community connections, professional networking, and the opportunity to advance the rights, inclusion, and self-determination of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.