Join The Mahogany Project Board
Deepening Your Legacy of Impact
Board Members of The Mahogany Project, your responsibility is to champion the rights and well-being of individuals who self-identify as LGBTQIA+. This entails fostering spaces for community and pleasure while conducting joint efforts with community organizations and groups to combat transphobia and anti-LGBT legislation.
Discover how we commemorate delight and community in greater detail here.
As an organization led by Black Trans people, identifying the blueprint required for our sustained growth and the expansion of our influence in Texas can be a challenging endeavor.
With this in mind, we are perpetually striving to establish our own frameworks, procedures, and policies that are not only “inclusive,” but also profoundly committed to the wellness of Black Trans individuals, thereby positioning us for success.
As The Mahogany Project continues to expand, we will revisit the responsibilities and commitments outlined below that delineate our expectations of individuals who become members of our Board of Directors.
Board Responsibilities
Strategic planning and oversight of the organization’s direction and growth.
As a member of The Mahogany Project’s Board of Directors, your responsibilities will include actively participating in strategic planning sessions, offering industry insights, facilitating ideation sessions, and engaging in path to goal assessment procedures. These tasks are aimed at ensuring that our impact is in line with our vision and mission, and that we consistently contribute to the continuity of our purpose.
Fundraising and financial management to ensure the sustainability of programs and services.
Board members are expected to leverage their networks, resources and expertise to support The Mahogany Project in securing and maintaining the financial support necessary to sustain our programs and services. This requires a yearly contribution of $1500 to demonstrate personal financial commitment and engage in stewardship of philanthropic foundations, corporate sponsors, and individual donors. Additionally, it entails offering conscientious and accountable guidance on optimal methods for overseeing the organization’s budget, financial reporting, and overall fiscal obligations.
Governance and policy development to maintain ethical and responsible practices.
The Board of Directors is responsible for supporting the Executive Director and organizational leadership in upholding the highest standards of governance and ensuring that the organization is operating from a place of transparency, integrity and accountability at all times. In order to provide this critical support, Board members are expected to remain up to date on organizational policies, legislative policy, and industry shifts that may impact the organizations ability to maintain compliance and a high ethical standard at all times.
Advocacy and community engagement to build partnerships, raise awareness, and advance LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for transgender and non-binary individuals.
In your capacity as a Board Member of The Mahogany Project, an organization founded, led, and focused by Black Trans individuals, you are expected to interface with stakeholders, community members, policy makers, and partner organizations in a manner consistent with the organization’s mission. This entails ensuring that your advocacy efforts emphasize the critical nature of autonomy and protection for LGBTQIA+ BIPOC individuals not only in Texas but also in other regions. It is desirable that individuals serving on the Board of Directors engage in community-oriented trans liberation initiatives, including participation in forums, community events, coalition building, and other platforms that strive to elevate the voices, well-being, and happiness of those most marginalized by governing systems.
Time Commitments & Giving Expectations
80+ hours a year which include but are not limited to the following:
Six (6) annual board convenings including 4 quarterly meetings and 2 biannual retreats
Small committee meetings and check ins
Fund development meetings including grant review, finance review, strategic planning, and donor engagement
Public events including fundraising galas, award ceremonies, community events and collaborations hosted by TMP and partners
Grant review meetings
Board Member Dues- $1,500, annually.
The annual dues for Board Members must be submitted by April 15th of each year and allocated for general operating expenses. Additional fundraising expectations include facilitating connections between The Mahogany Project and prospective donors, foundations, or other entities that would provide the resources necessary for us to continue our mission.
The Mahogany Project recognizes the impact of peer led, proximal support and community engagement. We encourage our Board of Directors to learn about how to provide sustainable support to immediate and long term needs of our prioritized impact group, and invite you to join us at our Community Center located at 9896 Bissonnet St. Learn more about the services we provide.
FAQs
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Members serving an initial 1-year or 2-year term may be eligible to serve two 3-year terms following their initial term.
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Please reach out via email to info@themahoganyproject.org
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Prior experience on a board is preferred, but not mandatory.
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The Board meets 4 times over the course of a year.
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Board meetings will be both in-person and virtual.
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4 quarterly meetings, 2 retreats, reviewing materials, and attending fundraising events/galas.
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Recruitment will commence in summer 2024. Interviews and selection will take place in the fall, and the new board members will start at the beginning of 2025.
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$1,500 dues annually.