NLIHC is currently accepting nominations to fill several upcoming vacancies on its board of directors. To be considered for board membership, one must be a current member of NLIHC and be affiliated with an organization that works on low income housing issues. NLIHC’s Board consists of 6 low income persons (defined as individuals with incomes less than 50% of area median income), 6 representatives of allied national organizations, 6 representatives of state housing coalitions, and 6 unrestricted or at-large NLIHC members.
At least 90% of NLIHC board members must be people with low incomes or who are or have been engaged directly in working with low income people to meet their housing needs. In selecting board members, NLIHC strives to achieve broad diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, and geography, including representatives from both urban and rural communities. We seek to have as many different states represented as possible.
Board members are elected for 3-year terms and can be nominated to serve up to three terms. Terms are staggered, so generally three to six positions become open each year. The board is self-perpetuating, meaning the existing board members elect new board members.
The board meets in person twice a year in Washington, DC, once in conjunction with our annual forum in the spring and again in November or December. The board also meets by conference call on the fourth Tuesday in July. Attendance at all board meetings is required, with exceptions for illness or emergencies. Generally, new board members are elected at the board meeting held in the spring.
NLIHC subsidizes travel expenses of low income board members. All others are expected to cover their own expenses, unless it would prevent an otherwise qualified person from serving on the board. In addition to paying membership dues, all board members are asked to make financial contributions to NLIHC at the level they are able. We strive for 100% board giving.
All board members serve on at least one standing committee of the board and all board members are members of the Policy Advisory Committee. Committees meet by conference call. All new board members must attend an in-person orientation in DC soon after their election.
The best way to be considered for board membership is to get involved in the activities of NLIHC, particularly by serving on the Policy Advisory Committee and attending NLIHC’s annual forum. The Nominating Committee will also review the level of a potential board member’s involvement in his or her own community or state housing advocacy activities and accountability to a constituent base.
To be considered for an NLIHC board position, send a brief biographical description or resume and a statement of interest to NLIHC President and CEO Diane Yentel at dyentel@nlihc.org by COB January 31.