We are a group of diverse individuals that believe in the mission of Aaron’s Presents. We believe that every child, every human being, has something positive to give to the world. We believe that when children are given the permission, knowledge and resources needed to plan out and execute their ideas, their actions can have a substantive, positive impact on others in unique ways because of their stage in life. Children naturally have the desire to think of and help others, but need to be given age-appropriate opportunities and education to do so effectively. We believe that by enabling kids to experience firsthand what it feels like to impact others’ lives for good, and by making it as memorable, meaningful and fun as possible, we can cement traits like empathy, generosity and a sense of purpose from an early age. These traits are being shown by more and more research to lead to all kinds of successful and positive life outcomes.

Board members on the technology committee are needed for oversight and orchestration of a number of tasks. We are in the planning stages of sweeping improvements to our current online portal, scheduling calendar, and texting service, which currently allows us to communicate with our participant families to coordinate projects and make announcements. We are envisioning greater automation of some pieces of communication with parents and participants that don’t need as personal a touch, such as reminders and updates during and after projects, as well as Mentor tasks, such as uploading photos, notes and receipts. 

We are always looking for the right candidate to supplement the Board as a whole, as well as the various committees that each of us serve on, in conducting mission-based leadership and strategic governance. While day-to-day operations are led by Executive Director (Leah Okimoto), the Board-ED relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the Board is both critical and expected. Specific Board Member responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Leadership, governance and oversight
● Serving as a trusted advisor to the ED as she develops and implements the strategic plan;
● Reviewing outcomes and metrics created for evaluating its impact, and regularly measuring its performance and effectiveness using those metrics;
● Reviewing agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings;
● Approving annual budget, audit reports, and material business decisions; being informed of, and meeting all, legal and fiduciary responsibilities;
● Contributing to an annual performance evaluation of the ED*
● Assisting the ED and board chair in identifying and recruiting other Board Members;
● Partnering with the ED and other board members to ensure that board resolutions are carried out;
● Serving on committees or task forces and taking on special assignments;
● Representing Aaron’s Presents to stakeholders; acting as an ambassador for the organization;
● Ensuring Aaron’s Presents commitment to a diverse board and staff that reflects the communities that it serves.

Fundraising
Board Members will consider Aaron’s Presents a philanthropic priority. Since 100% Board Member participation is a metric used by many philanthropic foundations, organizations and individuals, Aaron’s Presents expects every Board Member to make an annual contribution that is commensurate with their capacity. There is no minimum amount.

Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:
● Professional experience with leadership in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector;
● A commitment to and understanding of Aaron’s Presents’ beneficiaries and work;
● Diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals;
● Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for the goals of Aaron’s Presents.

Service on the Board of Directors is without remuneration, except for administrative support, travel, and accommodation costs in relation to Board Members’ duties.

We provide an onboarding meeting with existing members of the Board prior to a new member attending their first meeting. We also provide ongoing assistance to new Board members to help them get up to speed as quickly as possible.

Aaron’s Presents mission statement is “Inspiring kids to give of themselves for the good of the world.” Aaron’s Presents is founded on the belief that every child possesses unique and valuable gifts to contribute to the world, exactly as they are, and strives to help youth identify and use their gifts to actively address needs, big and small, and make a positive impact on their communities.