Thank you for your interest in serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust. Serving on the board is a rewarding experience and an opportunity for professional growth. Completing this form will help you understand the skills and time/resource commitments of this leadership position.
“The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust protects open spaces that contribute to the Candlewood Valley’s iconic rural New England character.”
Please read through this entire board member description and application.
This application will be kept confidential and on file at the land trust offices. Applications are used by the land trust’s Governance Committee to evaluate potential board candidates. This committee will interview potential board members and make recommendations to the full board of directors. Directors are elected by a majority vote of current board members and ratified by the land trust’s membership at its annual meeting.
Board of Directors Duties and Responsibilities
All Board of Director members are asked to become an important part of a vibrant and influential land trust dedicated to the protection of open space and conservation. We ask that you share your talents and skills to help protect, steward and advocate on behalf of the open spaces that protect our natural resources and quality of life. We ask that you be willing to work with others, to listen to ideas, carefully consider important issues and work to come up with solutions to challenges. We ask that you demonstrate a commitment to conservation and the protection of the environment in our region. In doing so, we anticipate the rewards will be significant as we realize, together, how WE can make a difference.
The legal responsibilities of every board member are:
- Duty of Care – Pay attention to the organization’s activities and operations
- Duty of Loyalty – Put the interest of the organization before personal or professional interests when making decisions regarding the land trust or recuse yourself from voting
- Duty of Obedience – Comply with applicable federal, state and local laws, adhere to the by-laws and remain guardians of the mission.
The role of our Board of Directors include the following:
- To determine the mission and purposes of the organization
- To select, support and evaluate the Executive Director
- To ensure effective planning
- To monitor and strengthen programs
- To ensure adequate financial resources
- To protect assets and provide financial oversight
- To build and sustain a competent Board
- To ensure legal and ethical integrity
- To enhance the organization’s public standing and garner (financial) support from the community.
The Candlewood Valley Regional Land Trust views service on this Board as both a privilege and responsibility. We work collegially with one another, respect one another’s talents and find the time to appreciate the work of every volunteer and celebrate our successes.
