The American Whitewater Board of Directors

The American Whitewater board consists of 9 to 30 voting members, who serve three year terms. There are no term limits. Committees include an Executive Committee comprised of the officers, Executive Director and two at-large board members elected by a vote of the larger board. Each board member is asked to serve on at least one committee during his or her first year, thereafter take on a major initiative and in the third year be prepared to chair a committee or subcommittee.

Because American Whitewater is administered at the staff level, the principle role of the board is that of governance—making decisions crucial to the life and direction of the organization. In carrying out those responsibilities, members of a board of directors must fulfill certain duties to the organization and the public it serves. This involves setting policies that benefit whitewater enthusiasts, developing priorities and strategies to address our mission, and ensuring the administrative integrity and financial stability of the organization.

• Determine AW’s mission and purposes
• Select the executive staff through an appropriate process
• Provide ongoing support and guidance for the executive; review his/her performance
• Ensure effective organizational planning
• Ensure adequate resources, including an annual personal commitment of $250
• Become a member of AW, if not one already
• Determine and monitor AW’s programs and services
• Enhance AW’s public image
• Attend at least two of three annual board meetings and prepare adequately for them
• Assess its own performance

Adapted from “Ten Basic Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards,” published by the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, Washington, DC