Catamount Outdoor Family Center: Board Member Expectations
As a board member of Catamount Outdoor Family Center, you play a vital role in ensuring the success of
our mission to provide high-quality educational programming, steward the physical health of the facilities,
maintain the financial health and viability of the organization, and support diverse recreational activities
for the Greater Williston and Champlain Valley Community. Your active participation strengthens our
organization and fosters a deeper connection between board members, staff, town, and the community.
To that end, the following expectations outline the responsibilities of each board member:
Mission: Creating outdoor experiences at the Catamount Community Forest that build active lifestyles,
friendships, and environmental awareness.
Vision: Playing in nature is everyone’s first choice.
General Responsibilities
● Actively support the mission, vision, and values of Catamount Outdoor Family Center.
● Serve as an ambassador for the organization, promoting awareness and engagement within the
community.
● Maintain confidentiality on sensitive board matters and uphold the highest ethical standards.
● Participate in strategic planning and governance to help guide the organization’s growth and
sustainability.
● Participate in actively stewardship of the property, trails and facilities.
● Provide strategic oversight to ensure the long-term financial health and viability of the
organization.
● Read, understand, and uphold the organization by-laws here.
Board Meetings & Preparation
● Attend and actively participate in board meetings. While not everyone is expected to
contribute the same amount of time, and we all have competing commitments, it’s
appreciated that board members do what they can.
● It would be helpful to the organization if board members could attend 9 (or more) meetings
per year.
● It would be helpful to the organization if board members could contribute 42 (or more) hours
per year, including meetings, committee work, etc.
● Review agenda materials and come prepared to engage in meaningful discussions.
● Contribute to decision-making processes and provide thoughtful input on organizational
matters.
Volunteer & Engagement Requirements
Board members will find a myriad of opportunities to contribute to COFC beyond the monthly meetings.
Some board members may be intrigued by some activities and not others. The ask is that each board
member joins and participates in at least one committee. Beyond that, here are some of the activities
(ranked in order of need and priority) board members can volunteer for:
● Committee Participation: Serve on at least one committee and attend related meetings.
(Generally 2 hours per month, but may not meet every month.)
Current Committees:
○ Facilities and Building Committee
○ Volunteer Committee
○ Marketing and Community Engagement Committee
○ Trails Committee
○ Town Relations Committee
○ Fundraising Committee
○ Executive Committee
○ Finance Committee
○ Governance Committee
● Leading Activities: Lead or assist in community rides, skis, runs, hikes, snowshoe hikes, trail
days, and other recreational programming.
● Fundraising & Development: Support fundraising efforts, donor outreach, and sponsorship
development.
● Trail Maintenance: Participate in or help organize trail workdays to support ongoing
maintenance and improvements.
● Race & Event Logistics: Assist with race timing, registration, course setup, or other operational
needs.
● Event Assistance: Volunteer at organizational events, including races, fundraisers, and
educational programs.
Fiduciary Responsibility
● Uphold the financial and legal integrity and accountability of the organization by overseeing and
approving budgets and expenditures.
● Support financial sustainability through fundraising and resource development.
● Provide strategic oversight to ensure the long-term health and viability of the organization.
Giving Requirement
● Board members are required to make an annual monetary donation of some amount no matter
how small or large.
Building Connections & Supporting the Board Community
● Engage with fellow board members through shared activities and events to strengthen
relationships and collaboration.
● Attend informal gatherings and networking opportunities to foster a supportive and engaged
board culture.
● Proactively mentor new board members and help integrate them into the organization.
Commitment & Accountability
● 3-year term, renewable for another 3-year term.
● Be proactive in fulfilling board responsibilities and commitments.
● Track and report volunteer hours to ensure engagement across all aspects of the organization.
● Notify the board chair in advance if unable to attend a meeting or fulfill a commitment.
● Annual self assessment – how does each board member contribute, did they accomplish personal
goals, did the organization support the goals, and is the work fulfilling.
By fulfilling these expectations, board members contribute to a thriving organization that not only serves
the broader community but also cultivates strong, personal connections among those dedicated to our
mission.
The Ask:
We are looking for a few more Board Members with a passion for conservation, stewardship, and outdoor
fun, and with skills to help us thrive and move the organization forward.
If you have read this far and are interested in joining, please fill out the brief questionnaire located here:
If you have questions, contact us.