About the SE Uplift Board of Directors
SE Uplift is an independent nonprofit organization that has been building community and fostering civic engagement since 1968. Our governing board of directors are volunteers representing organizations and community leaders from throughout Portland’s District 3. There is a seat at the board table for a representative chosen from each Neighborhood Association in the district, two from Business District Associations, seven from other community groups including nonprofits, businesses or public agencies, and seven at-large individuals. Together this diverse coalition of community leadership collaborate to advance SE Uplift’s mission.
Each director shall endeavor to promote the objectives of Southeast Uplift to the best of their ability. They are expected to attend monthly board meetings, effectively communicate between the Board and their respective organizations, and personally promote and participate in SE Uplift’s activities. Participation in a committee is highly encouraged. If you are interested in board service with SE Uplift, please contact our Executive Director, or explore involvement with our Committees and Events.
Becoming a SE Uplift Board Member
Nonprofit Organizations, Public Agencies, Business District Associations + At-large Positions
Applications are open and considered on a rolling basis so long as there are seats available on the board.
If you work with a community organization including nonprofit, fiscally-sponsored orgs, businesses or public agency; a Business District Association, or are an individual within our district interested in advancing the wellbeing of our communities and amplifying the power of our collective voices, consider applying for a seat on the SE Uplift board!
SE Uplift’s Board Development Committee reviews applicants and makes recommendations to the full board of directors who vote on the candidates on a rolling basis.
Neighborhood Association Positions
Every Neighborhood Association in the district may nominate a representative to serve on the SE Uplift Board of Directors. The selection process, timing, and eligibility varies depending on the written process outlined in each Neighborhood Association’s bylaws or other written policy.
Once a Neighborhood Association has selected its nominee, the president or “board chair” completes the Board Member Nomination Form. Using the information on the form, SE Uplift provides the Nominee with our Digital Board Member Onboarding Handbook which contains materials to read, sign and return to our Executive Director. Once the completed onboarding materials are received, SE Uplift arranges for the Board of Directors to seat the Nominee at an upcoming board meeting.
Declaration of Unity
The SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition board of directors affirms the rights of all community members to live and work without fear of intolerance because of their age, disability, income, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or their ethnic, racial or national origin. We honor and encourage the diversity within our neighborhoods and strive to have full participation from all our various groups on our board and in our neighborhood associations.
Board Meetings
Our board welcomes community members at all executive and board meetings.
Board meetings are typically held on the first Monday of the month from 7-9 p.m. in the SE Uplift Fireside Room and via Zoom. The board does not meet in January or July. Zoom information is located in the agenda document.
If you want to bring a topic or presentation to the board or request time on the agenda, follow the process here. The Executive Committee meets on the third Monday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Zoom. and reviews requests with the Executive Director to determine whether there enough time for items to be included in the board agenda.
Community Agreements
Each member of the SE Uplift board agrees to hold each other accountable to the following community agreements:
• Come prepared to participate, be curious, and think boldly
• Strive to practice and embody cultural humility and anti-racist values
• Use gender inclusive language
• Encourage and respect diverse perspectives; Allow for questions, dissent, and debate
• Consider the earned and unearned privileges that inform your lived experience and perspectives
• Share the floor, let one person speak at a time, and give people time to express themselves
• Practice the art of “WAITing” by asking: Why Am I Talking?
• Move up/move back – elevate your participation, elevate your listening and reflection
• Intentions do not always align with impact: acknowledge intent, address impact, center the impacted party
• Acknowledge and celebrate our successes!
Any person that violates these agreements or is otherwise disruptive will receive a warning before being removed from the meeting.
Are you a Neighborhood Association board member looking for resources?
Please visit our Neighborhood Association Board Member Resources for trainings, tools and information packets for board member roles.