Information for Prospective Board Members
As the Jordan River Arts Council enters a new phase of evolution and growth, the Board of Directors is seeking dedicated individuals who bring not only enthusiasm for the Council’s mission but also valuable experience and insight in areas such as business, education, nonprofit leadership, community organizing, law, finance, the arts, and philanthropy.
This document outlines our process for welcoming new board members and provides background information about JRAC. Included is a description of the board, its duties and responsibilities, a summary of current strategic priorities and other relevant information. We appreciate your interest in a board position and the possibility of playing a role in shaping JRAC’s future.
Process for becoming a member of the JRAC Board:
Be (or become) a JRAC member in good standing
Review the Roles and Responsibilities of the JRAC Board of Directors
Review Board Member Job Duties and Expectations
Submit a written Statement of Interest
Participate in a phone or in-person conversation with a member of the Nominating Committee
Review and be willing to sign (if elected) the JRAC Board Member Commitment Agreement and other board member policies.
New directors and officers shall be elected by the Board from a list of candidates provided by the Nominating Committee at its Annual Board meeting in late Fall of 2025.
Please review the information in this packet before submitting a Statement of Interest and feel free to contact Gera Witte at with any questions.
Again, thank you for your interest in becoming involved in the leadership of the Jordan River Arts Council.
JRAC Nominating Committee Members
Yasmin Richmond, Board Member, (517) 303-4017, yasminmody@yahoo.com
Gera Witte, Board President, 616-901-0301, gera@rmeadow.com
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About the Jordan River Arts Council
Vision: To be a vibrant center of creativity where all are welcome, diverse voices unite, artistic
exploration is encouraged across all art forms, and curiosity sparks meaningful connections.
Mission: The Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC), offers enriching creative experiences through programs, exhibitions, and collaborative artistic endeavors that nurture individual potential and strengthen community.
At the Jordan River Arts Council creativity flows like the river that inspired our founding in 1988— bringing together people, ideas, and opportunities to shape a vibrant cultural community. Located in the historic Carnegie Library Building in East Jordan, our century-old home is a gathering space for artists and art-lovers alike.
JRAC is powered almost entirely by volunteers who share a passion for making art accessible and meaningful. We offer exhibitions, musical performances, workshops, youth programs, weekly sketch meet-ups, plein air gatherings, and hands-on art experiences for all ages.
We’re proud to partner with local schools and organizations across Antrim and Charlevoix Counties to spark creativity in classrooms, parks, and public spaces. The Jordan Art Walk--winding along the scenic South Arm of Lake Charlevoix-- is a collaborative community gem featuring over two dozen sculptures created by artists from across the U.S.
Through scholarships, outreach, and collaborative programming, we support emerging artists and honor the transformative power of the arts. Whether you’re an artist, volunteer, patron of the arts, or curious newcomer, you’re welcome at the Jordan River Arts Council.
301 Main Street
East Jordan, MI 49727
(231) 536-3385 https://www.jordanriverarts.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanriverartsej/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JordanRiverArtsCouncil
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About the JRAC Board of Directors
The JRAC Board functions as a directorship with the authority to exercise the powers of the corporation, conduct its business affairs and control its properties. Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the Council toward a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, legal governance and management policies, as well as making sure JRAC has adequate resources to advance its mission
The JRAC Board of Directors serves as both a Management and Governance Board. Currently, management responsibilities include details, processes and procedures for day-to-day operations including exhibitions, workshops, membership, publicity, fundraising, facilities, communications, etc. It also serves as a Governance Board concerned with organizational health and financial stability, enterprise structure, strategic focus, effectiveness and direction, and organizational results.
Committees: Finance, Membership, Volunteers, Programs and Communications, with others determined/approved as needed.
JRAC’s officers: President, Vice President, Vice President of Membership, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Term of Office is for two years. Board members should maintain an active membership status with JRAC during their term.
Donations: As with any Board, members are asked to make an annual personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful, with JRAC considered to be one of the top charities personally supported each year during a board term. See: Board member Commitment Agreement
How much time do board members commit to JRAC?
Workloads vary from month to month, depending on assignments, committee projects, and work related to the office one holds, but expect to commit anywhere from 16 to 40 hours per month. We also hold at least one board planning session each year. We encourage you to talk with current Directors to gain insight as to the workload and expectations.
Are board members compensated for serving?
There is no financial compensation for serving as a JRAC board member.
Qualities of a JRAC Board Member
Collaborative—Enjoy working as a team. Accept and support board decisions.
Collegial—Listen carefully. Communicate cordially and respectfully.
Cooperative— Strive to see others’ points of view and reach workable solutions.
Strategic Thinkers—Be future oriented and endeavor to see the big picture.
Flexible—Open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Able to change direction or take on new tasks.
Patient—Board work takes time.
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Board Member Governance Duties and Expectations
As the highest leadership body of the organization and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for
Determining the mission of the organization and understanding and promoting its collective purpose
Selecting, supporting, and evaluating the performance of paid staff and contractors
Strategic and organizational planning
Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management
Fundraising and resource development
Approving and monitoring the organization’s programs and services
Enhancing the organization’s public image
Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization
Ensuring legal and ethical integrity
Each individual board member is expected to
Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs as well as understand its collective purpose
Reading and understand the organization’s financial statements and board materials in advance of meetings
Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization
Engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the
organization to advance its mission
Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to achieve the organization’s mission
Give a meaningful personal financial donation on an annual basis
Use personal connections to benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing,
and influence public policy
Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
Participate fully in one or more committees or taskforces
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Engage in learning opportunities to better understand the community we serve
Respect the experiences of all who bring their voices and lived experiences into the boardroom
and the organization
Uphold the legal duties and laws regarding nonprofit governance and follow the organization’s bylaws, policies, and board resolutions
Maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of the organization
Board Member Management Responsibilities
Board members contribute their time and talents to support JRAC’s mission through their involvement with various activities such as:
Program & Exhibition Support: Help plan and promote exhibitions, workshops and special events; consider new program opportunities
Membership & Community Engagement: Strengthen member relationships and foster inclusive outreach
Fundraising & Donor Relations: Assist with campaigns, donor stewardship, and grant initiatives
Publicity & Communications: Contribute to social media, newsletters, and public-facing
materials
Facilities & Operational Oversight: Support the care and use of our gallery space and resources
Volunteer Coordination: Help recruit, organize, and celebrate our wonderful volunteers
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Strategic Priorities for the JRAC Board
In response to a Capacity Assessment completed in early 2025, the JRAC board identified three priority areas to focus on initially to strengthen JRAC’s infrastructure and ensure a sustainable future:
Leadership Capacity: Expand board membership, engage active committees, and consider interim or contracted staffing to stabilize operations and prepare for professional leadership.
Fund Development: Launch a short-term fundraising plan and explore a major campaign to support staffing, facilities, and program growth.
Program Alignment: Reassess current offerings to better reflect regional trends and community needs; focus on programs for greater impact and efficiency.
These priorities reflect an urgent shift from a legacy volunteer model toward a more resilient, mission- driven organization equipped for long-term success.
More information about the results of the Capacity Assessment is available by request or can be viewed on the JRAC website in the News section: https://www.jordanriverarts.com/jrac-news
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JRAC Board Statement of Interest
We're excited you're considering board service with JRAC. Using the questions below, please prepare and submit a Statement of Interest to tell us about yourself and interest in being considered for a board position.
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________Phone Number: ___________________________ Preferred ways to be contacted: Email Phone Text
1. What draws you to the mission and work of the Jordan River Arts Council?
2. Please share any skills, experiences, or community connections that you feel would be valuable to
JRAC’s board. Ex: nonprofit experience, fundraising, creative arts background, senior engagement, etc. 3. JRAC is currently transitioning toward a stronger, more sustainable future. What excites you about
shaping this next chapter?
4. Board members typically commit to monthly meetings and committee or volunteer work. Are you able to make this commitment?
☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ I’d like to know more before committing
5. Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you? (Optional)
Referred by (if applicable): (Name and contact information)
Return to: Jordanriverarts@gmail.com or Jordan River Arts Council, PO Box 1178, East Jordan, MI 49727
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This doc is shared for information only; it does not need to be completed at this time.
Jordan River Arts Council
Board Member Commitment Agreement
I, _________________________________________________, understand that as a member of the Jordan River Arts Council (JRAC) Board of Directors, I have a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the organization does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals. I believe in the purpose and the mission of the organization, and I will act responsibly and prudently as its steward. My behavior as a board member will be consistent with the values and mission of the organization.
As part of my responsibilities as a board member:
1. I will give my best effort to "hit the ground running" when beginning my service with the board.
2. I will serve as an ambassador to the community to educate others, promote our work, and project a positive image
3. I will attend at least 75% of board meetings, including committees on which I serve.
4. If I am unable to attend a board meeting or board committee meeting, I will communicate that at least one day in advance to either the board president or executive committee member (for board meetings) or the committee chair (for committees on which | serve).
5. I accept fiduciary responsibility for the organization and will oversee its financial health and integrity. I will act in the best interests of the organization and excuse myself from discussions and votes where I have a conflict of interest.
6. I will participate in fundraising to ensure that our organization has the resources it needs to meet its mission, for example, providing names for potential new member letters, expressing gratitude by calling or writing donors, and participating in special events.
7. Each year I will make a personal financial contribution at a level that is meaningful to me; our organization will be one of the top charities I support each year that I am on the board.
8. I will stay informed about the activities and current issues at FOJRW. I will ask questions and request information. I will participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies and other board matters.
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9. I accept ethical responsibility and will help to hold fellow board members and volunteers to professional standards. I will work in good faith with other board members as partners towards achievement of our goals.
In turn, Jordan River Arts Council will be responsible to me in several ways:
1. I will be sent an agenda and materials five days prior to the board meeting.
2. The organization will help me perform my duties by keeping me informed about issues addressing financial/economic challenges, and other challenges for our community. Also, I will be offered opportunities for professional development as a board member.
3. Board members will respond in a straightforward fashion to questions that I feel are necessary to carry out my fiscal, legal and moral responsibilities to this organization. Board members will work in good faith with me towards achievement of our goals.
4. If the organization does not fulfill its commitments to me, I can call on the board president and executive director to discuss the organization’s responsibilities with me.
______________________________________________________________________ Board Member or Candidate Signature Date
______________________________________________________________________
Board President Signature Date
The board president should sign two copies of this agreement for each board member or candidate. Each new board member or candidate should sign both; return one copy to the board president and keep the other for reference.
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