A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman
by Holly Welstein, FabMo’s Board Chairwoman (edited for space)
A Volunteer’s Path to Chairman- How did I start down a volunteer’s path to chairman?
Recently I attended the annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. It went along with FabMo’s 11th official birthday! It was a great chance to socialize with a wonderful group of people on a special occasion. Yet my earliest contact with FabMo happened over 15 years ago. It was way before the nonprofit was official.
Some Musings of an Accidental Board Chair
My first experience was responding to a Freecycle post for promising free designer material. I ended up sitting on Hannah & Jonathan’s living room floor. They encouraged me to dump out textile treasures from large black plastic bags.The bags were piled up on their sofa. I could take what I liked. Everything went back in the bags, when I was done.But oh, be careful and look out for staples.
Needless to say, I was hooked on a volunteer’s path to chairman.
Slowly, the FabMo enterprise grew. My involvement slowly grew along with it. I helped with simple things like setting up tables, sorting fabric and chatting with newcomers. That led to helping plan our first Maker Faire participation. Later I headed a Boutique committee for six years. That helped this volunteer’s path to chairmanThen I received an invitation to join the Board. So for the past three years I serviced as the Board Chair. Whew!!! I really wanted to do was sew purses with some beautiful fabric!
What I know at this point is that the work we do at FabMo and only happens because individuals step up to do it. So I send a big thank you to every volunteer. What I also know is that much of the behind the scenes work is mysterious to many of you.
How the Board Works
The FabMo Board of Directors invites you to consider whether volunteer service on the Board or a Committee is for you. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?
From chairing the Board meetings to representing FabMo being on the Board has many interesting aspects.
FabMo is an all volunteer organization. There are no paid staff or Executive Director. That means the FabMo Board is a working board that acts as an Executive Director when needed. Te board provides organizational leadership and vision and makes policy. We are responsible for financial oversight and staying true to its mission. We want the group to be financially healthy and stable. So that we can continue to do our important work. That is to divert valuable materials away from the landfill and into the hands of people who will use them.
We meet every 5-6 weeks.At times there is a special extra meetings . In the past year, we have purchased a van. We created a protocol for the van’s use. We adopted a policy for our social media presence.The board worked with the Treasurer to craft a budget. we began to write charters for our committees. A quarterly Committee Chairs meeting encourages communications within FabMo. Most of the work is overseen by committees but the Board has the final say. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?
In the Coming Year
This upcoming year the Board will be evaluating our current business and operating models to consider changes to support our mission. In particular, our rent continues to rise.It is crucial that we find new sources of revenue.We need to remain financially healthy going forward. Could your future include a volunteer’s path to chairman?
So who Serves on the FabMo Board of Directors?
Well in 2019, our 7 members are: Tina Baumgartner,Estelle Chalfin,Leslie Kern,Zita Macy,Michelle Redel,Ginger Silverman,Holly Welstein. Maybe in 2020, your name will be here!
I welcome the chance to chat with anyone interested in learning more. I can answer any questions you have. If you want to attend a Board meeting, please let me know.
Warmly,Holly
board@fabmo.org
July 29, 2019
https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/
It has been great to be part of this all volunteer organization for about 10 years. I source many of the materials there that I use in my art quilts. I feel strongly about their efforts. Ann Baldwin May, art quilter
