Application to serve on Healwell's Board of Directors

Thank you for your interest in serving on Healwell’s Board of Directors. Board service is a symbiotic, rewarding experience that is not only about giving of yourself and your time, but is also an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Completing this form will help you understand the skills and time/resource commitments of this leadership position and will also give us an opportunity to get to know you and what’s important to you.

You may find it helpful to read through the entire application and Board Member Responsibilities (Section two) before you begin to complete the form. You cannot save this form once you have begun it, so plan to spend about 20 minutes completing it. If you feel that your strength is not in the written word and you would prefer to answer the questions by submitting a video recording or in a live conversation over the phone, please send an email to Healwell’s Executive Director, Cal Cates at [email protected] or call Cal at 202-320-7921 and we’ll make it happen.

This application (or your video and/or phone conversation) will be kept confidential and on file at Healwell. Applications are used by the Board’s Governance Squad to identify and evaluate potential board candidates. All new directors are elected by a majority vote of current board members.

Healwell's Mission

Touch. Teach. Advocate.

We touch people affected by illness. We teach massage therapists how to provide care safely and effectively. We advocate for access to that care and for a broader role for massage therapists in healthcare.

Board Member Responsibilities

As a member of Healwell’s Board of Directors, I agree to support the mission of the organization in all ways possible. I further agree that I will meet the following expectations.

1. To serve an initial term of one year (12 months) with the understanding that I am eligible to serve unlimited terms of 3 years each, if re-elected after my first term.

2. To oversee the programmatic and fiscal well-being of the organization, including:
a. Review and adoption of policies and programs that further the mission of Healwell
b. Review and approval of the annual budget
c. Work with staff and volunteers to generate the income required to meet budgeted goals

3. To recognize that the Board of Directors partners with Healwell’s staff in carrying out its mission and programs, which exist to serve Healwell’s clients, including not only the people our therapists touch, but the community at large, including every human touched by illness.

4. To attend all (4) quarterly board meetings and the (1) annual Strategic Planning Retreat (virtually or in-person, as I am able), be prepared to participate by reading materials provided, and be on time.

5. To serve on at least one Squad* and actively participate in its work, and seriously consider serving on any task forces that may be established.

6. To make an annual financial contribution to Healwell that is meaningful and significant to me.** I understand that a personal contribution from each Board member is essential to Healwell’s ability to apply for grants and that I will be compromising Healwell’s ability to carry out its mission if I do not meet this commitment.

7. To demonstrate my understanding that active participation in fundraising is an essential component of Board service with Healwell. I will participate in fundraising events and serve as an organizational ambassador by securing the interest, service, and financial support of others who value Healwell’s mission and programs. This includes sharing, liking and engaging with Healwell’s social media posts about events and fundraising in addition to cultivating my own network for donors and supporters.

8. To seriously consider serving in Board leadership positions.

9. To propose candidates who will further Healwell’s work for election to the Board of Directors and service as Squad members.

10. To agree and adhere to Healwell’s conflict of interest and confidentiality policies and its bylaws.

11. To ensure the confidentiality of all Board and Squad discussions.

12. To get to know Healwell’s staff members, programs, and activities.

13. To support a culture of respectful dialogue and debate.

* At Healwell, we don't have committees. We have Squads. We agreed that the word "committee" is one that often inspires dread and "have to's." Your time is valuable and we take that seriously. Our Squads meet. Share ideas and get it done. We are focused. We are fun and we never meet just for the sake of having a meeting.

** When it comes to make a personally meaningful financial contribution, it's your call. When we say that we need to have 100% giving from each board member, we mean it and you get to decide how that looks. Some folks give $25/month. Some give a single financial contribution each year.

First Name *

Last Name *

What would you like us to call you?

My prounouns are:

She/her/hers

He/him/his

They/them/theirs

Other

Address *

Phone *

Email *

Where do you work *

What do you like about your work? *

What do you wish was different about your work? *

Tell us about your educational journey. * (Trade school, college, graduate degrees, sabbaticals, Outward Bound adventures… Tell us what experiences have shaped your learning in this life.) *

Of the jobs you have held so far, which was your favorite? Why? *

Who are the people and/or animals that make up what you would call your family and support system? *

Healwell and You

If selected, how do you feel you could contribute to Healwell’s impact? (Please be as specific as possible.) *

Please share at least two ways in which you envision supporting Healwell's fundraising goals. *

Of the Board duties and responsibilities listed in Section 2, which do you find most exciting? Are there any that give you pause? (Please explain.) *

Board members stay connected to Healwell through quarterly meeting attendance, squad work, the Healwell BOD private Community, social media and Google Drive. Board service requires roughly 4 hours per month. Do you have the time, technological capability, and resources to be an active member of Healwell’s Board? *

Yes

What are your hopes when you think about your potential service as a member of Healwell’s Board of Directors? *

What is your favorite part of Healwell’s mission? Why? *

At Healwell, we are constantly working to stretch the boundaries of equity, access and justice as they relate to healthcare, education and research. This sometimes means taking a position that is uncommon and/or challenging of the status quo. When you consider this, what questions or concerns arise for you? *

Feel free to expound on your answer. (Or not.)

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten? *