Walton Options for Independent Living, Inc.

Walton Options seeks to fill seat on Board of Directors

Mikulski, Enzi Applaud Passage of Rosa's Law

WALTON OPTIONS SEEKS TO FILL SEAT ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Walton Options currently has a vacancy for a seat on its volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is responsible for decision-making and action concerning all matters, or other functions necessary for the management of the Corporation. Below is a position description for Board Members. If you are interested in volunteering on either the Walton Options Board, or the Walton Options South Carolina Community Advisory Board, please talk with Tiffany at 706-724-6262.

Board of Directors
Position Description

Title Member, WOIL Board of Directors
(volunteer position)

Reports To Board President/Chairperson

Purpose

• To serve the board as a voting member
• Develop policies, procedures and regulations for the operation of WOIL
• Monitor finances of the organization, its programs and performance

Term 2 year terms (or until their successors have been selected and qualified. Any director may succeed himself or herself.

Expected
Meeting
Attendance

• Regularly attend meetings as scheduled
• Attend committee meetings of which you are a member
• Participate as an ad hoc committee member, if appointed
• Attend board retreats, in-service workshops and other board development activities
• Attend and participate in special events as needed

Obligations
Of the Board

• Establish policy
• Monitor finances
• Establish long-range plans

Specific Duties

• Attend meetings and show commitment to board activities
• Contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate
• Listen respectfully to other points of view
• Participate in board decision-making process
• Assume an active role in all board activities
• Represent the organization to the public and to private industry
• Educate yourself about the needs of the people served
• Be well-informed on issues affecting the organization
• Participate actively on at least on committee
• Know the policies and procedures of the board of directors and organization
• Understand and follow the chain of command of the organization

Board of Directors
Functions and Responsibilities

At least fifty-one percent (51%) of WOIL’s Board of Directors must be persons with disabilities. Other members will be individuals with varying experience, ability, and community leadership. An effective Board of Directors contributes to the continuity of programs, community support, quality and service to those being served.

From the time a new member is elected to the board he/she should experience a continuing education on matters affecting his/her role in WOIL. Current board members should keep abreast of developments in the social service fields as well as in the business and industrial community.

One very important function of all board members is to represent WOIL to the public. This should be done positively while being aware of any complaints or problems developing within the community.

Orientation

At the first meeting new members will be introduced to the board and assigned to a committee. The board policy manual, along with other significant information will be given to new members in a scheduled orientation meeting before the first meeting. It is recommended that members with previous experience take the new members “under their wing” for a period of time and help them develop a better understanding of their role as members of WOIL’s Board of Directors.

Training to all board members will be provided periodically be presentations to the board by staff or by speakers from outside WOIL who have expertise in particular areas.

Board Responsibilities

Entrusted with the control and direction of the organization.
Maintains ethical standards of conduct in the exercise of these functions.
Acts responsibly and in good faith with the best interest of the organization as a foremost objective.
Employ a competent Executive Director.
Provide the structure and framework within which the Executive Director can operate.
Delegate to responsibility for day-to-day management of the organization to the Executive Director and his/her staff.
Ensure that the mission, directions, goals and policies are clearly and appropriately defined.
Review the program plans and budgets.
Evaluate overall organizational effectiveness.
Represent the public needs and interests.

Willie Jones at the golf course

http://www.wistv.com/global/story.asp?s=13371217

Mikulski, Enzi Applaud Passage of Rosa's Law

Bill strikes “mental retardation” and “mentally retarded” from federal education, health & labor laws

http://mikulski.senate.gov/Newsroom/PressReleases/record.cfm?id=327082

Are you interested in becoming a leader in your community? Would you like to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities? Walton Options for Independent Living is a non-profit organization that empowers people with disabilities of all ages in 16 counties in Georgia. We will be offering free all inclusive leadership training for those who desire to become leaders in their communities. We will cover issues such as advocacy for state and local systems change, peer support, accessibility, and self-advocacy. YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP! Please contact Marie Young, Advocacy Coordinator for Walton Options for Independent Living at (706) 724-6262 ext 318 if interested.