BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Help Build What’s Next
Join the Ladle of Ferns Board of Directors and help shape the future of relationship-centered support for adults navigating chronic illness and complex life circumstances.
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Board service is about more than attending meetings. It is an opportunity to ask thoughtful questions, strengthen our foundation, and help build a community where no one has to navigate life’s challenges alone.
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Together, we're building a future where asking for help is normalized, support is accessible, and no one has to navigate life's challenges alone.
Why This Role Matters
At Ladle of Ferns, we believe nobody should have to navigate life's challenges alone.
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Every day, we work alongside adults living with chronic illness and complex life circumstances as they reclaim stability, dignity, and support. Behind every program, every resource, and every meaningful conversation is a strong organization working to ensure that support remains available—not just today, but for years to come.
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Our Board of Directors plays an essential role in making that possible.
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Board members help guide the organization's long-term direction, ask thoughtful questions, strengthen community relationships, and ensure that every decision reflects our mission and values.
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Together, we're building more than an organization. We're building a community where asking for help is normalized, support is accessible, and no one has to carry life's challenges alone.
The Difference You'll Make
Serving on the Board of Directors means helping shape the future of Ladle of Ferns in meaningful ways. While every board member contributes differently, together we help build an organization that is thoughtful, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community.
Build a Strong Foundation
Help ensure Ladle of Ferns continues growing with intention so support remains available for years to come.
Shape the Future
Help guide thoughtful decisions about new programs, partnerships, and the future direction of the organization.
Strengthen
Community
Use your relationships, ideas, and experiences to help connect more people to the support they need.
Support Sustainable Growth
Help us make wise decisions that balance today's needs with tomorrow's opportunities.
Be a Thoughtful
Voice
Bring your perspective to meaningful conversations and help ensure every decision reflects our mission and values.
You Might Be a Great Fit If...
We believe the strongest boards are made up of people with different experiences, perspectives, and strengths.
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As we continue building our Board of Directors, there are a few areas of experience that would be especially helpful to add. These aren't requirements—they're simply places where we're hoping to grow.
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Above all, we're looking for people who care deeply about our mission, enjoy thoughtful conversations, and want to help build a stronger, more connected community.
Community Builder
You enjoy bringing people together, building relationships, and helping communities grow.
Storyteller
You believe in the power of thoughtful communication, marketing, or storytelling to inspire connection and action.
Resource Builder
You enjoy fundraising, donor relationships, sponsorships, or helping organizations find the resources they need to thrive.
Systems Thinker
You appreciate planning, organization, budgets, or creating sustainable systems that help good work continue.
Community Advocate
Whether through lived experience or professional experience, you understand the realities of chronic illness, disability, caregiving, healthcare, or navigating complex life systems.
Don't see yourself in one of these descriptions?
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We still encourage you to reach out.
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These are simply strengths we're excited to add as our board grows—not a checklist of requirements. If you're passionate about our mission, willing to learn, and have the capacity to actively participate, we'd love to start a conversation with you.
Sometimes the most valuable perspective is one we didn't even know we were missing.
How We'll Support You
We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, informed, and connected.
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Joining the Board of Directors isn't about having all the answers—it's about bringing your perspective, growing alongside others, and helping steward the future of Ladle of Ferns together.
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When you join our board, you won't be doing it alone.
Thoughtful Onboarding
We'll introduce you to our mission, programs, strategic priorities, and board responsibilities so you can begin your role with confidence.
Collaborative Leadership
You'll work alongside fellow board members, the Board President, and the Executive Director in a culture that values curiosity, respect, and shared decision-making.
Ongoing Communication
You'll receive regular updates about the organization, opportunities to ask questions, and the information you need to participate meaningfully.
Room to Grow
No one joins the board knowing everything.
We value thoughtful questions, new ideas, and a willingness to learn just as much as previous nonprofit experience.
What Board Service Looks Like
Every board member contributes differently, and we don't expect everyone to approach the role in exactly the same way.
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What we do share is a commitment to thoughtful leadership, active participation, and helping Ladle of Ferns continue growing with intention.
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Here's what board service generally looks like.
Attend Board Meetings
Participate in six board meetings each year where we discuss organizational priorities, make important decisions, and guide the future of Ladle of Ferns.
Help Shape Strategy
Contribute to annual strategic planning and ongoing conversations about how we can best serve our community.
Participate on a Committee
Join at least one committee where you can contribute your strengths and interests between board meetings.
Support Sustainable Growth
Review organizational progress, help strengthen community partnerships, and support fundraising in ways that align with your strengths and comfort level.
Be an Ambassador
Share our mission, build community connections, and help more people discover that support exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous nonprofit board experience?
Not at all.
We welcome both experienced board members and people serving for the first time. Passion for our mission, a willingness to learn, and thoughtful participation are just as important as previous board experience.
Do I have to enjoy fundraising?
No.
We ask every board member to support the organization's sustainability in ways that align with their strengths. For some people, that might mean introducing us to community partners. For others, it might mean thanking donors, helping at events, or sharing our mission with others.
Do I have to make a financial contribution?
Yes.
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We ask every board member to make a personally meaningful annual financial gift to Ladle of Ferns. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to support the mission in a way that is meaningful and realistic for them.
What is the time commitment?
Board members attend six board meetings each year, participate on at least one committee, contribute to strategic planning, and stay engaged between meetings through communication and committee work.
We know life happens, and we value honest communication. Our goal isn't perfection—it's consistent, thoughtful participation.
What if I'm interested but still have questions?
Wonderful!
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Choosing to serve on a nonprofit board is an important decision, and we don't expect anyone to commit after reading one webpage.
We'd love to get to know you, answer your questions, and help you decide whether serving on the Ladle of Ferns Board of Directors feels like the right fit.
Let's Start the Conversation
Choosing to serve on a nonprofit board is an important decision, and we believe it should begin with a conversation—not an application.
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Whether you've served on a board before or you're exploring board service for the very first time, we'd love to get to know you, answer your questions, and learn more about what interests you.
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If it feels like a good fit for both you and Ladle of Ferns, we'll explore the next steps together.
We'd be honored to get to know you.