Responsibilities of directors

Redirect to:

• New Director Agreement

This document was a working draft, which was materially merged with the New Director Agreement for the final proposal. Retained here only for reference or historical purposes.

Generally speaking, a director is one member of the governing body of Free Geek. Directors are charged with leading the organization strategically, and are responsible for providing oversight of the management (or collective, as the case may be).

Specifically, these are the duties and tasks that directors are responsible for overseeing:

1. A director's primary responsibility is to ensure that Free Geek fulfills its mission as defined by the bylaws. Specifically, directors must ensure that the organization continues to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the internet, education and job skills in exchange for community service.
2. All directors must read and sign the New Director Agreement. While this agreement outlines specific duties of new directors, all new directors should note the various requirements set forth in the agreement. New directors must be willing to work 10 hours per quarter on Board-related projects. As well, they must play an active role in board meetings, by showing up regularly and contributing to the board's smooth operation. As well, they must be present for board training exercises, and be willing to participate in Free Geek events, programs, or activities.
3. Ensure the financial stability of the organization. The board is responsible for overseeing the finances of Free Geek. Being a strong fiscal steward is perhaps the most important role a director can have. This means that directors should review all important financial documents, including (but not limited to) annual budgets, charts of accounts, cash flow projections, statements of functional expenses, statements of activities, and statements of financial position. Directors should either have a basic familiarity with basic accounting procedures, or should request training from the organization so that they can achieve basic financial literacy.
4. Engage in strategic planning for the organization. Directors are responsible for providing strategic guidance to the organization. This means that directors will need to keep abreast of what is occurring within the organization so that they can make realistic plans for the future. Attending meetings and functions on a regular basis is crucial. As well, directors will regularly engage in discussions about the strategic direction of the organization, and if any changes need to be made.
5. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, laws, and policies. Every director should be familiar with the basic legal responsibilities of their position. This includes ensuring that the organization does not distribute profits or dividends, does not engage pursue policies that would create a conflict of interest, or pursue any goals or objectives that would jeopardize the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status of Free Geek.
6. Ensure compliance with values and codes of conduct set forth by the organization. Free Geek is an organization that is dedicated to promoting a sustainable, healthy, environmentally sound community. We are committed to the principles of open, democratic governance, and all directors should ensure that their conduct is in line with these values.