2026 Board Application for the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Chosen First & Last Name

First Name *

Last Name *

Mailing Address

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

City *

Zip/Postal Code *

Email Address *

Telephone Number *

Pronouns *

She/Hers He/Him They/Them Other Prefer not to say

Please select your pronouns.

Sexual Orientation *

Bisexual Gay Lesbian Pansexual Queer Asexual Straight / Heterosexual Other Prefer not to say

If other, please specify:

Enter your sexual orientation if not listed above.

Which of the following best describes you? *

Asian or Pacific Islander Black or African American Hispanic / Latino /a/x or Latine Native American / Alaskan Native / Indigenous White Multiracial or Biracial A race/ethnicity not listed here Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) Prefer not to say

PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION

Current Employment Status *

Name of Employer(s) *

Current Position(s) *

We encourage submission of a current resume and/or cover letter to help us understand your experience.

We encourage submission of at least one relevant letter of recommendation from a peer, supervisor, or employee.

Previous Board Experience? *

Yes No

If yes, list organizations/non-profits

Enter your other skills if not listed above.

If other, please specify:

Enter your other skills if not listed above.

Questions

Describe what leadership means to you. Share an example of a time when you exercised leadership — in your professional, volunteer, or community life — that resulted in a positive outcome. If applicable, tell us how your leadership supported diversity, equity, or inclusion. *

Tell us about any previous volunteer or community service experiences you have had. What made these experiences successful, and what challenges did you encounter? How do you think these experiences have prepared you for serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors? *

What motivates you, and how do you stay motivated during challenging times? How do you see these motivations aligning with service on the Chamber’s Board of Directors? *

Describe how your career and/or personal journey has been enhanced by your exposure to different people, places, or experiences. *

Tell us about a time when you needed to work collaboratively with someone whose ideas, background, or identity differed from yours. Describe the situation, the approach you took, and the outcome. How has this experience influenced the way you collaborate in leadership roles such as board service? *

Describe a time you overcame a communication barrier. What steps did you take and what was the outcome? *

Describe a time you overcame a communication barrier — whether due to language, culture, accessibility, or differing perspectives. What steps did you take, what was the outcome, and how will this experience help you contribute effectively as a board member? *

Board of Directors Responsibilities

Time Commitment

Board Members serve a two-year term beginning in January 2026. Monthly board meetings are typically held on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:00 pm. Attendance in person is preferred, but virtual options are available. Our Board is a working board. In addition to attendance at the monthly meeting, Board Members are expected to: Lead, join, or co-chair a committee | Participate in fundraising | Attend select monthly networking meetings, programming, and signature events | Participate in the annual board retreat - volunteer for short-term committees and task forces

Ensure effective planning.

The board actively participate in an overall strategic planning process and assist in implementing and monitoring the plan's goals.

Ensure adequate financial resources.

One of the board's foremost responsibilities is to secure adequate ongoing financial resources for the organization to fulfill its mission.

Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight.

The board must assist in developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place.

Enhance the chamber’s public standing.

The board should clearly articulate the chamber’s mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garner support from the community.

Build a competent board.

All boards have a responsibility to articulate prerequisites for candidates, orient new members, and periodically and comprehensively evaluate their own performance.

Hire, support and evaluate the executive director.

The board should ensure that the executive director has the support they need to further the goals of the organization.

Ensure legal and ethical integrity.

The board is ultimately responsible for adherence to legal standards and ethical norms.

I understand and commit to meeting the responsibilities of the Board of Directors as outlined above. *

I do.

Applicant Interviews

If you are selected for an interview, you will be invited to attend virtually with members of the Board Nominations Committee. Interviews are tentatively planned for Friday, October 31 or Monday, November 3.

I hereby submit my name and application as a candidate for nomination to the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce board of directors. I am willing and available to commit my time and resources to fulfill the purpose of this organization. I also verify that the contents of this application and any additional materials are valid and factual. *

Date and Time *

Format: M/d/yyyy

2026 Board Application for the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce

The Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce