AFN Board of Directors Application
Our Mission:
​Through peer-to-peer support, education, and advocacy, we partner with families of children with behavioral health needs to improve their quality of life.
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Allegheny Family Network’s philosophy is to support the Voice and Choice of families in a strength-based model of change. By working with families to discover and embrace their own strengths, AFN celebrates and cultivates the strengths of the family both as individuals and as a group.
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Board of Directors – Questions and Answers
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Are you interested in becoming a member of the Allegheny Family Network (AFN) Board of Directors?
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Allegheny Family Network is looking for a few committed people with a passion for serving families who are raising children with mental health or behavioral concerns and who want to make a valuable contribution to the Board of Directors. If you are interested in becoming a board member, please read through this information packet then detach and complete the application and submit it to us.
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How many directors can be on the board?
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The Board of Directors will have at least fifteen (15) and no more than (23) members including a Chairperson, Vice-chair, Treasurer, and Secretary.
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Who will be represented on the board?
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The Board will always have at least fifty-one percent (51%) family members (parents/guardians who are raising or have raised children with mental health or behavioral concerns (lived experience) and forty-nine percent (49%) other interested persons who support the organization’s mission. At least twenty percent (20%) of the members will be from diverse cultures. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors must be a family member.
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What qualifications are the Board of Directors looking for?
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In addition to family members who have experience navigating the child serving systems, we are looking for individuals with expertise in marketing, finance, human resources, education, the legal system, fund raising, and/or health insurance.
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How long do directors serve on the board?
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Directors shall serve a term of two years.
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How often are board meetings held?
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The Board of Directors meet every other month. Meetings are currently held virtually or hybrid, in the evening.
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How does the selection process work?
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The Board of Directors has a Nominating Committee which will contact candidates and then propose recommendations to the entire board for a vote. The Nominating Committee will review all applications and recommend the applicant to the board based on the following criteria:
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Interest in serving on the Board of Directors for a two-year term
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Ability to represent families who are raising children with mental health and behavioral concerns
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Ability to see “the big picture” and to make sure that AFN fulfills its mission
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Ability to represent a diverse group of families in a strength-based and culturally competent fashion
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Ability to contribute special skills and/or knowledge to the Board of Directors
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If I am selected as a board member, what will I have to do?
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1. Governance and oversight – Board members are expected to keep current on the work of AFN and to become actively involved in any planning or decisions brought to the board for a vote.
2. Financial responsibility – Board members are responsible for making sure that all legal, financial, and regulatory requirements are met. They are also responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial viability.
3. Ambassadors – Board members are expected to serve as ambassadors, to seek opportunities to educate the community about AFN, and to advocate for the organization.
4. Foundational responsibilities – Board members are instrumental in helping AFN maintain a solid organizational foundation including hiring a Chief Executive Officer as needed and assisting with other infrastructure considerations.
5. Committee membership – Board members may be asked to join a committee and contribute their knowledge and experience to its purpose.