Board Member

Help Shape a Stronger Community PRISM is seeking community members who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their neighbors. As a member of our Board of Directors, you will help shape the future of an organization that works every day to ensure people have access to healthy food, stable housing, and the support they need to build healthy, stable lives. We believe the strongest boards include people with a wide variety of experiences, perspectives, identities, and backgrounds. We especially encourage people with lived experience navigating hunger, housing instability, public benefits, disability, or other life challenges to apply. We also encourage young adults, first-time board members, and people from communities that have been historically underrepresented in nonprofit leadership to consider serving. You do not need previous board experience to make a meaningful contribution. If you care about our mission, enjoy learning, and want to help strengthen your community, we would love to talk with you. About

PRISM PRISM

is a community-supported nonprofit organization located in Golden Valley, MN . We provide programs and services that help people meet immediate needs while building pathways toward greater stability and opportunity.

Our programs include:

PRISM Marketplace Food Shelf A grocery store-style food shelf where families choose the foods that best meet their needs, preserving dignity and personal choice. Housing Stability Programs Financial assistance and supportive services that help individuals and families remain safely housed and prevent eviction. Shop for Change Our nonprofit thrift store provides affordable clothing and household goods to the community while generating revenue that directly supports PRISM's mission. Program participants also receive gift certificates to obtain needed items with dignity. Children's Programs Helping children thrive through Back to School Success, birthday celebrations, holiday gifts, and other seasonal supports that reduce financial stress for families. Who We're Looking For We are looking for people who: Care about creating a stronger, healthier community Value dignity, equity, and opportunity for all Bring different perspectives and experiences Are willing to learn and ask thoughtful questions Enjoy working collaboratively Want to help guide the future of PRISM We value many kinds of expertise , including: Professional experience Community leadership Volunteer experience Cultural knowledge Lived experience Personal experiences navigating the systems and issues PRISM works alongside Connections within the communities we serve Previous nonprofit or board experience is welcome, but not required . Board Responsibilities As a board member, you will: Help guide PRISM's mission, vision, and long-term strategy Ensure PRISM remains financially responsible, ethical, and sustainable Hire, support, and evaluate the Executive Director Serve as an ambassador by sharing PRISM's mission with others Help build community support through fundraising, donor stewardship, partnerships, and storytelling Attend PRISM events and engage with the community Continue learning about issues related to hunger, housing, and poverty Work collaboratively with fellow board members to make thoughtful decisions Time Commitment Board members typically spend approximately five hours per month , including: Monthly board meetings Committee meetings (monthly or every other month) Preparing for meetings by reviewing materials Occasional PRISM events and volunteer opportunities Board members serve a three-year volunteer term. Financial Commitment Every board member is asked to make a personally meaningful annual financial contribution based on their own circumstances. We believe everyone should invest in PRISM in a way that is meaningful and realistic for them. What Support Will I Receive? Whether you have served on boards before or this is your first experience, PRISM is committed to helping every board member succeed.

New board members receive:

A comprehensive board orientation Ongoing education about PRISM's programs and community needs Staff support and access to organizational information Opportunities to ask questions and learn A welcoming board culture that values every member's voice and perspective Our Commitment to Inclusion The people PRISM serves represent many cultures, languages, identities, ages, abilities, and life experiences. We believe our Board of Directors should reflect that same diversity because better decisions are made when many voices are at the table.

We especially encourage applications from:

People with lived experience using food shelves, public benefits, affordable housing, or other community services Young adults and emerging leaders Black, Indigenous, Latino, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and other people of color People with disabilities LGBTQ+ community members People who speak multiple languages Residents of the communities PRISM serves Individuals serving on a nonprofit board for the first time Everyone who shares PRISM's mission is welcome to apply. Mission Provide social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives. Vision Lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community. Values Dignity We treat every person with respect, compassion, and humanity. Accountability We steward our resources responsibly and act with transparency and integrity. Collaboration We believe the best solutions come from working together with participants, volunteers, partners, and one another. Innovation We continuously seek better ways to respond to community needs and improve outcomes. Interested ? Not sure if you're qualified? Many outstanding nonprofit board members begin with a passion for the mission rather than previous board experience. If you're excited about helping build a stronger community, we'd love to connect. To learn more, please contact: Michelle Ness Executive Director mness@prismmpls.org 763-432-4201 prismmpls.org