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Volunteer Position: Board of Directors – Concord Prison Outreach
Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) is seeking individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. This is a volunteer position with responsibilities including advising on strategic planning, financial and budget issues, educational and volunteer programming, and working closely with staff and the Executive Director. Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, volunteer for committee work, assist CPO in meeting its budget goals, and attend and/or support CPO events and outreach. The CPO Board has regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.
Concord Prison Outreach is a 501(c)(3) organization composed of a coalition of individuals and faith communities committed to helping people who are incarcerated build better lives for themselves and their families. Since its founding in 1968, when its first volunteers helped support people in a local prison infirmary, CPO has developed into the largest organization of its kind in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. CPO works cooperatively with the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC), offering educational programs that focus on skill-building and personal growth—essentials to help support people in prison to achieve success while incarcerated or post-incarceration. Hundreds of individuals and nearly forty faith communities join CPO in its mission to offer high-quality, transformative programs that focus on education, personal growth, and increased opportunity for incarcerated people and their families.
Board Member Capabilities and Responsibilities:
- Knowing and supporting CPO’s mission, educational and volunteer programs, and policies.
- Attending meetings with adequate preparation and conscientious participation.
- Willingness to serve on at least one committee outside of general board meetings and responsibilities.
- A strong interest in providing educational programming to people who are incarcerated.
- Commitment to advancing the mission of CPO and willingness to sustain the organization’s operations through active involvement in committees and special projects.
- Sensitivity and responsiveness to populations disadvantaged by systematic inequalities.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
CPO Board Requirements
- Financial Resources – Have and be willing to make network connections, experience with fundraising, and the potential to garner major donations.
- CPO is committed to recruiting board members from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.
- Has proven skills in the following areas: Human Resources, Education, and Programming.
- Lived or had other experience with the Criminal Justice/prison background.
Candidates should have governing board or non-profit work experience. Successful candidates will meet two of the specified criteria. In the cover letter, indicate how you meet the criteria and express your passion for this cause.
Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to James Polese at james.s.polese@gmail.com by 3/15.
