An Honest Look at Where We Are – And Where We’re Going
At Why We March, we believe in transparency, accountability, and the importance of building an organization that reflects the values we advocate for in our communities.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we recognize that our organization is experiencing some growing pains. After a decade of advocacy, community engagement, and supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we are entering a period of transition, rebuilding, and organizational development.
Like many volunteer-driven nonprofits, we have faced challenges within our Board of Directors, including inconsistent participation, difficulties maintaining quorum, gaps in governance and accountability, and the need for clearer policies, responsibilities, and leadership structures. These challenges have, at times, affected our ability to make decisions and move important work forward.
We want prospective board members to understand these realities before joining us.
We are not looking for individuals simply to fill vacant seats. We are looking for people who genuinely want to help strengthen Why We March and contribute to building a healthier, more effective, and sustainable organization.
Our immediate priorities include:
- Rebuilding board effectiveness:
- Establishing consistent attendance, meaningful participation, and shared responsibility for organizational decisions.
- Strengthening governance:Reviewing and improving bylaws, policies, accountability measures, and leadership structures.
- Restoring organizational stability:Addressing outstanding administrative responsibilities and ensuring the organization can function effectively.
- Improving board culture:Fostering respectful communication, collaboration, transparency, and constructive conflict resolution.
- Planning for the future:Supporting our existing advocacy work while developing initiatives such as the Queer Resource Network.
- Sharing the workload:Creating a board where responsibility does not fall disproportionately on a small number of individuals.
We recognize that joining a board during a period of transition may not appeal to everyone. However, for those passionate about nonprofit governance, community advocacy, and organizational development, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
We do not expect new board members to arrive with all the answers.We do expect a willingness to participate, ask difficult questions, challenge ideas respectfully, take initiative, and work collaboratively toward solutions.
Why We March has accomplished a great deal over the years, but our next chapter requires more than passion. It requires commitment, accountability, strong governance, and people willing to help build the organization our community deserves.
We are not asking you to join a perfect organization. We are inviting you to help build a stronger one.
If you are interested in becoming a board member and helping us build a stronger, more resilient organization, please visit www.whywemarch.lgbt/volunteer