OPEN CALL - BOARD

The Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design is looking for new members for our Board of Directors.

We are an independent nonprofit organization that instigates dialogues on design and the built environment through public programming, exhibitions, and publications. 

Since 1987, we have engaged architects, artists, designers, urban thinkers, and the public in critical discourse about the role of architecture and design in the diverse and evolving city of Los Angeles with implications that extend globally.

The Board of Directors’ responsibilities are aimed towards supporting the mission of the Forum:

• Determine which programs are consistent with the organization’s mission and monitor their effectiveness.

• Provide moral and professional support for all planning and implementation of programs, publications, and events.  

• Maintain communication within the organization and with the public.

• Promote the Forum as a resource for the design community.

• Enhance the organization’s public standing.

ATTENDANCE

·     Each Board Member commits to attending at least 8 out of the 10 monthly Board meetings each year. Meetings take place in Culver city, on the first Tuesday-night of the month, in-person. It is expected that Board Members attend all programs and events.

DUES

·         It is each Board Member's responsibility to pay $100 in dues yearly. Dues are collected prior to our first financial quarter in March. Deadline TBD by Vice-President of Membership.

PARTICIPATION / AVAILABILITY

·     It is each Board Member's responsibility to commit to devoting at least two hours per week to board tasks and responsibilities. Upon joining, each Board member joins at least one Committee on which they will focus their efforts.  Members will also join committees formed to organize specific events or programs. 

·     Nonparticipating or inactive Board Members will receive a reminder to fully engage in LA Forum responsibilities and tasks each quarter of their annual tenure. If inactivity continues, the Board Member will be asked to resign.

·     Board Members, who are educators, are required to encourage and mentor students and emerging practitioners to join the organization and volunteer to assist with lectures, exhibitions and other events in compliance with the organization’s mission to feature “the work of emerging and boundary-pushing designers”.

IDEAS

·         The Board needs your input, insights and energy.  Board Members are encouraged to share their experience and knowledge.

RESPONSIVENESS

 ·         It is each Board Member's responsibility to promptly respond to correspondence regarding LA Forum matters and Board of Directors matters. 

ETHICS

·         It is each Board Member's responsibility to ensure the integrity of the organization and refrain from using the platform(s) of the LA Forum for personal promotion that is unrelated to the Mission.

FUNDRAISING

·     It is each Board Member's responsibility to fully participate on the Fundraising Committee and be active in the yearly sponsorship drive(s) per each year of their tenure. Any non-participating Board Member commits to donating $500 per each year of their tenure.

RESIGNATION

·         If a Board Member experiences an unexpected event that prevents their continued participation, it is that Member’s responsibility to notify the Board President, Vice-President, and Vice-President of Membership of their scheduled leave of absence or resignation in writing. It is also that Member’s responsibility to ensure that their current L.A. Forum activities are completed either before leaving or assigned to another Member who commits to the completion.

THE BOARD

Each Member’s term is four (4) years, with an optional fifth (5th) year at the Board’s and the Member’s discretion. The Board usually consists of 15 - 20 Members.  

Recent remote Board Members have greatly contributed to the organization’s international outreach, offering discourse that extends globally. The L.A. Forum continues to expand programming beyond Los Angeles boundaries. However, it is vital to maintain a strong core of L.A.-based Members to be available and accessible for local participation. Remote (out-of-state/out-of-country) Board Members shall be limited to 20% of the overall Board seats.

NEW BOARD MEMBER OPEN CALL

The Board of Directors is a working board, current and past members have found the experience to be a fulfilling way to contribute to the rich world of design in Los Angeles.   

Candidates that proceed to the second stage of consideration will be asked to provide a CV and letters of recommendation.  

We look forward to hearing from you.