SGCI Seeking a Board Member from Maryland

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Serving on the Board

As someone who directly benefited from being a member of SGCI and a supportive print community, serving on the board of SGC International gave me the opportunity to give back, open doors, and create opportunities for younger artists. I strongly believe in SGCI and its mission, and encourage anyone with the time and means to volunteer, to do so. With each new board comes a unique opportunity to make SGCI a better organization.
–Joseph Lupo, West Virginia University, SGCI President 2008-2010

Serving on the Board

“Make your voice matter. If you want a change, be part of the change. One person may be small to change, but many hands make light work.
–Sangmi Yoo, Member-at-Large, 2018-2020

Serving on the Board

Leadership in the SGCI is a tremendous way to create opportunities for colleagues, especially students and emerging artists and teachers, and in this way, to ensure the future of printmaking. I  have attended most SGCI conferences since 1986, and have served on the board, was SGCI president, edited the organization’s newsletter Graphic Impressions for four years, and have been involved in hosting four conferences. While often challenging, these activities were always meaningful, and made a difference in the lives of others. I have seen my current students  transformed by attending an open portfolio session at one of our conferences, making lasting connections with new peers. Most exciting, some of my former students have gone onto play an active role in SGCI leadership, and in this way, one can see the torch passed to another generation of printmakers. 
—Beauvais Lyons, Chancellor’s Professor, UT Knoxville, SGCI President 1994-1996

Serving on the Board

Serving on the SGC Board was an expression of gratitude. It was a way to say thank you. Being on the Board introduced me to many people that I would not have otherwise met. It also allowed me to solidify and continue building preexisting friendships from across the country and internationally. Being on the Board is a lot of work. The caveat is that with minimal bureaucracy positive and beneficial changes can take place.
—Anita Jung, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. SGCI President, 2006-2008.

SGCI is currently accepting nominations and self-nominations for a Charter Board Member from the state of Maryland. The term of service is three years, commencing in November 2024. We are seeking candidates from Maryland who represent the diverse philosophical, geographic, institutional, racial, and gender composition of our membership.

We encourage you to consider nominating yourself or your colleagues for these significant leadership positions, detailed further below

 

 

Benefits of Serving

  • Guide the direction of the organization during an exciting time of change and development
  • Support initiatives that are meaningful to you
  • Gain leadership experience
  • Interact directly with SGCI members and form deeper connections in the community
  • Develop skill sets in governance, finance, branding, and other topics
  • Expand your professional network and create lasting relationships with colleagues
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD

The SGCI Board provides leadership to the organization by:

  • Exercising due diligence and oversight to ensure that SGCI is well-managed and financially sound.
  • Functioning as trustees of SGCI’s assets.
  • Ensuring SGCI is in compliance with federal, state and local nonprofit laws, including adherence to the Constitution, Bylaws and other governing documents, filing taxes and maintaining insurance policies.
  • Setting the organization’s annual budget.
  • Ensuring that proper accounting and reporting is happening at all times.
  • Establishing, maintaining, and reviewing compensation guidelines.
  • Assisting with organizational funding.
  • Adhering to Robert’s Rules of Order to maintain the roll and minutes of Executive Board and Membership meetings.
  • Appointing Conference Hosts and any necessary liaisons for upcoming conferences and events.
  • Supporting the Conference Steering Committee with the planning and development of SGCI conferences.
  • Accepting nominations from the membership for SGCI Awards and assisting the Conference Steering Committee in coordinating the Awards Ceremony.
  • Assisting with the organization’s communication to membership
BOARD MEMBER REQUIREMENTS AND SUPPORT

Board member attendance at the annual conference and mid-year meeting is required. It is expected that board members will contribute meaningful volunteer hours to the organization during their terms both at the annual conference and leading up to it.

With these service requirements and in following non-profit best practice, once officially inducted as board members, SGC International covers the following expenses for board members during their term of service: 

    • Advocate Membership waived
    • Conference registration waived

For the annual conference and mid-year meeting:

    • Travel reimbursement (coach/economy ticket or fuel)
    • Lodging provided by SGCI
    • Per diem 

The annual conference is traditionally held in the spring of each year and the mid-year meeting in the fall at the site of the upcoming conference.

Board members may elect not to accept waivers or travel support from SGCI. Some past board members have received support from their places of work or chose to cover their own costs.

 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS

Eligibility

  • Possesses passion and commitment for SGCI and its mission. 
      • Is a current SGCI member.
      • Demonstrates engagement with SGCI, printmaking, and/or graphic arts fields through a history of participation.
  • Not required, but appreciated:
      • Participates in leadership roles in the art community, such as through an academic institution, community printshop, art-based business or similar organizations.
      • Experience working in the non-profit realm or serving on nonprofit boards, for-profit boards, or in civic engagement positions.
      • Experience in grant writing and fundraising
      • Experience in finance, accounting, taxes or law.

Requirements

  1. Attend the annual conference.
  2. Attend the mid-year meeting.
  3. Be able to attend most (9 of 12) of the Board of Directors Meetings (held on third Sunday of each month, 3pmEST)
  4. Learn—and carry out—the legal responsibilities of the board.
  5. Serve as an ambassador between the organization and the community.
  6. Chairs at least one committee or task force.

 

Conference Expectations

  1. Assist day-of logistics as needed, such as registration check-in, vendor load in/load out, Open Portfolio Sessions, facilitating Mentorship Sessions and Members’ Portfolio Exchange, or other duties.
  2. Uphold SGCI’s standard of extraordinary customer service to all SGCI members attending programs, as well as to all visitors, employees, and volunteers.
  3. Answer questions effectively about all programs, exhibitions, events, policies, and information that SGCI has to offer.