The Service Politics Institute follows a Policy Governance Board model. We believe, above all, that board leadership requires the board to provide vision and to monitor the organization as it moves towards that vision.

Observing the principles of the Policy Governance model set forth by John Carver (Board Leadership: Policy Governance in Action, John Carver ed., No. 52), a board crafts its values into policies of the four types below. Policies written this way enable the board to focus its wisdom into central, brief documents that are easy and clear guides for the organization (to learn more about Policy Governance, please click here).

The Board defines which human needs are to be met by the Service Politics Institute, for whom, and at what cost. Written with a long-term perspective, these mission-related policies embody most of the board's part of long-range planning.

Executive Limitations
The board establishes the boundaries of acceptability within which staff methods and activities can responsibly be left to staff. These limiting policies, therefore, apply to staff means rather than to ends.

Board-Executive Linkage
The board clarifies the manner in which it delegates authority to staff as well as how it evaluates staff performance on provisions of the Ends and Executive Limitations policies.

Board Governance
The Board determines its philosophy, its accountability, and specifics of its own job.

Articles of Incorporation
The Service Politics Institute is currently under the fiscal sponsorship of The Center for Progressive Leadership, and thus has not yet filed its Articles of Incorporation to establish it as a legal entity.

Bylaws
The Service Politics bylaws will place board members into the corporation’s legal concept.

Vermont Statutes
Vermont law governing non-profit corporations can be found under Title 11B.

Core Values
The Service Poltiics Core Values are the philosophical cornerstones that steer the organization towards its mission. They are used together to guide actions and visions.

Applying

We encourage all those interested in the governance of the Service Politics Institute to apply to become a member of the Board. After reading the job description, please submit the application along with a letter of interest to:

Board of Directors
The Service Politics Institute
P.O. Box 94
Winooski, VT 05404

Questions may be directed over email to board@servicepolitics.org or by calling the Service Politics Office at (802) 578-5978.

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