The West Side Community Organization(WSCO) is a nonprofit neighborhood association and one of Saint Paul's District Councils (District 3). We power the people of the West Side to work together to create a vibrant, thriving neighborhood for all.
ABOUT WSCO's BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The West Side Community Organization is guided and governed by a 13-member Board of Directors. Board members must be age 16 or older and live on the West Side (or be an authorized representative for a business located on the West Side) to be eligible for our board.
This is a working board. The board meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Baker Center (209 Page Street West). Each board member is expected to participate in a standing committee, projects, and/or other organizing efforts. We estimate the commitment to be about seven to ten hours per month, potentially more at peak times. Please be aware of this and only apply if you are ready for this commitment.
We are looking for individuals who:
-are passionate about the West Side community
-value social/racial justice and equity
-will engage in board trainings, discussions and decisions
-will take an active interest in West Side issues
-will represent WSCO at community events
-agree to WSCO's code of conduct
-will help to strengthen the organization by bringing partnership and funding opportunities
-support WSCO's vision, mission, Strategic Action Plan, and Strategic Sieve
This year there are five seats up for election. All Five seats will be for 3-year terms.
We will also be electing three persons to serve as alternates for one year. Alternates are included in board communications and may be asked to serve should a current board member need to step down during their term. Board and alternate seats are filled in the order of number of votes received (the five people with the most votes serve on the board, the next three will serve as alternates.)
HOW TO APPLY
Please fill out an application by Friday, October 22nd. This information will be shared with WSCO's Executive Committee and West Siders attending the WSCO annual meeting. The election will be held at WSCO's annual meeting, on Tuesday, November 9th, from 6pm-8pm over zoom. (Note: you can sign-up to run in the election at the start of the annual meeting but we strongly recommend applying in advance.) Please plan to be present at the annual meeting and prepare a short statement (less than 2 minutes). It is not required that you be present to run or speak but all candidates are offered this opportunity, and most take advantage of it.
Click here to fill out an application
VOTING
All voting takes place AT the annual meeting -- so get the word out that you've applied and get your West Side friends and neighbors online to the meeting to support you! Folks must be residents of the West Side and at least 16 years of age to vote in the elections.
A board orientation will be scheduled after the elections. Newly elected board members start January 2022, but are encouraged to attend one or more meetings in 2020 to get a feel for the board.
The 2021 WSCO board, including members elected in 2020, will vote for the 2022 Executive Team (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer at the beginning of the new year).
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If you are interested in running for the 2022 Board of Directors or have questions, please get in touch with us!
- 2021 WSCO Chair: Bahieh Hartshorn ([email protected]) or
- WSCO Administrator: Mayra Avila ([email protected])