Apply to be a Member of our Board of Trustees!
Thank you for your interest in joining the Yes I Can Unity Through Music and Education Board of Trustees! Below are some documents that the nominating committee has drafted to ensure that all prospective board members are fully aware of the time commitment, responsibilities, and expectations of those who represent our community. If you could, please take the time to review the list of board member responsibilities and fill out the online application below.
We must have our final slate of candidates in place at least 30 days prior to our board’s election meeting in order to assure we have adequate time to look over your application in detail. If we do not receive your application by that time, we will assume that you are no longer interested in joining our board and you will be removed from our list of prospective candidates.
If you have any questions or need clarification regarding these responsibilities, expectations, or the application process, please feel free to contact one of the nominating committee members, and we will assist you. We look forward to the prospect of serving with you on our board and hope to hear from you soon!
Responsibilities and Duties of Board Members
Commitment to these duties and responsibilities is the foundation of the success of Yes I Can Unity Through Music & Education, Inc. This commitment, combined with an understanding of the unique needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, families, caregivers, and other members of the community, means that we must be both strong and flexible to be effective and to accomplish as much as we do. Accountability to each other as board members and peers is our strength.
Committee List Descriptions
Learn more about open committee positions at YIC, responsibilities, and average time commitments pertaining to service on a committee.
Executive Committee
Meets prior to monthly board meetings. Manages the general operation and maintenance of the organization. Detailed position descriptions can be found in the organization's bylaws. (Workload: High)
Chair of the Board (Chief Executive Officer): Bret Lieberman
Vice Chair of the Board: POSITION OPEN
President (Deputy Director): Kirsten Fitzpatrick
Secretary: POSITION OPEN
Treasurer: Thomas Dvorak
Financial Committee
Comprises Executive Board members (excluding Secretary). Ensures compliance with California and Federal nonprofit laws, approves emergency expenses, and manages reimbursements. Oversees annual independent financial audit and maintains fiscal responsibility. Committee members must recuse themselves when voting on their own reimbursement requests. (Workload: High)
Content & Communications Committee
Develops and manages organization's public-facing content strategy across digital platforms. Works in conjunction with social media manager to ensure consistent messaging and engagement. Creates blog content for website and social media distribution, including thought leadership pieces, event coverage, student success stories, and industry insights. Collaborates with staff Social Media Managers (Andy Ryan and Carol Stevenson) for content distribution across all platforms. (Workload: Medium/High)
Focus Areas:
Content strategy development
Blog writing and editorial calendar management
Newsletter content curation
Thought leadership development
Student success story documentation
Digital Innovation & Technology Advisory Committee
Provides strategic guidance on emerging technologies and digital transformation initiatives. Focuses on identifying and implementing AI-based workflows and innovative technical solutions that benefit both the organization and its students. Advises on staying competitive in the technology sector where many students are building careers. (Workload: Medium)
Key Responsibilities:
Advising on AI integration opportunities
Recommending innovative technical solutions
Providing industry insight and trends
Supporting student technology career development
Guiding digital transformation initiatives
Cybersecurity & HIPAA Compliance
Fundraising & Development Committee
Manages comprehensive fundraising strategy including grants, corporate partnerships, and individual giving programs. Oversees passive fundraising initiatives and develops new revenue streams. Works closely with Sponsorship/Donations team on major gifts and corporate partnerships. (Workload: Medium to High)
Subcommittees:
Grant Writing Team
Corporate Partnerships
Individual Giving Programs
Appreciation & Recognition Committee
Manages donor and volunteer recognition programs. Creates and distributes appreciation materials, develops recognition strategies, and maintains strong relationships with supporters. Works closely with other committees to ensure timely acknowledgment of contributions. (Workload: Low/Medium)
Nominating/Elections Committee
Identifies and recruits potential board members with skills aligned to organizational needs. Manages board application process and annual elections. Ensures diverse representation and necessary skill sets on the board. Must submit final candidate slate 30 days before election meeting. (Workload: Medium)
Volunteer Management Committee
Recruits and coordinates volunteers for various organizational needs, including YIC’s annual Festival Project, assisting with planning, volunteer recruitment/delegation, and event logistics. Maintains volunteer database, manages recruitment platforms, and ensures proper volunteer recognition in coordination with the Appreciation Committee, Fundraising & Development Committee, as well as the Content & Communications Committee. (Workload: Medium)