Few organizations are more dependent on their boards or advisory organizations than The Salvation Army. Advisory Boards are absolutely essential in the work and acceptance of The Salvation Army in communities in which they serve.

Partners in Mission – A board member should support the mission of The Salvation Army. The Salvation Army’s motivation is spiritual, and its goal is to minister to the whole person – body and spirit.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army was designed on a military pattern for effectiveness and efficiency. The Army is an international movement in over 100 countries around the world. International Headquarters is in London, England and is commanded by the General.

In the United States The Salvation Army is divided into four territories. The operations of the four territories are coordinated nationally by National Headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Eastern Territory, headquartered in New York State, includes The Northern New England Division. (Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont) The Divisional Commander oversees these operations from Divisional Headquarters in Portland, Maine.

Presently, 24 corps, or Community centers exist in the Division, mainly in large cities. Waterville, Maine

Salvation Army officers have the status of ordained ministers and are employed by the Army in a professional capacity and on a full-time basis.

They are members of The Salvation Army who have committed their life to doing God's will and serving others.

The primary and most important function is to support the local corps officers. The board assumes a liaison role between The Salvation Army and the community. The board will work to increase the visibility of the organization and its interaction within the community.

The board members also function as interpreters. They must interpret the community to The Salvation Army so as to understand its pulse, character and needs. This will provide better understanding for developing appropriate programs and funding resources.

The board must be instrumental in developing goals and a strategic plan of action to achieve those goals. Board members are the doers.

The very nature of a not-for-profit organization is to depend on its board for fundraising assistance. Along with fundraising comes fiscal accountability. Since each local unit must stand on its own financially, the Advisory Board must be involved in this process to help ensure a solid financial operation and appropriate accountability to the community.

A good Advisory Board is a stabilizing unit and a significant element of continuity for the Army in a community.

Seven standing committees on the board: Executive Nominating Finance Property Community relations-development Bequest, endowment, planned giving Program

There are two key principles at work in the board development process. Development is a continual process to which each board member should be committed. Board development is both collective and individual.

You have been invited to provide leadership to one of the world’s most respected organizations. Peter Drucker called The Salvation Army “by far the most effective organization in the U.S.,” in Forbes magazine.

Your commitment includes: Serving a three-year term. Acting as a Salvation Army community liaison and good-will ambassador. Attending monthly meetings. Willingness to actively participate on Board committees. Contribution to the financial support of the Corps. Lending functional and/or financial support to Board endorsed special events.

Good Communication. Monthly Finance Report. Monthly Program & Service Report. Long And Short Term Goals.