Thinking about Board Membership? You are about to make the difference of a lifetime

We are so glad you are considering next steps for becoming a vital part of our organization. We hope this presentation will provide you with necessary information so you can make the best decision regarding Board Membership.

The first place to start is with our story. Before you do anything please take 7 minutes to watch the COCI story. It is a You-tube link found at the bottom of our home page at Following the story, please spend some time browsing our site. After viewing the site please ask yourself, is this something I can get passionate about? While you are thinking about this, please Listen to our song.Listen to our song

Cherish Our Children Board Members are passionate about the mission of Creating Brighter Futures for the World’s Most Vulnerable Children. It all starts with the heart. If you are still with us, keep going, Board membership may be for you.

What does is take to be a Board member? – Passion about the mission – Available time to follow through on commitments – Skills in a particular area of leadership, prior Board experience is great but not essential. – Ability to give or get $10,000 per year to support the mission. (This includes donations “in-kind” such as Financial Audits/Website work/Publicity) – Available for 2 weekend Board Retreats in January and June. (Involves Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Requires self-paid travel to and from designated location. (Typically our Jan. Board meeting is in Houston and June in another USA location.) – Available to participate in Board conference calls every other month for 2 hours. – Desire to learn and grow – Must serve on at least one Board Team (Marketing, Fundraising, Programs, Finance, Nominating)

Okay, you’re still with us, wonderful! Next Steps: Read and agree with Board Member Accountabilities (next slide) Participate in our “On Boarding” process. This simply means creating or participating in a COCI fundraising event. Complete Board Questionnaire (will be forwarded to you in a separate )

Board Member Accountabilities Our Vision: We stand for a world in which each child has the opportunity to live life fully and to make their unique contribution. Our Mission: To develop and fund projects and programs that provide a brighter future for the world's most vulnerable children. Operate consistent with the Vision and Mission of Cherish Our Children, Intl. Accountable for the financial commitments, administrative budget and associated fund development goals of Cherish Our Children, International (COCI). We strive for each member to give or get a minimum of $10,000 per year including in-kind contributions. Fully versed in COCI and its programs. Serve for a minimum of 3 years. One may serve 2 consecutive terms then it is recommended to take at least a 1-year sabbatical after 6 years before requesting to be on the Board again (with the exception of the Chairperson as long as they have agreed to serve and the Founder for life). Attend ALL Board Meetings and Board calls (Board meetings a minimum of 2 times per year and Board calls quarterly or as scheduled). Be in communication: Read and respond to communications a minimum of 2 times per week. If you are going to be off for a given period of time, send an to the Board to let them know that is the case. Follow the COCI Board protocols. This is a working Board. Select and participate in at least one primary activity within COCI during the year: Executive Committee, Fund Development, Finance, Marketing, Nominating, Programs or any other teams that are formed to forward the work of Cherish Our Children. Board members will work with the Chairman and CEO to set personal goals as appropriate and to set objectives for how they wish to contribute. Represent COCI responsibly, professionally, ethically and with integrity. Share our work, build partnerships and create opportunities for people to contribute to Cherish our Children. Board members commit to generate and maintain an environment of affinity and respect for the work of the Board and for other Board members. If a Board member finds him/herself at odds with another, they commit to work directly or with the aid of others to resolve the issue or issues and to restore a relationship of honest, complete and empowering communication with that person.

If you’ve made it this far Welcome On Board!! You are about to experience a life changing time of your life with a group of fabulous folks! Get to know the others who have your passion. Meet our COCI Board of Directors