MEMBERSHIP

ORIENTATION MANUAL

By

Tomás Alberto Ávila

November 24, 2004

Mission
The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee is a nonpartisan organization formed to influence the
political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to improve the quality of life of Latino and urban
communities.

Our Goals

To increase political participation.

To support and/or endorse candidates from Rhode Island for state and local office who are committed to
our mission.

To raise awareness on issues and/or candidates that could benefit or adversely impact the Latino
community.
 Responsibilities Of Individual Members Of The
Governing Board
I. General responsibilities

1. Be an enrolled member of the organization.

2. Have a thorough knowledge of the organization's bylaws and policies.

3. Understand the organization, its mission, goals, objectives, programs and operations.

4. Attend all board and committee meetings, training sessions and special events.

5. Keep informed and know what is going on in the organization. Ask questions. Request
information. Read and understand financial reports.

6. Participate fully and openly in meetings, sharing concerns, ideas and suggestions. Register
dissent openly.

7. Make decisions on issues, policies, goals and objectives based on careful consideration of facts and
relevant data.

8. Participate in fund development campaign and suggest potential solicitors and donors to
strengthen these efforts.

9. Suggest prospective candidates for membership and for board and committee participation.

10. Provide financial support within personal means to the organization.

11. Serve on one or more committees and accept special assignments whenever possible.

12. Interpret the organization to the community.

13. Exercise prudence and demonstrate good faith in all ORGANIZATION related dealings, e.g.
• Maintain confidentiality on all board matters;
 Legal Responsibilities of boards Members
Under well-established principles of nonprofit corporation law, a board member must meet
certain standards of conduct and attention in carrying out his or her responsibilities to the
organization. Several states have statutes adopting some variation of these duties which
would be used in court to determine whether a board member acted improperly. These
standards are usually described as the duty of care, the duty of loyalty, and the duty of
obedience.

Duty of Care
The duty of care describes the level of competence that is expected of a board member, and
is commonly expressed as the duty of "care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise
in a like position and under similar circumstances." This means that a board member owes
the duty to exercise reasonable care when he or she makes a decision as a steward of the
organization.

Duty of Loyalty
The duty of loyalty is a standard of faithfulness; a board member must give undivided
allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization. This means that a board
member can never use information obtained as a member for personal gain, but must act in
the best interests of the organization.

Duty of Obedience
The duty of obedience requires board members to be faithful to the organization's mission.
They are not permitted to act in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the
organization. A basis for this rule lies in the public's trust that the organization will manage
donated funds to fulfill the organization's mission.

From The Legal Obligations of Nonprofit Boards: A Guidebook for Board Members.
Washington, DC: National Center for Nonprofit Boards, 1992.
 CRITIRIA F0R MEMBERSHIP
Membership is be open to Latinos and other persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are
approved by the Board of Directors.

LEVELS OF M E M B E R S H I P
Active Membership
Active Members must attend all meetings and will have voting privileges.

Associate
Associate members will receive a quarterly newsletter but will have non-voting status.

Donor
Donors are supporters who contribute to ORGANIZATION but are not active or associate members.

CRITERIOS PARA MEMBRESÍA

Membresía Activa
Los Miembros activos deben atender todas las reuniones y tendrán derecho a voto.

Asociados
Miembros Asociados no tienen derecho a voto en las reuniones.
Reciben todas las publicaciones de ORGANIZATION.

Donantes
Donantes son aquellas personas que dan una contribución a ORGANIZATION pero no
son miembros activos ni asociados.
 Characteristics Of Effective Boards
Board members are effective to the extent that they possess the following characteristics:

DIVERSITY. The board as a whole contains differences in talents, skills, experience, interests and social
background.

STRUCTURE The Board is organized in such a way that individuals and committees assume a proper,
active role in its functions.

MEMBER INVOLVEMENT Members demonstrate a high degree of interest in their role and
responsibilities and are genuinely concerned about the organization's problems and prospects.

KNOWLEDGE Members are well informed about the organization's operation and the social forces that
are affecting service delivery.

RAPPORT Members of the board have mutual respect for each other regardless of differences of opinion,
and maintain a productive working relationship with each other.

SENSITIVITY The board is representative of, and sensitive to, different constituencies and viewpoints.

SENSE OF PRIORITIES Board members are concerned with important and long-range issues, not trivial
matters.

DIRECTION The president is respected, and is strong and skilled in making certain that various points of
view are expressed and in reaching satisfactory decisions.

STRENGTH. The board is strong enough to achieve effective policy decisions.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT The board contains a reasonable number of members who commit to obtaining
financial support for the organization.

BOARD-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RELATIONSHIPS There is a productive

working relationship between the executive director and board members.

ACCOMPLISHMENT The board has a genuine sense of progress and achievement, and members gain
satisfaction from their services.
 Prerequisites For Effective Committees
A Specific Commission: A clear description of what the committee is to do.
• Members need to know what they're about and why.
• Everyone needs a copy of the job description.

An Effective Chair: The key to an effective committee.

• Acts as a team builder, an enabler of others, who does not try to do it all alone.
• Is good at delegating and coordinating the work.
• Serves as a liaison with the board and the executive committee.
• Has a broader view rather than a one-task orientation.

An Effective Staff: The key to an effective chair.

• Helps chair prepare agenda.
• Provides data needed.
• Integrates information from other committees.
• Recognizes that the staff role may be greater or lesser, depending on who has the skills, who has
the time.

Thoughtful appointed members:

• Choose people according to knowledge and skills.
• elect the number appropriate for the job.
• Reach beyond board for committee members, if bylaws allow.

Effective meetings:
• Sound agenda.
• Information available for decision-making. Action oriented.
• Beginning and ending times honored.
• Minutes and/or notes are kept.
• Group meets often enough to do the work and maintain momentum.
Policy Regarding Selection Of Advisory Council
Members
The purpose of the policy is to provide a method for selection of Advisory Board members. ..
The Advisory Council shall consist of that number of members which from time to time best
suits the needs of the organization. Members of the Advisory Council shall be appointed by the
Governing Board at any regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. Background information on
the nominee shall be submitted in writing to the members of the Board at least one week before
the board meeting at which the appointment is to be made.
Any member of the Governing Board may nominate an individual for appointment to the
Advisory Council. A majority vote of the Governing Board members in attendance at the board
meeting shall be sufficient to appoint a nominee to the Advisory Council.
After appointment by the Governing Board, the president shall notify the new Advisory Council
member, in writing, of the appointment. The Advisory Council Chair, who shall be a member of
the Governing Board, shall be responsible for providing the new member with pertinent
background information on ORGANIZATION and on the Advisory Council.
Advisory Council membership shall be for a term of three years and can be renewed by the
Governing Board upon recommendation of the President or the Advisory Council Chair.
 Policy On The Operation Of Issues Committees
Each issue committee of the Board shall be chaired by a member of the Board appointed by the
President. Each committee shall consist of those Board members who elect to serve on the
committee, as well as members recruited from the membership of the organization and the
community. Membership in Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee shall not be a pre-
requisite for service on an issue committee.
Each issue committee chair with assistance from committee members shall:
- Maintain a loose-leaf book, or other file, at the Rhode Island Latino
Political Action Committee office on the work of the committee;
- Prepare committee agendas, call meetings and notify committee members;
- Keep notes of the actions taken at meetings and file a written summary of
the meeting at the office:
- Present the committee's recommendations to the Board for action at Board
meetings;
- Report on the committee's work to the Board and the Executive Director;
- Draft legislation or other material needed for community action in outline
or conceptual form for presentation to the Board and follow-up by the
Director. In case of legislation it must be submitted to the Board as early as
possible and preferably at the September meeting, if filing in the next
legislative session is anticipated.
- Design any special projects for opportunity grants and submit to the
Board for consideration by its November meeting.
 Policy On Citations And Awards
Individuals who make substantial contributions to the effectiveness of Rhode Island Latino
Political Action Committee may be honored by the Board of Governors with a citation or other
suitable recognition.
Areas of effective service may include one or more of the following:

1. Legislators, elected officials or candidates who make exemplary efforts to promote

ORGANIZATION issues or to secure passage of legislation which achieves
ORGANIZATION goals.
2. Public employees, members of commissions, journalists, community organizations, or
individuals, whose integrity, courage or leadership in pursuit of their advocacy on behalf
of the Latino community exemplify ORGANIZATION Mission and objectives.
3. ORGANIZATION governing board members, leaders or volunteers who make
extraordinary efforts to achieve the organization's goals in their area of responsibility.
Citations and awards will be awarded by the Board of Governors on the recommendations of
the Awards Committee. The Awards Committee shall consist of the following persons:
l. The chairperson who shall be appointed by the President;
2. A member of the Advisory Council;
3.The President;
4. The Treasurer.

In making its recommendations, the Awards Committee shall be guided by input from the
general membership, the Advisory Council, the Board of Governors and the Executive Director.
 A coming of age: Latinos form PAC and pols
zoom in
By M.Charles Bakst
B Section
THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

Tuesday August 25, 1998

When they write the history of the Hispanic community's emergence as a full, powerful partner in Rhode
Island elections, folks will note an event last Thursday at the Roger William Park Casino.

The Latino Political Action Committee made its debut with a fundraiser that brought in some $10,000, not
a bad start on building a war chest and establishing clout. The bipartisan PAC is to support candidates -
Hispanic and otherwise -it considers friends.

"We want to Play the game the way everybody else plays it," Dr. Pablo Rodriguez, PAC president, told me.
"We think we are coming of age and are ready."

Bill Guglietta, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, had the. best read on Latinos' setting up a PAC:
"It will send a message to all politicians: You've got to pay attention to them and their interests. PACs have
a way of doing that."

in other words, money talks? "As I've found out," conceded the underfunded Guglietta.
Many pols who flocked to the event contributed money. Tickets were $50 apiece, $200 for sponsors.

Guglietta's primary rivals, Sheldon Whitehouse and Eva Mancuso, were there. Whitehouse said, "The
Latino community is a fast growing community that is coming into its own politically in Rhode Island and
is an important community for an attorney general to work with."

Top Democratic figures on hand included Sen. Jack Reed and candidates for governor (Myrrh York),
lieutenant governor (Charles Fogarty) and general treasurer Paul Tavares). York said that "as someone who
knows that political organization makes a difference in having your opinions and views and needs
addressed," she can see why a PAC is important for Latinos.

Republicans on hand included candidates for treasurer (Jim Bennett) and secretary of state Ed Lopez).
Lopez is a Latino. Still, Democratic Secretary of State Jim Langevin attended, and this was something of a
pattern. One of the community's brightest electoral hopes, Victor Capellan, a candidate for Rhode Island
House, was there, but so was Joe Almeida, a black, and his opponent in the Democratic primary. And while
Miguel Luna, a primary candidate for Providence City Council, was there, so too was Patricia Nolan, the
incumbent he is trying to oust. She is white.

Mayor Buddy Cianci, an independent, made a brief appearance.

It also was an eclectic evening in this sense. Organizers were proud that they had broad representation from
various Hispanic groups -including Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Argentinians and Peruvians -who often
have been rivals. Alina Ocasio, a state economic development aide who is PAC executive vice president,
said outside challenges, such as immigration issues, "are forcing us to become more united."

Caterer Grizzel Rodriguez of Woonsocket served fried chicken fried sweet plantains, meat pies and
meatballs.

PAC activities will include turning out the vote and lobbying. Pablo Rodriguez says key issues include
education, economic development and health. In a speech, he emphasized that Hispanics are not looking for
handouts but for investments in their community. "We are not here to ask for a bigger slice of the pie," he
declared. "We are here to help bake a bigger one, so all of us can have a bigger slice."

And he warned pols not to think that dealing with the PAC relieves them of their duty to campaign in the
community - they still must get out and shake hands and advertise in the Hispanic media.

Some pols are hiring Hispanic staffers - for example, Whitehouse has Carlos Lopez-Estrada as his
scheduler, and Reed has Norelys Consuegra as a constituent aide. Reed, who studied Spanish at West Point
- he also works on Portuguese with a tutor - wowed the crowd with a few words in Spanish. He went on in
English and concluded, "I congratulate you. I look for-ward to working with you. And I'll still keep
working on my Spanish. "Buenas noches."

M. Charles Bakst is The Journal's political columnist.

 Comité Latino de Acción Politica de Rhode
Island
Por Alfonso Acevedo
American News
Edicion 30 de Sep-20 de Oct. 1998

PROVIDENCE, RL El nuevo Comité de Acción Política de Rhode Island instaló su primera reunión
publica el pasado mes de agosto. Con una asistencia numerosa de diferentes comunidades se dió a conocer
el nuevo politico para el estado a los asistentes. Tanto a candidatos de los diferentes grupos políticos, como
a personas de las agencias de servicios sociales, empleados gubernamentales, comerciantes, prensa, etc.

El presidente del Comité es el reconocido profesional puertoriqueño Pablo Rodriguez, quien con su practica
medica en ginecología y su trayectoria en la administración médicas parte activa de multiples comités en el
estado y en la nación. Lo secundan la Vice-Presidenta Ejecutiva, Alina Ocasio Vice Presidente, Juan
Pichardo; Secretaria, Michelle Torres; Asistente de la Secretaria, Margarita Guedes; Tesorero, Tomás A.
Avila, Asistente del Tesorero, Mercedes Bernal;

Dentro de Ia lista del comité podímos citar a algunos activistas, que en años anteriores han formado
parte o han liderado movimientos poilíticos. Son ellos: Alido Baldera, Ricardo Patiño, Victor F. Capellán,
Vidal Perez, Gladys Corvera Baker,RISCW, Tomás Ramírez, Francisco Cruz, Jenny Rosario, José
González, ED.D., Delia Smith, Nellie Gorbea, Manuel Suarez, Esq., Angel Taveras, Esq.
ORGANIZATION (Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee tiene el P.O Box No. 23020,
Providence, R.I. 02903, Telefono (401) 274-52O4.

Antes de Ia alocución inicial preguntamos a Pablo Rodriguez sobre que lo motivaba a participaren politicia,
en estos momentos. A lo cual respondió: "Yo no soy politico, sigo siendo ginecológo. Estoy ayudando a
parir a Ia cómunidad.' El comité presentó sus objetivos principales he hizo incapié en que no es un Comité
que representa a la comunidad Latina exclusi vamente, sólo es un comite' que representa una opinión de la
comunidad latina Afirmó Pablo Rodriguez - y continuó Pablo con los apuntes más importantes sobre el
proyecto de acción poiítica.

El Comité no se ha formado para elegir, postular o aumentar los latinos en los cargos publicos. El Comité
trabajar por elegir, postular y apoyar a aquellos políticos que demuestren las condiciones que garanticen
una gestión que represente a la comunidad en general. No irmportando el país de origen.

Apoyaremos a quien se perfile como un buen representante o candidato no importa Si es anglosajón, latino,
asiatico o afro-americano.

El Comité no se formó para abogar por las causas latinas, si no por las causas de la comunidad que lo
necesite." Sobre estos puntos se basé el discurso de presentación del "ORGANIZATION" por Pablo
Rodriguez.
 A new Latino leadership paradigm
Tomas A. Avila
6.8.2000

THE LEADERSHIP STYLE shared by early Latino leaders in Rhode Island was one based on our
traditional views of leaders as special people who set the direction, made the key decisions and energized
the troops. These ideals were deeply rooted in an individualistic and non-systemic world view. These early
leaders' prevailing leadership myths were still captured by the image of the captain of the cavalry leading
the charge to rescue the settlers from the attacking Indians.

As long as such myths prevail, they reinforce a focus on short-term events and charismatic heroes rather
than on systemic forces and collective learning. At the heart of the traditional view of leadership has been
the assumption that the people are powerless and that only a few great leaders can remedy their lack of
personal vision and inability to master the forces of change.

Because of this myth, the Latino community in Rhode Island has suffered from a lack of collaborating
leadership that could work together toward a common agenda that benefits all Latinos regardless of place
of origin.

As Providence Councilman Luis Aponte, D-Ward 10, so aptly put it during the 1996 elections: "Among the
frequent mistakes Latino candidates have made over the years is concentrating on immigrants from their
own country, instead of attempting to bridge differences." It's true, as he stated, that "candidates and
campaigns tend to focus on that one community, and ignore the importance of all the other votes. You can't
count on just one community to get elected."

Perhaps Hispanics are sometimes their own worst enemies when it comes to developing a unified
movement.

Immigrants closely identify with their homelands -- the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Guatemala,
Mexico, Colombia and at least 15 other Latin-American countries -- making it difficult to agree on a single
agenda. These myths were prevalent in the Latino leadership in the 1980s and '90s, during this community's
emerging growth.

But since 1996, we have seen an evolution in the Latino leadership in Rhode Island that refuses to accept
the old paradigm, and has instead accepted a new leadership of collaboration and co-existence. This new
paradigm of inclusive leadership is producing changes in our community's sharing of power and agendas.

The heart of the new Latino leadership is based on the concept of belonging to a community and its
common interests. No longer should techniques and positions be enough -- rather, it should be a broader
reach for leadership possibilities and a true sense of belonging that win in the new paradigm.

Part of the challenge we need to overcome has been the recruitment of a broad base of people into places
where they can exercise their leadership potential. The new leadership paradigm in our community shall
reach out to everybody and call forth the leadership possibilities that exist in people from all circumstances
and experiences, reminding them, and ourselves, that we all belong to one community and, therefore, we
must share in its leadership.

We have to recognize and promote the idea that leadership is multidimensional in both application and
participation. No longer is it desirable or even practical in our new paradigm to build leadership pyramids
based on the hierarchical structures of traditional organizational charts. Rather, our practice should be to
build flat leadership plazas or open, inviting and inclusive leadership that draws together a diverse
citizenry.

This new concept of leadership has been promoted by some people in our community and can also be seen
in some of our local organizations, such as the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee. These
people and organizations have accepted the idea that leadership in its truest form is about collaborating,
connecting and ultimately catalyzing actions focused on common interests.

We shall accept the reality of developing and building skills for inclusive leadership such as consensus
building, collaboration, deliberation and strategy. We will know how to talk together, work together and act
together.

Finally, this new paradigm of leadership is based on the principle that Latino communities and
organizations must create working principles of process and action that not only allow but encourage
opportunities for new leaders to participate in building and executing common priorities and common
agendas.

We can become a united and thus a greater community, a community that values all of its citizens and
leaders, one where communities and families are strong and prosperous, and where we can encourage and
build on our rich diversity. We can be a more prosperous community, in which we bring together the
enormous productive potential of all of our people. Our community can be a place where we all have an
equal opportunity to contribute to our leadership and to our future -- to have a decent job, a good education,
to be healthy, and to thrive through our enterprise and hard work.

We can become a community where every citizen can play a full and productive leadership role, and be
positive and contributing voices in our community. It is our choice.

Tomas Alberto Avila, an immigrant from Honduras, is a policy analyst with the Center for Hispanic Policy
and Advocacy in Providence.

© 2000 The Providence Journal Company

 Latino Civic Participation Reshapes Political
Climate
Tomás Alberto Avila
Providence American News
10/01/02

If the story of America is one in which rising minority groups eventually seize control of local political
office, many urban communities may well be their latest chapter. Expanding Latino population and rising
Latino voter registration are expected to give many Latino candidates in this year’s election their best
showing in years.

As the political climate reshapes, the Latino population is showing a renewed commitment to
demonstrating its political strength. The remarkable growth of the population and the significance of the
Latino electorate has undergone intense scrutiny and become the subject of fiery debate across the nation.
Policymakers and the public alike have voiced their need for a better understanding of the Latino
community and the significance and actuality of the Latino vote.

The nation's Latino population grew by nearly 60 percent in the last decade, to 35.3 million, roughly
equaling blacks as the country's largest minority. As Latinos strive to translate these numbers into the kind
of political influence that blacks have achieved, the battle is on among Democrats and Republicans to court
this still largely untapped and disparate voting group.

This unprecedented growth will increase Hispanics’ political clout in the next years and will make an
impact on the Congressional Races. Latino groups will be able to state their needs and policy maker will
eagerly listen.

It often used to be assumed that Latinos were an easy target for aspiring politicians hoping to score political
points by attacking minorities, as was shown by Pete Wilson in California and Joseph Paolino here in
Rhode Island back in 1996. While Latinos are fully 13% of the United States population, conventional
wisdom holds that their voter participation is low because many are not citizens. However, such thinking is
dead wrong Latinos will be the pivotal vote in the country’s future elections and any politician betting
against this will pay for it at the polls.

While one quarter of the Latino population is not yet naturalized, applications for citizenship among the
Latino population are at record levels. Nationally, there has been a 100% increase in applications for
citizenship. As a result of the amnesty program begun in 1986, 3 million more Latinos living in the United
States are now eligible for citizenship. The statistics are clear more Latinos will be eligible to vote in
elections than ever before.

The Latino community, threatened by the slew of anti-Latino legislation proposed in Congress and in state
capitols across the country in the mid 90’s heightened awareness of the importance of voting on their
futures. We know that the only way to stop the political attacks on our community is to make our presence
felt at the ballot box.

Latino organizations across the country have mobilized to educate and register more than 1 million new
Latino voters. Voter registration projects are being conducted in Latino communities all over the United
States as we speak. In fact, here in Rhode Island, the RI Latino Civic Fund has unveiled its effort to
encourage Latinos to register and vote.

It is clear; the Latino vote will play a crucial role in the country’s future elections and will continue to be
more important year after year.

As a growing young electorate registering to vote at record rates, Latinos have attracted political attention
from Democrats and Republicans alike. The parties spotlight certain issues in hopes of attracting Latinos,
who tend to be conservative on some issues (such as abortion) and liberal on others (such as government
programs). But rather than simply voting for one party or another, Latino voters like to keep their options
open.

Indeed, many Republicans are pinning hopes on Latino conservatism to help Mr. Bush overcome
Democratic voter registration drives to win Latino support in 2002 and 2004. There's no question the
Republicans need a greater share of Latino voters to stay in the majority. More importantly to the
politicians, Latinos vote, and with their numbers climbing and their willingness to cross party lines, Latinos
could tip the scales in critical races and be the margin of victory.

Last spring's Census report showing that Latinos have officially replaced blacks as America's largest
minority group may hold implications for political change far beyond urban communities. In some cases,
Latinos are expected to make gains in cities long dominated by white officeholders. In multi-ethnic cities
such as Providence, they may fight for seats held by other minorities.

Politicians need to expand their notion of civil rights and make sure Latinos are included in any future race
initiatives. They need to take these voters and potential voters more seriously.

While shortsighted political strategists still dismiss the population as mostly young and nonvoting, the truth
is that, at a time when voter participation rates for most groups have flattened, the rate for Latinos has risen
in states like California and Rhode Island. They need to stop resting on their laurels and aggressively
compete for Latino support. This is a community where a little attention and respect goes a long way.
Politicians have to do better than simply adopting a philosophy of recruiting Latinos as unpaid volunteers
in their campaigns.

The country is undergoing a period of profound change. It is estimated that by the year 2010, Latinos will
account for one in every three American. By 2050, Latinos will comprise well over a quarter of the United
States population. The Latino population will continue to grow in both numbers and levels of civic
participation.

Latinos are naturalizing at much higher rates than in the past and they are becoming active in local
elections. Increasingly, Latinos are becoming the margin of victory factor in electing candidates and
changing policy. Despite the new surge of Latino participation in elections there is still an incredible
amount to learn about the Latino vote. Latino voters tend to be younger, poorer, and less educated than the
general population. The implications of this for the country remains to be seen. This is a new kind of voter,
one we are not used to analyzing.
As the 2002 elections come to a conclusion, Latinos are settling into a position where we have worked
very, very hard to be. We want to be in a place where our vote is not taken for granted by Democrats or
Republicans, where candidates consciously reach out to Latino voters and work hard to convince us that
they offer the better alternative to advance our interests, and that political parties think twice about pursuing
policies that will alienate Latinos.
This is essentially where we want to be, and I think we are well on our way.

Tomás Alberto Avila, 61 Tappan Street Providence, RI 02908 Phone 401-274-5204 Email:
avilatomas@hotmail.com
 Board Committee Job Descriptions
It goes without saying that there is no one-size-fits-all committee list for boards, or what the
responsibilities or activities should be for each committee. In the last issue of the Board Café, we
discussed when boards should have committees (if at all!), and how some boards make effective use
of committees. In this issue we offer committee job descriptions for 15 committees, but your own
organization will construct the committees that are appropriate for your own situation, and use these
descriptions as a reference for your own committee job descriptions. Unfortunately, the list has
resulted in an extra-long issue of the Board Café. We hope you don't mind having a long issue once
in awhile . . .

Fundraising Committee
The Fundraising Committee's job is not simply to raise money. Instead, the Fundraising
Committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's overall fundraising and, in
particular, the fundraising done by the board. To accomplish this, its responsibilities are:

• To work with staff to establish a fundraising plan that incorporates a series of appropriate
vehicles, such as special events, direct mail, product sales, etc.
• To work with fundraising staff in their efforts to raise money
• To take the lead in certain types of outreach efforts, such as chairing a dinner/dance
committee or hosting fundraising parties, etc.
• To be responsible for involvement of all board members in fundraising, such as having
board members make telephone calls to ask for support, and
• To monitor fundraising efforts to be sure that ethical practices are in place, that donors are
acknowledged appropriately, and that fundraising efforts are cost-effective.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee (often called the Budget and Finance Committee) tasks are:

• To review budgets initially prepared by staff, to help develop appropriate procedures

for budget preparations (such as meaningful involvement by program directors), and
on a consistency between the budget and the organization's plans
• To report to the board any financial irregularities, concerns, opportunities
• To recommend financial guidelines to the board (such as to establish a reserve fund
or to obtain a line of credit for a specified amount)
• To work with staff to design financial reports and ensure that reports are accurate
and timely
• To oversee short and long-term investments, unless there is a separate investments
committee
• To recommend selection of the auditor and work with the auditor, unless there is a
separate audit committee, and
• To advise the executive director and other appropriate staff on financial priorities
and information systems, depending on committee member expertise.
 Board Development Committee
In some ways the most influential of all the committees, the Board Development
Committee (sometimes called the Nominating Committee or the Committee on
Trustees) is responsible for the general affairs of the board. While the specific tasks
of this committee vary greatly from organization to organization, they usually
include some or all of the following responsibilities:

• To prepare priorities for board composition

• To meet with prospective board members and recommend candidates to the board
• To recommend a slate of officers to the board
• To conduct orientation sessions for new board members and to organize training
sessions for the entire board, and
• To suggest new, non-board individuals for committee membership.
Program Committee
The Program Committee is often comprised of board members who are most
familiar with the approaches and operations of the organization's programs. (Some
boards feel that the organization’s program--its "products"--should be overseen by
the whole board.) Depending on its make-up and programs, this committee's most
common responsibilities are:

• To oversee new program development, and to monitor and assess existing programs
• To initiate and guide program evaluations, and
• To facilitate discussions about program priorities for the agency.
Other Board Committees
Executive Committee
Sometimes an organization with a large board forms an Executive Committee, which is a smaller
group that meets more frequently than the full board. Some Executive Committees are comprised of
the board officers; others include committee chairs; and some choose other configurations, such as
the board officers and the Fundraising Committee chair. A risk with Executive Committees is that
they may take over decision-making for the board, and other board members will feel they are only
there to rubber stamp decisions made by the Executive Committee.

Audit Committee

The role of the Audit Committee encompasses interviewing auditors, reviewing bids,
recommending selection of an auditor to the board, receiving the auditor's report, meeting with the
auditor, and responding to the auditor's recommendations. For many organizations, the annual audit
is the only time the organization's financial systems are reviewed by an independent outsider, and as
a result the auditor's report is an important mechanism for the board to obtain independent
information about the organization's activities. On smaller boards, the functions of the Audit
Committee are managed by the Finance Committee.

Personnel Committee
The functions of the Personnel Committee include drafting and/or revising personnel policies for
board approval, reviewing job descriptions, establishing a salary structure, and annually reviewing
staff salaries, and reviewing the benefits package. In some organizations the board's Personnel
Committee also acts as a grievance board for employee complaints. Because difficulties can arise if
many less serious complaints are brought directly to the board rather than to the staff person's
supervisor, it is preferable for the personnel committee to act only on formal written grievances
against the executive director or when an employee formally appeals a decision by the executive
director to the board.

Public Policy Committee

Organizations whose mission includes Public Policy or education may create a Public Policy
Committee that stays informed on relevant matters and brings proposals to the table for a board
position or an organizational activity. For example, a Public Policy Committee might draft a written
position paper related to pending cuts in welfare funding or propose that the board join a coalition
of neighborhood nonprofits protesting the closure of a park.

Management Oversight Committee for geographically distant boards

Boards where the members are geographically distant from one another have a difficult time
keeping in touch with the work of the staff. The board may only meet twice a year or quarterly, and
much of the contact among board members may be through e-mail or just with the staff. To ensure
financial and legal oversight in between board meetings, some boards establish a Management
Oversight Committee (MOC), which meets every 6 weeks and where two of the three members live
near the office (the out-of-state member participates by phone). This committee has finance, audit,
legal and personnel responsibilities which might be done by separate committees if the organization
were larger and working in only one city. The MOC provides a report on the organization's
operations to each board meeting.

Temporary Committees

Some committees are convened on a temporary basis to address a specific, single event or issue.
Often called ad hoc committees, they meet for a few months and then disband once their task is
completed. Commonly used temporary committees and their designated tasks include:

• Site Committee: To work with staff to evaluate the existing location and consider a move to
a different location, to review a new lease, or to weigh the feasibility of purchasing a
building.
• Special Event Committee: To coordinate the board's assignments on a particular event, such
as an annual dinner.
• CEO Transition or Search Committee: To seek a new executive director, including
recommending guidelines and a search process to the board, to take steps to help the new
executive succeed. Some search committees hire the new executive director, while other
search committees present a group of candidates to be evaluated by a different committee or
the whole board.
• Merger Committee: To pursue a possible merger with another organization, and to bring
information and recommendations back to the full board.
• Planning Committee: To lead a strategic planning endeavor (the planning committee may
consist of both board and staff members).
• Special Issue Committee: To investigate an unusual problem or opportunity, such as
negative publicity in the newspaper, deep staff resentment against the executive director, an
unusual grant opportunity or a possible joint project with another organization. Setting up a
Special Issue Committee to research the situation and report back to the board ensures that
decisions are based on adequate information.
 Coming into their own
In politics, business, music and the arts, R.I. Latinos are making their presence felt

For the first time in Rhode Island history, seven Latinos ran for seats in the House and Senate this year. The
candidates were Puerto Rican, Dominican, Guatemalan, Panamanian, Argentinian and Mexican-American.
Five lost in the primaries, and one lost and one won in the general elections. The majority of the candidates
who lost say they will try again. The emergence of the Latino community in Rhode Island echoes a national
trend in growth and assertion of power.
Providence Journal
November 11, 1996
 RILPAC MEMBERSHIP
APPLICATION/SOLICITUD DE MEMBRESIA
Please return to: RILPAC P.O. Box 23020 Providence, RI 02903
Name/Nombre: __________________________________________________________
Address/Direccion: _______________________________________________________
City/Ciudad:________________ State/Estado:_______ Zip Code/CodigoPostal_______
Home Telephone/Telefono del domicilio: ______________________________________
E-Mail/Correo Electronico: _________________________________________________
Employer/Lugar de Empleo: ________________________________________________
Employer Address/Direccion del Trabajo: _____________________________________
Work Telephone # _____________________________Cell Phone # ________________

Contribution/Contribución:

$ 10.00 Student (Please enclose copy of student id)

Estudiante (Por favor adjuntar copia de Identificacion)
$ 25.00* Regular member/Miembro Regular
$ _______* Other Amount/Otra Cantidad

* Contributions of $ 25.00 or greater must be made by personal checks or money orders

* Contribuciones mayores de $ 25.00 deben ser hechas con cheques personales o giros

Type of membership/Tipo de membresia: I would like to become/Me gustaria ser:

_______ an active member (attends meetings and has voting privileges)
un miembro activo (asistir a las reuniones y poder votar)
_______ an associate member (receive e-mails, non voting status)
un miembro asociado (recibir correspondencia sin derecho a voto)
________ donor only (no participation)/un donante (sin participación)

Are you a registered voter in Rhode Island? Yes: ________

Esta Registrado para votar en Rhode Island? No: ________

____________________________________ ___________________________
Signature /Firma Date/Fecha
Deciembre 15, 2003

Apreciado(a) amigo(a):

El motivo de la presente es con el fin de extenderle una cordial invitación para que se haga miembro del Comite de
Acción Politica de Rhode Island (RILPAC por sus siglas en Inglés).

Nosotros, los miembros de RILPAC nos sentimos comprometidos en asegurar que todos los Latinos de éste estado se
conviertan en accionistas de nuestro futuro político. Nosotros traemos en éste dialogo político; las esperanzas y
aspiraciones de los miembros de las comunidades minoritarias de éste estado.

Nuestra misión es “influenciar el proceso político en el estado de Rhode Island para mejorar la calidad de vida de
las Comunidades Latinas y Urbanas." Esperamos que acepte ésta invitación y se haga miembro y ayudarnos en la
continuación del apoderamiento de las Comunidades Latinas y Urbanas.

El costo de la membresía es $25.00 anuales, pero le estamos extendiendo un descuento del 25% por membresía de 2
años a un costo de $37.50. Para aprovecharse de éste descuento, su cheque y aplicación de membresía tienen que ser
recibidas antes del 31 de enero del 2004.

Acompañenos en la continuación del apoderamiento político de nuestra comunidad, y esperamos decida

aceptar nuestra invitación y se haga miembro de RILPAC y ayudarnos a continuar el logro de nuestra
misión. Adjunto encontrara nuestra aplicación de membresía al igual que más información sobre RILPAC.
Si tiene cualquier pregunta, sientase en libertad de comunicarse al 401-274-5204 o por correo electronico a
rilpac@yahoo.com

Sinceramente,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

Presidente
 NUESTRA MISIÓN
El Comité de Acción Política Latina es una organización no partidista formada para influenciar el proceso
politico en el estado de Rhode Island para mejorar la calidad de vida de las Latinas y Urbanas.

NUESTROS OBJETIVOS
• Apoyar candidatos de Rhode Island, que se postulen a las oficinas estatales o locales, quienes se
comprometan a mejorar la vida de los miembros de las Comunidades Latinas y Urbanas.

• Endosar candidatos quienes apoyan proyectos que beneficien a los Latinos y a otros individuos de las
Comunidades Urbanas, de la misma manera que alertar o defender proyectos y/o candidatos que puedan
impactar adversamente/beneficiosamente a la comunidad latina.

• Asegurar que aquellos oficiales, lideres políticos, o candidatos que han sido electos tengan un
entendirniento claro de los intereses y prioridades que conciernen a los latinos de Rhode Island.

NUESTRAS METAS
RILPAC se enfoca en las siguientes áreas:

• Asistencia/ Educación a todos los votantes.

• Presionar a los oficiales electos y asegurar apoyo público a los candidatos endosados.
• Promover el derecho al voto y hacer que la comunidad ejerza ese derecho..
• Investigación y recolección de fondos.
• Creación de coaliciones y trabajo en alianza.

MEMBRESÍA
• Membresía Activa:
Los miembros activos deben asistir todas las reuniones y tienen derecho a votar en la elección de la
junta directiva.

• Asociados:
Miembros Asociados reciben todas las publicaciones de RILPAC, pero no tienen derecho a voto en
las reuniones

• Donantes:
Donantes son aquellas personas que contribuyen con una donación financiera a RILPAC pero no
son miembros activos ni asociados.
August 6, 2004

Dear Friend:

I would like to extend you a cordial invitation to become an active member of the Rhode Island Latino Political
Action Committee (RILPAC).

RILPAC members have committed efforts to insure that all Latinos in the state become stakeholders in the political
future of Rhode Island It is our hope that through our efforts and that of our supporters, Rhode Islanders of all ethnic
and racial groups will see the wisdom of advocating for the future of the Latino community as a way of improving
their own lives. We bring to the political discourse of the state the hopes and aspirations of the state’s minority
communities.

Our mission is to influence the political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to improve the quality
of life of Latino and urban communities. Join us in the continuation of the empowerment of the Latino and urban
communities.

We look forward to your acceptance of this invitation, become a member of RILPAC and help us continue fulfilling
our mission. Enclosed you’ll find our application and other pertinent information about RILPAC. Should you have
any questions please feel free to contact me at 401-274-5204, or email at: rilpac@yahoo.com.

Sincerely,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

President
 OUR MISSI0N

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee is a nonpartisan organization formed to influence the
political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to improve the quality of life of Latino and urban
communities.
OUR OBJECTIVES

• To support candidates from Rhode Island for state and local office who are committed to improving the
quality of life for members of the Latino and other urban communities.

• To endorse candidates who support issues benefiting Latinos and other individuals from urban
communities while raising awareness on issues and/or candidates that could adversely impact the
Latino community.

• To insure that elected officials, political leaders and candidates have a broad understanding of the
concerns and priorities among Rhode Island Latinos.

OUR GOALS

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee will focus on the following areas:
• Voter Education/Assistance and improved voter turnout
• Lobbying elected officials and securing public support for selected candidates
• Advocacy and get out the vote efforts
• Research and fundraising
• Coalition building and networking

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to Latinos and other persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are
registered to vote.
LEVELS OF M E M B E R S H I P
Active Membership:
Active Members must attend all meetings and will have voting privileges.

Associate:
Associate members will receive a quarterly newsletter but will have non-voting status.

Donor:
Donors are supporters who contribute to RILPAC but are not active or associate members
Dear Friends:

The purpose of this letter is to extend you a cordial invitation to become an active member of the Rhode
Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC).

We, the members of this PAC have committed our efforts to insure that all Latinos in the state become
stakeholders in the political future of Rhode Island It is our hope that through our efforts and that of our
supporters, Rhode Islanders of all ethnic and racial groups will see the wisdom of advocating for the future
of the Latino community as a way of improving their own lives. We bring to the political discourse of the
state the hopes and an aspiration of this state’s minority communities.

Our mission is not to address past discrimination but to build a better future, not to demand justice, but to
illustrate the benefits of fairness for all, and not to demand a bigger share of the pie, but to help bake a
bigger one together. Join us in the continuation of the empowerment of the Latino and urban communities.

The cost of membership is $25.00 annually, but we are extending you a 25% discount for a 2-year
membership at a cost of $37.50. In order to take advantage of this discount, your check and membership
application has to be received by January 31, 2004.

We look forward to your acceptance of this invitation and become a member of RILPAC and help us
continue fulfilling our mission “to influence the political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to
improve the quality of life of Latino and urban communities.”

Sincerely,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

President
 OUR MISSI0N

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee is a nonpartisan organization formed to influence the
political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to improve the quality of life of Latino and urban
communities.

OUR OBJECTIVES

• To support candidates from Rhode Island for state and local office who are committed to improving
the quality of life for members of the Latino and other urban communities.

• To endorse candidates who support issues benefiting Latinos and other individuals from urban
communities while raising awareness on issues and/or candidates that could adversely impact the
Latino community.

• To insure that elected officials, political leaders and candidates have a broad understanding of the
concerns and priorities among Rhode Island Latinos.

OUR GOALS

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee will focus on the following areas:
• Voter Education/Assistance and improved voter turnout
• Lobbying elected officials and securing public support for selected candidates
• Advocacy and get out the vote efforts
• Research and fundraising
• Coalition building and networking

MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to Latinos and other persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age and are
registered to vote.

LEVELS OF M E M B E R S H I P
Active Membership:
Active Members must attend all meetings and will have voting privileges.

Associate:
Associate members will receive a quarterly newsletter but will have non-voting status.

Donor:
Donors are supporters who contribute to RILPAC but are not active or associate members.
"Apreciados amigos:

El motivo de la presente va con el fin de extenderle una cordial invitación para que se haga miembro del
comite de acción politica de Rhode Island (RILPAC por sus siglas en Ingles).

Nosotros, los miembros de RILPAC tenemos comoprometidos nuestros esfuerzos para asegurar que todos
los Latinos de este estado se conviertan en accionistas de nuestro futuro político. Esta es nuestra esperanza
y en virtud de nuestros esfuerzos y de quienes nos apoyan, todos los residentes de Rhode Island de todos
los grupos étnicos y razas veán en la lucha por el futuro de la comunidad Latina una manera de mejorar sus
vidas. Nosotros traemos en este discurso politico; las esperanzas y aspiraciones de los miembros de las
comunidades minoritarias de este estado.

Nuestra misión no es la de discutir la pasada discriminación , si no la de construir un mejor futuro; no es la

de demandar justicia, si no la de ilustrar los beneficios de la imparcialidad para todos; y no es la de
demandar un "mayor pedazo del pastel" sino de tener la capacidad de hornear uno mas grande entre todos
juntos. Hagase miembro y ayudenos en la continuación del enpoderamiento de las comunidades latinas y
urbanas.

El costo de la membresia es de $25.00 anuales, pero le estamos extendiendo un descuento del 25% por
membresia de 2 años a un costo de $37.50. Para aprovecharse de este descuento, su cheque y aplicación de
membresia tiene que ser recibido antes del 31 de enero del 2004.

Acompañenos en la continuación del enpoderamiento politico de nuestra comunidad, y esperamos decida

hacerse miembro de RILPAC y ayudarnos a continuar satisfaciendo nuestra misión "para influenciar el
proceso político en el estado de Rhode Island para mejorar la calidad de vida de las comunidades Latinas
y urbanas."

Sinceramente,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

Presidente
 NUESTRA MISIÓN
El Comité de Acción Política Latina es una organización no partidista formada para influenciar el proceso
politico en el estado de Rhode Island para mejorar la calidad de vida de las comunidades las comunidades
Latinas y urbanas.

NUESTROS OBJETIVOS
• Apoyar candidatos de Rhode Island, que se postulen a las oficinas estatales o locales, quienes se
comprometan a mejorar Ia vida de los miembros de Ia comunidad Latina y de otras comunidades
urbanas.

• Endorsar candidatos quienes apoyan proyectos que beneficien a los Latinos y a otros individuos de las
comunidades urbanas, de la misma manera que alertar o defender de proyectos y/o candidatos que
puedan impactar adversamente a la comunidad latina.

• Asegurar que aquellos oficiales, lideres políticos, o candidatos que han sido electos tengan un
entendirniento claro de los intereses y prioridades que conciernen a los latinos de Rhode Island.

NUESTRAS METAS
RILPAC se enfoca en las siguientes áreas:

• Asistencia/ Educación al votante o a los nuevos votantes.

• Presionar a los oficiales electos y asegurar apoyo público a los candidatos seleccionados.
• Promover el derecho al voto y hacer que la comunidad ejerza ese derecho..
• Investigación y recolección de fondos.
• Construcción de coaliciones y trabajo en cadena.

MEMBRESÍA
• Membresía Activa:
Los Miembros activos deben atender todas las reuniones y tendrán derecho a voto.

• Asociados:
Miembros Asociados no tienen derecho a voto en las reuniones.
Reciben todas las publicaciones de RILPAC.

• Donantes:
Donantes son aquellas personas que dan una contribución a RILPAC pero no
son miembros activos ni asociados.
March 1, 2004

On behalf of the Board of Directors Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee (RILPAC) I take this
opportunity to inform you that according to our records your membership is schedule to expire March 30th,
2004. We value your membership and cooperation and would like you to continue your membership by
renewing it.

It is important that you renew your membership to ensure that you will remain on our list of Active or
Associate member and encourage you to deliver your annual membership due in the amount of $25.00 right
away, to insure your membership and continue helping us continue fulfilling our mission. Please send your
check to:

The Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee

PO Box 23020 Providence, RI 02903

Sincerely yours,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

President
March 1, 2004

Dear:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Latino Political Action Committee
(RILPAC), I welcome and thank you for becoming a due paying member of our organization.

RILPAC members have committed efforts to insure that all Latinos in the state become
stakeholders in the political future of Rhode Island It is our hope that through our efforts and that
of our supporters, Rhode Islanders of all ethnic and racial groups will see the wisdom of
advocating for the future of the Latino community as a way of improving their own lives.

Our mission is to influence the political process in the state of Rhode Island in order to improve
the quality of life of Latino and urban communities. Join us in the continuation of the
empowerment of the Latino and urban communities.

We look forward to your active participation in our organization and helping us continue
fulfilling our mission. Enclosed you will find a list of our scheduled meetings for the remainder
of the year and our membership manual. If you have any questions please contact me at
rilpac@yahoo.com or contact me directly at avilatomas@hotmail.com.

Sincerely yours,

Tomás Alberto Ávila

President
 Pre-Planning Survey
To prepare for our planning, we’d like your input in advance of the Board retreat. Please take a
few moments to complete this survey and return to _______ by ___________.

1. What are the three most important program issues that we should address over the next
3-5 years? Why?

a.

b.

c.

2. What are the three most important operational issues (e.g. facilities, staffing, governance,
revenues, etc.) we must address over the next 3- 5 years? Why?

a.

b.

c.

3. What are your two greatest concerns for us?

a.

b.
4. What are your two greatest hopes for us?

a.

b.

5. Are there any other issues you would like discussed or recommendations you would like
to make?