Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) is seeking individuals to join our Board of Directors who can provide essential leadership to the small, statewide organization. Terms are three years and will begin with MIFFS fiscal year on October 1, 2023. Please submit your application by August 1, 2023 here. If you would like to complete your application in a different format please reach out to lauren@miffs.org.

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MIFFS Board of Director Expectations  

The mission of Michigan Food and Farming Systems (MIFFS) is to connect beginning and historically underserved farmers to each other and to resource opportunities; ensuring social justice, environmental stewardship, and profitability. 

 

As the highest leadership body of MIFFS and to satisfy its fiduciary duties, the board is responsible for:    

• Determining the mission and purposes of the organization   

• Selecting and evaluating the performance of the chief executives   

• Strategic and organizational planning   

• Ensuring strong fiduciary oversight and financial management   

• Fundraising and resource development   

• Enhancing the organization’s public image   

• Assessing its own performance as the governing body of the organization   

 

Each individual board member is expected to:    

• Know the organization’s mission, policies, programs, and needs   

• Faithfully read and understand the organization’s financial statements   

• Serve as active advocates and ambassadors for the organization and fully engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for the organization to advance its mission, and notify MIFFS staff of any related activity    

• Leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve the organization’s mission    

• Make a significant contribution to MIFFS that is reflective of your own values and means    

• Help identify personal connections that can benefit the organization’s fundraising and reputational standing, and can influence public policy   

• Prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings   

• Participate fully in one or more committees    

• Commit to 5-10 hours per month, including board meetings and committee work, and submit a yearly report    

 

In addition, board members are expected to follow MIFFS’ bylaws, policies, and board resolutions, sign an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure and update it during the year if necessary, as well as disclose potential conflicts before meetings and actual conflicts during meetings, and maintain confidentiality about all internal matters of MIFFS.   

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