Governance Evolution Q&A
Earlier this month, we held an event to update the Partnership on our governance evolution and how it aligns with our audacious and extended goal of transforming SVP Portland to be more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. The robust discussion was led by SVP Partners and Board Directors Charlie Gilkey and Larry Fox. We want to share some highlights with those who were unable to attend, and be sure to look out for a Q&A about Dynamic Teams in an upcoming newsletter.
Q: Why did we make changes to our long-held governance model?
A: The new governance model is designed to decentralize our governance operations, be inclusive of diverse lived experiences, and share power with community leadership in meaningful ways. As SVP Executive Director Lauren Johnson explains, “we acknowledge that there was power held within the Board, that actually didn't reflect our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion or further our being an anti-racist organization.”
Q: How does a reduced number of people on the Board contribute to more diversity overall?
A: It’s not about the size of the Board, per se, but the sphere of responsibility. Overall, the goal is to distribute power and decision-making outside the Board. Work that might have been done solely by the Board will be distributed across standing Teams and Dynamic Teams, and these Teams may include Community Partners. One part of a bigger strategy to increase the inclusion of diverse voices is to reduce the expected time commitment and increase the match between a participant’s expertise and the expertise needed.
Q: How does including Community Partners in decision-making help SVP become more inclusive?
A: It is important to us that we include and center community voices that bring lived experience, skills, perspective, and wisdom to our work. We want to share power with those closest to the community challenges we strive to help address, which will better inform decision-making that shapes our strategy and approach.
Q: What is the Board composition actually going to look like?
A: Our newly adopted bylaws allow for five to eight Directors (ideally an odd number) who will serve either one or three-year terms (to be determined at election), staggered to maintain continuity. Officers include a President (Chair), Treasurer, and Secretary. Right now we have five Board members, with Bob Tate as interim President, Larry Fox as interim Treasurer, and Steve Fields as interim Secretary. We are being strategic, thoughtful, and intentional about Board recruitment, and you are welcome to reach out to Bob or Lauren if you might be interested in serving.
Q: What is our role within the broader SVP network?
A: Based on inquiries and feedback from other SVP affiliates to date, we see a huge opportunity to influence not only the SVP network but philanthropy as a whole. These issues are quite topical in philanthropy, and many affiliates are curious to learn from our evolution and potentially follow our lead in adopting a similar governance structure. We are proud to be at the forefront of this change to redistribute power more broadly among our Partners and amplify the voices of our Community Partners.We admit that we do not have all of the answers right now, but we will continue to listen and adapt as we move forward with this evolution. This is the beginning of an ongoing dialogue with Partners and Community Partners alike, and we are grateful to have thoughtful, committed, and engaged Partners in our community as we work toward being more diverse, equitable, and inclusive as an organization. You’ll hear much more about Board recruitment and Dynamic Teams in the coming months. In the meantime, if you have questions or feedback, please contact Lauren.