DSF Board Member Application & Guidelines

Board members are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.

Are you looking for a way to truly have an impact on the future of Dravet syndrome? DSF is seeking professional, committed individuals who are passionate about finding a cure for Dravet syndrome. Elections are held annually for vacant Board of Director seats.

Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF) is a nonprofit serving the Dravet syndrome (DS) community, whose mission is to aggressively raise research funds for DS and related epilepsies; to support and fund research; increase awareness; and to provide support to affected individuals and families.

 To meet our current Board of Directors please visit: www.dravetfoundation.org/about-dsf/our-team/

The purpose of this application is to enable the current DSF nonprofit board to make appropriate choices of Board Members for service to DSF and the DS community. Applicants interested in serving as a board member should first read and understand the expectations and rules of Board Membership. Completed applications must be submitted before July 31 2022 at Midnight EST for board terms beginning 2023. Applicants may also submit references or letters of recommendation for consideration if they so choose.

Our ideal board candidates have:

  • Prior volunteer work with DSF
  • Attendance at previous DSF events, such as a fundraiser or conference
  • Contributed financially to support DSF
  • Have an active voice or role within the DSF community

Board positions are a voluntary, three-year term that can be served from anywhere in the U.S. Board members will be actively engaged with the Foundation throughout their term, including attendance at events, fundraising, and participation during board calls.

Board Application Timeline:

  • June-August:  Applications for board seats are reviewed by our nominating committee.  Applicants can expect to be contacted for an interview during that time.
  • September:  Nominations and voting will occur during a scheduled board meeting.
  • September-October:  Selected applicants are notified.
  • December:  Onboarding/orientation begins
  • April 2023:  Official start of 3 year term

DSF Board of Director Expectations:

  • Understand and support the Mission Statement of DSF
  • Commit to serving a 3-year term 
  • Attend all board meetings (minimum of 5 per year, 3 hour duration)
  • Be informed about DSF’s services, policies, and programs 
  • Follow important developments and trends related to Dravet Syndrome
  • Assist with fundraising and give a personal annual gift to the organization
  • Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities, such as reviewing and understanding DSF’s financial statements
  • Attend the biennial DSF Family & Professional Conference and serve as an ambassador/volunteer at the event
  • Attend the annual American Epilepsy Society Conference and serve as an ambassador/volunteer at the event
  • Have no more than three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from board meetings and/or required activities
  • Actively engage with and be passionate about supporting the Dravet syndrome community
  • Share his/her skills and expertise
  • Respect and support the majority decisions of the board 
  • Volunteer and assist in DSF’s programs and events, including fundraising efforts
  • Participate actively in board meetings, actions, fundraisers and public events
  • Act as a good-will ambassador to the organization
  • Declare conflicts of interest as it pertains to your position on the board and abstain from voting when appropriate
  • Do your best to ensure that DSF is well-maintained, financially secure, growing, and always operating in the best interest of the nonprofit and the DS community

DSF Board of Director Rules:

    • There will be no criticizing of fellow board members or their opinions in or out of board meetings 
    • There is no criticizing of the organization and its policies unless it is done during private board and/or staff discussions arranged to help resolve issues negatively impacting the organization
    • There will be no use of the organization for personal advantage or that of friends or relatives 
    • No individual board member has the authority to act on behalf of the Board of Directors in any matter concerning DSF or in any manner in regard to any staff member unless given the authority by the entire board

If you would like more specifics about the role of a board member, please email Clare.

The information collected by Dravet Syndrome The information collected by Dravet Syndrome Foundation will not be sold or distributed outside of DSF and is used solely to verify identity and assist with communication. Questions or concerns can be directed to our team

DSF does not accept any volunteer that has been convicted of a violent crime, or one that involves children or is sexual in nature, or involves fraud or significant theft. In addition, volunteers or any volunteer applicants charged with DUI within the last 10 years are expected to disclose this information to the Volunteer Manager. Such volunteers may be prohibited from serving as a volunteer for the Foundation. If occurrence happens during the volunteer’s tenure he or she may be asked to take a leave of absence. The Foundation reserves the right to dismiss any volunteer whose actions do not reflect the Foundation’s needs, mission or values.

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