Thank you for your interest in The Hermitage Cat Shelter. We hope that the information provided here will familiarize you with our organization, the eligibility requirements for Board membership, the duties and responsibilities of a Board member, and the commitments you would be expected to make as a Board member.
The Hermitage Cat Shelter is a non-profit organization originally established by Sister Seraphim (a Russian Orthodox nun) in the 1960's. Shortly after her death in 1989, a Board of Directors was established to operate the shelter. While we only shelter cats at The Hermitage, we are an organization that is concerned with the welfare of all animals.
Our mission is threefold. We advocate for homeless cats in our community by:
We are currently caring for approximately 325 cats, including both permanent residents and adoptable cats.
Our vision for the future is that:
About the Board
Day-to-day shelter operations are managed by our paid staff, with assistance from our volunteers. All of our Board members are volunteers. The Board is responsible for the governance and financial wellÂ-being of the organization, establishing high-level policies, and setting the direction for the organization.
Elections are held annually at our May meeting for the Board officer positions (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary). The by-laws permit a maximum of 15 Board members, and the existing Board members vote to accept those wishing to join the Board. The term of an elected Board member is 2 years, with the eligibility to be re-elected for 1 additional term.
Applying to the Board
We seek Board members who experienced, educated, and articulate. Ideal Board candidates will have prior experience serving on a Board of Directors, a college degree, formal planning and management experience, and successful fundraising experience. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate your compassion for the welfare of animals.
You must also disclose any possible conflicts of interests that may exist now or in the future. If you are employed or otherwise engaged in an activity that is engaged in the exploitation of animals, you cannot be elected to the Board. You can not be elected to this Board if you are currently on the Board of Directors of another animal welfare organization, unless it is the Animal Welfare Alliance of Southern Arizona (AWASA).
A written application is required, and a blank application form can be downloaded from the website. The application requires the attachment of a current résumé. Completed applications can be mailed to the shelter (ATTN: Board of Directors) or emailed to hermitagecats@aol.com, and it will be distributed to all Board members for review. Prior to any Board application being put on the agenda for a vote, you must have been interviewed by at least two current Board members, who must both be willing to recommend an affirmative vote. You also must have completed a tour of the Hermitage Cat Shelter within the past year. You will also be invited to attend a Board meeting as a guest, so that you can have an opportunity to meet as many Board members as possible, observe how Board business is conducted, and ask any questions that you may have. You will also need to sign the Board Member Duties and Responsibilities document to acknowledge that you have read and understand it.
Board Meetings
Board meetings are normally held at the Ward 6 City Council offices near Speedway and Country Club on the fourth Wednesday of every month, beginning promptly at 6:00 PM. Meetings are normally scheduled for, but not limited to, 2 hours.
Once a year, the Board holds an all-day retreat, which is devoted to strategic planning and any issues that are too time-consuming and difficult to deal with at regular meetings.
Board Member Expectations
Each Board member must be able and willing to contribute to support the organization financially at an appropriate level (a minimum level of $1,000 annually is suggested, which can include participation in fundraising events, sponsorship programs, out-of-pocket expenses incurred directly on behalf of the organization, as well as direct contributions).
In addition to regular attendance at monthly Board meetings and the annual retreat, there are additional requirements that will require some time, including the following:
If you are interested in proceeding and dedicating some of your time and expertise toward helping the animals, we invite you to complete the paperwork and submit your application to join our Board of Directors. Approval is not automatic, and final approval may be denied upon an unsuccessful background or credit check, or for other reasons. If you have any questions, please contact any Board member. We appreciate your interest, and we hope to hear from you soon.