Board Member Application

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project. SF Pretrial facilitates positive and effective alternatives to fines, criminal prosecution, and detention.

As a non-profit, community-based organization embedded in San Francisco’s justice system, our mission represents a commitment to building power in communities. Our clients are actively justice-involved and are referred to our services rather than being subjected to money bail, unnecessary pretrial incarceration, or prosecution.

Being a Board Member of SF Pretrial will provide you with the unique opportunity to contribute to the success of individuals and their families, make a positive impact on the criminal justice system, expand your network and meet people with similar interests and goals.

By joining the SF Pretrial Board of Directors, you will be part of the movement to decrease the jail population, decrease recidivism, and enhance social justice partnerships. It will provide you with an opportunity to build professional networks and enhance leadership skills while working to improve the lives of individuals and families within the community.

SF Pretrial is a dynamic organization and needs the support and input of people with your experience, insight and commitment to community, diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

SF Pretrial Board Roles and Responsibilities

Board Terms

Directors shall be elected at any meeting of the Board for a two-year term, renewable once. Each Director, including a Director elected to fill a vacancy, shall hold office until the expiration of the term for which he or she was elected and until the election and qualification of a successor, or until that Director’s earlier resignation or removal in accordance with these Bylaws and California Nonprofit Corporation Law.. By resolution, the Board may arrange for terms to be staggered.

Regular Meetings

The Board will hold meetings for the purposes of election of Directors, appointment of Officers, review and approval of the corporate budget and transaction of other business. The Board shall meet regularly as determined by the Board either monthly or quarterly, in addition to committee meetings.

Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Board for any purpose may be called at any time by the Chairperson, or the President, or the Vice President (if any), or the Secretary, or any two Directors.

Taskforce/Ad Hoc Committees

Taskforces and ad hoc committees may be called at any time for short-term purposes or for specific assignments or deadlines.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations

• Stay informed about:
  • Agency programs and needs
  • Board and Committee matters
  • Current pretrial policy, issues, and trends
• Get to know other Board and Committee Directors
• Participate actively in evaluation and planning efforts
• May participate in fundraising activities
• Must be willing to sit on various Board Committees (ad hoc and standing)

Board of Directors Candidate Application

Thank you for your interest in serving on the Board. We are currently working on various projects related to board development and agency oversight and advocacy. Time commitment to serve on the board consists of approximately 4-8 hours monthly of in person meetings, phone meetings, responding to email communication, and occasionally serving as an advocate in support of the organization’s mission by attending meetings with stakeholders.