Kokua Services

Kokua is a Thurston County nonprofit supporting adults with developmental disabilities. About 160 staff make it possible for people with complex medical and behavioral needs to live in ordinary homes in their own neighborhoods rather than in institutions.

We also run LEAD, a free one-to-one tutoring program on the campuses of The Evergreen State College and Saint Martin's University, and hummingbird studio, a community art space open to people of every ability. About 85 cents of every budget dollar goes to mission-related programs.

What the board actually does

We don't run Kokua — the Executive Director and staff do that, and they're good at it. The board governs. We approve the budget and watch the finances. We hold the organization to its mission. We plan for what Kokua needs to become, and we make sure the resources are there when that future arrives.

Who we're looking for

Most of all, we're looking for people who have a heart connection with the issues affecting individuals with disabilities.

Beyond that, we have room for a wide range of skills — bookkeeping or banking, fundraising, event planning, marketing and communications, information technology, human resources, public speaking, grant writing, board development, or simply deep roots in this community. You do not need previous nonprofit or board experience. We will teach you the governance and the finances.

The commitment, honestly

• Meetings. Typically the last Friday of the month, 1:00–3:00 pm. Our bylaws require at least quarterly, and we ease the schedule in especially busy stretches.
• Preparation. Read the board packet in advance and come ready to ask questions.
• Project work. Take a leadership role in at least one ad-hoc committee or task force each year. We use short-term working groups rather than permanent standing committees.
• Giving. Every board member gives something every year — a personal gift, an introduction to a donor or sponsor, or hands-on work at a fundraiser. What that looks like is yours to decide.
• Advocacy. Speak for Kokua in your own circles.
• Term. Three years, with year-to-year extensions after that.

A note on timing: our meetings fall during the workday, which we know rules some people out. It tends to work well for people who are retired, self-employed, or whose employer supports board service on work time — many local employers do, and it is worth asking yours.

What you'll get

A real education in nonprofit governance and finance. Colleagues who take this seriously. And genuine influence over an organization that changes how people live.

Interested?

Apply through VolunteerMatch and we'll be in touch. From there it's a conversation over coffee; if it feels right on both sides, you'll complete a short application and meet with two members of our recruitment committee before joining us at a board meeting. There's no commitment either way until we're both confident it's a good fit.

Kokua is a Hawaiian word. It describes a way of relating to other people marked by kindness and a real desire to be of help. Our founders chose it on purpose.

If that sounds like you, we'd like to meet you.