As we announced last week, the Columbia Street Waterfront Association (CSWA) Nominating Committee is now accepting applications from neighbors who would like to serve on the CSWA Board.
Open Positions
All board and officer positions are open as our Annual Meeting on November 16 is the first time CSWA members will elect the Board.
- One (1) President, serving a three-year term.
- One (1) Vice President, serving a three-year term.
- One (1) Treasurer, serving a three-year term.
- One (1) Secretary, serving a three-year term.
- Four (4) additional directors, serving two-year terms.*
- Three (3) additional directors, servicing one-year terms.*
We encourage neighbors with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and perspectives to apply. The only absolute requirement is that you must be an Individual or Business Member in good standing. The Support page of our website outlines the requirements to be an Individual or Business Member.
How to Apply
Please complete the application form by Friday, October 9.
If you have questions, you may contact the Nominating Committee at NomComm@columbiastreetwaterfront.org.
What does the CSWA Board do?
The CSWA Board is a volunteer, working board that serves the neighborhood. Board members focus on:
- Community advocacy to assure our neighborhood voices are heard on major projects like the Brooklyn Marine Terminal
- Supporting our local businesses.
- Traffic and environmental safety for our neighborhood
- Preserving and expanding public spaces!
- Building community through events and activities for all ages
Summary of Responsibilities and Time Commitments:
- Directors: Directors participate in discussions and decisions about neighborhood issues, support the work of CSWA committees and initiatives, and help represent the Association in the community.
Time commitments of directors: One 2-hour board meeting every other month, plus 2–4 hours per month outside of meetings, depending on ongoing issues and interests. Additional board meetings may be scheduled as needed. - President: The President helps set priorities, coordinates Board work, serves as a primary point of contact with agencies and elected officials, and supports the overall functioning of the organization.
Time commitment: Same as directors as far as board meetings, plus 2–4 hours per week outside of meetings, depending on ongoing issues and interests.
- Vice President: The Vice President assists the President with their responsibilities.
Time commitment: same as directors for board meetings, plus 1-2 hours per week outside of meetings, depending on ongoing issues and interests.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer maintains the Association’s financial records, oversees all Association funds, processes payments and reimbursements, and ensures that tax and other required filings are completed. The Treasurer reports regularly to the Board and membership on the Association’s financial status and prepares the annual budget and financial reports required by law and by the bylaws.
Time commitment: same as directors for board meetings, plus 3–5 hours per month outside of meetings, depending on ongoing issues and interests.
- Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for taking and distributing board minutes. The Secretary also manages approval of Board resolutions and assures board members complete their Conflict-of-Interest disclosures.
Time commitment: same as directors for board meetings, plus 2–4 hours per month outside of meetings, depending on ongoing issues and interests. - Board members may be members of one or more committees. Committees meet on an ad hoc basis and involve various levels of participation.
*The difference in term length is because this is the first board election, and having different terms allows us to stagger board membership so there is carryover of board members from term to term. The initial elected Board will decide by lot which of the non-officer Directors will serve the one-year and two-year terms. In future years, all directors and officers will be elected to three-year terms.
For more details see the CSWA Bylaws, section VII.