Summary Of Frequently Asked Questions

Summary of Frequently Asked Questions Thank you for your interest in serving on the Disability Rights California Board of Directors. Disability Rights California’s formal Bylaws cover the make-up, duties, powers, terms of office and other details concerning our Board. The Board and Disability Rights California establish the duties, powers and terms of office for other positions. The following is a less formal summary of information that is intended to answer frequently asked questions. Questions about Disability Rights California’s Board: 1.

How many people serve on the Board of Directors? Fifteen to nineteen.

2.

Who appoints members of the Board? The current Board of Directors appoints new members to the Board.

3.

How long are the terms of each appointment? Each term is three years. Members may be re-appointed for a second term. Terms are staggered.

4.

What are the eligibility requirements of Board positions? In general, members of Disability Rights California’s Board of Directors reflect the diverse constituency served by Disability Rights California. We are mandated by federal acts to serve individuals with developmental, psychiatric, physical, learning and sensory disabilities. A majority of Disability Rights California’s Board is comprised of persons with disabilities, and 20% are attorneys with knowledge of disability rights issues. Disability Rights California is also committed to appointing members who represent California’s diverse ethnic and cultural communities and makes efforts to insure the Board reflects different geographic areas of the state.

5.

What are Board members’ responsibilities? The Board provides overall direction of Disability Rights California. The Board does its work through standing committees. Each Board

member serves on at least one committee. Board members are also responsible for fundraising, participation in some outreach events and recruiting new members.

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6.

What is a Public Member? Disability Rights California’s Board added Public Members to the Legislation and Diversity Committees. Public Members help insure that these Committees receive input from individuals which reflect California’s diverse ethnic, cultural and disability communities. Public members serve as full members of the Legislation and Diversity Committees. They receive all Committee materials and vote on matters that come before the Committee. They are reimbursed for their expenses in the same way that all Board members are reimbursed. Public members currently serve one year terms and are eligible for reappointment.

7.

What is the Disability Rights California PAIMI Council? The Disability Rights California PAIMI Council advises the Board on policies and priorities regarding: services to persons with psychiatric disabilities; reviews Disability Rights California PAIMI goals and priorities and assists in the annual Disability Rights California PAIMI Program Performance Review process.

8. How many Board meetings are held each year, and where are they held? There are four meetings held a year. They are held in different areas of the state to be more accessible to our constituents. Generally, meetings are held in Sacramento, the Greater Los Angeles area, the San Francisco Bay area, and San Diego. 9. How long are the meetings and what other time obligations are there? Regular Board meetings are always on a Saturday for one-half day. Committees of the Board usually meet the Friday before the Board meeting. Committees include: Finance, Legislation, Diversity and Program; and Disability Rights California PAIMI Advisory Council. In addition, the Board officers serve on the Executive Committee. 10. What about expenses for Board members? All travel, room, and board expenses connected with the Board meeting are paid for by Disability Rights California. Disability Rights California also provides reasonable disability related accommodations for Board members. Members are not paid an honorarium for their services. 3

11.

Are there any prohibitions regarding appointments? No person shall be appointed or continue to serve as a Director who is: (1) a contractor of the Agency; (2) is an employee of the Agency; (3) as a result of their employment or other activities impedes the Agency’s ability to be independent of any agency that provides treatment, services or habilitation to individuals with disabilities as required by federal law. A small number of Board members may have an economic or loyalty conflict, but of course, must abstain from voting or deliberating in any action in voicing whatever causes the conflict.

12. How do I apply for a position on the Board? You may fill out an application and submit it at any time. Notices of vacancies are posted on our website at WWW.DISABILITYRIGHTSCA.ORG and sent to numerous agencies on a regular basis. In addition, the application may be obtained from our website as well. In general, applications (or updates) are due three to four months prior to the position becoming vacant. 13. Where can I get more information? Please feel free to contact Disability Rights California’s Administrative Unit at 916/488-9955.

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