The Interfaith Welcome Coalition (IWC) is seeking new board members for the 2025-2027 term to carry out our mission to meet the changing needs of asylum-seekers, refugees, and at-risk immigrants. Board members are expected to take an active role in the IWC community by serving on committees, assisting with fundraising, advocating within their respective communities, and contributing their professional skills for the betterment of the IWC.
Mission & Vision
Meeting the changing needs of asylum seekers, refugees, and at-risk immigrants in collaboration with others.
History
The Interfaith Welcome Coalition came together in the summer of 2014 in response to the overwhelming need of unaccompanied children coming to the United States from Central America. A broad network of faith communities and community organizations began working closely to serve children as well as adult migrants. The organization grew, and in 2019 a non-profit corporation was formed. While IWC takes seriously our ties to local faith communities, our work continues to evolve, and today IWC collaborates with many local, regional, and national organizations to serve migrants.
Our Work
The work of IWC focuses on migrants crossing the southern border, who have begun their asylum application and are awaiting an official grant of asylum by a judge. Historically, the people we help primarily come from Latin America and Africa. Our central work is assisting migrants as they travel through San Antonio to other locations in the United States where they have family or other support. We do this by maintaining a robust bus station and airport program with an extensive volunteer network as well as cooperation with other organizations and the city of San Antonio.
IWC feels strongly that, if the plight of immigrants is going to improve, we must be intentional about educating and advocating to change the systems that impact immigrants.
Governance
The Board of Directors is the governing body of IWC. Presently, board members serve three year terms but may seek reelection for multiple terms. An Executive Committee made up of the officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer) are responsible for day to day operations. Other committees address specific operational and missional objectives as designated by the Board of Directors.
Funding
IWC is a 501c3 corporation and depends upon private financial support. Since its inception, the financial position has been excellent, primarily because of a single major donor. The board has a goal of broadening the base of support and considers this an important responsibility of each board member.
Board Member Role & Expectations
Board members are expected to take an active role in the IWC community by serving on committees, assisting with fundraising, advocating within their respective communities, and contributing their professional skills for the betterment of the IWC.
IWC Board Members agree to:
- Attend and actively participate in board meetings. Board members are asked to be present at all regular meetings. We understand possible exceptions but your presence is expected for at 75% of meetings each year. Meetings generally are held 7 times per year (January, February, April, June, August, October, and December) via Zoom.
- Serve on at least one committee of the board. Committees consist of a subset of the Board of Directors and/or involved community members. Current committees of the board include finance, personnel, and fundraising. Other special committees may be formed to address specific needs. Committees require additional time and responsibility outside of board meetings and meet as needed or at the direction of the chair.
III. IWC benefits from its Board’s time, talent, and treasure and expects members to contribute in several of the following ways:
- Donating monetarily and/or soliciting outside donations and contribute to the financial health of the IWC.
- Hosting an introductory event at one’s home, place of worship or other gathering;
- Introducing IWC to potential donors, grant opportunities, foundation contacts, or corporate prospects including one’s own place of work; and
- Donating professional skills.
- Represent the IWC and its mission in the community. The Board of Directors is asked to stay current on migration, immigration, and asylum issues in the United States and act as advocates for IWC and the communities we serve.
- Build the Board. Members are asked to identify potential board candidates who will actively and substantially contribute to IWC’s long-term success and assist with the onboarding of new board members.
Interested applicants should complete the Board Member Application by November 22, 2024. IWC does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
Board elections will be held December 12, 2024 and duly elected members will be notified thereafter. Email questions to bilqis79@sbcglobal.net.
