Our Mission
Our mission is to increase the size, health, and equity of the urban tree canopy in Boston through engagement, outreach, education, and advocacy. We partner with government agencies, community organizations, corporations, and residents to plant trees, increase community engagement, improve tree policies, and raise awareness about the importance of trees, especially in environmental justice neighborhoods with low tree coverage. Our aim is to support the city’s efforts, as mapped out in its Urban Forest Plan, to improve the city’s urban forest in the face of climate change.
We are rooted in four core values:
- Urban resilience is critical in this era of global climate change.
- All Boston residents deserve a clean and healthy urban environment.
- Green communities are the backbone of safe spaces, social cohesion, and livable neighborhoods.
- All residents play an important role in solving local and global environmental challenges and we celebrate the inclusion of a diversity of stakeholders from all of Boston’s neighborhoods.
Board Expectations
- Leverage connections, networks, and partnerships to help SFTT achieve its mission.
- Identify, secure, and oversee additional financial support.
- Serve as an ambassador and representative of SFTT to promote the organization’s mission.
- Have a passion for issues of urban environmental resilience, justice, and public health.
- Recruit new board members who have skills and backgrounds that serve the organization’s needs.
- Help locate and engage like-minded individuals, organizations, and academic institutions.
- Complete a three (3) year term (with a maximum of 2 terms per member).
Board Duties
- Provide assistance by participating in at least one committee
- Provide expertise and assistance on ad-hoc committees and in projects, as needed.
- Participate in 90-minute quarterly meetings (virtual until public health guidelines allow in person.)
- Participate in inter-quarterly 45 minute conference calls.
- Contribute financially at a level of personal significance.
- In conjunction with the board, assist in raising 10% of annual budget (~$100,000 of $1 million dollar annual budget).
Desired Qualifications
We seek board candidates who embody the following characteristics and skills:
- Passion and influence to help SFTT add scale to its programs and reach.
- Experience in strategy development, accounting, financial management, grant-writing, marketing/branding, long-term budget planning, fundraising, and event coordination.
- Experience in climate justice and environmental activism.
- Knowledge and expertise in forestry and/or arboriculture.
- Strong professional and personal networks at the community level.
- Previous experience as a board member of a non-profit, but all candidates will be considered.
Interested candidates should send an email with a recent resume to trees@treeboston.org.
