The formalization committee began around June 2022 due to the BIAWA canceling all contracts (including tax-exempt support) with all external support groups, as our community integration largely depends on the tax-exempt status provided by the BIAWA. We realized that losing it meant Kitsap Brain Injury would slowly dissolve. Hence, we were called to action.
The formalization committee consisted of the founding board members. The fundamental legal duties of each individual board member include:
Traditionally founding board members identify the roles and expectations of the subsequent board of directors. The board of directors governs the organization’s activities. The organization’s activities reside within the Vision-Mission-Purpose and have attained a majority vote by the board members. The voting process begins by defining the purpose of the ballot and distributing documentation, board members review the documentation, a board member question and answer session, possibly a board member discussion, and finally, a vote to affirm or deny
Generally, the activities of the board of directors are limited to creating goals, figuring out what is needed to attain the goals, fundraising, identifying measurable outcomes, reviewing outcomes and making adjustments, and governmental compliance
Formally we are required by the IRS to assign roles to each founding member. In actuality, the important thing is ensuring that we remain in compliance with our reporting. Our board leadership and governance are based on what works best for us. I found in the planning committee that having members define their own roles and tasks gets the most out of brain injury survivors. On paper, the current roles are:
We differ from traditional organizations in that we have a lateral governance approach. Every member is encouraged to bring agenda items to the table to be discussed and voted on.
The founding board members collaborate to identify the organization’s vision and mission. There was considerable back and forth regarding the vision and mission statements. I believe these are the vision and mission statements that we have been able to hammer out.
Vision StatementKitsap Brain Injury’s vision is to motivate survivors to pursue a fuller, more independent life that is neither limited nor defined by brain injury
Mission StatementTo support, educate and encourage survivors of brain injuries to lead the fullest lives possible by providing a safe, judgment-free support structure to people who have experienced a traumatic or acquired brain injury and their loved ones through dialog, sharing experiences, and helpful strategies to survive and thrive after a brain injury
Purpose StatementThe purpose of Kitsap Brain Injury is to improve the quality of life for brain injury survivors in Kitsap, Clallam, and Jefferson counties. The specific purpose for which Kitsap Brain Injury is organized is to provide information, motivation, inspiration, and support to brain injury survivors.
These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Diversity---Kitsap Brain Injury--Strive to ThriveWe take the broadest possible view of inclusion and diversity, welcoming everyone affected by traumatic brain injury
We value education and science to understand visible and invisible elements of brain change.
Every person’s perspective and experience have value and may help others, sharing practical and rewarding lessons learned with other TBI survivors and caregivers.
We commit to equity and inclusion, supporting those affected by brain injury not just to survive but to thrive in their daily lives.
Anti-harassment policyKitsap Brain Injury is committed in all areas to providing a work environment that is free from harassment. Harassment based upon an individual's sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion or any other legally protected characteristics will not be tolerated. All employees, including supervisors and other management personnel, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in employment with the employer as a result of bringing complaints of unlawful harassment.
Sexual harassment is defined as a behavior of a sexual nature that is unwelcome and offensive to the person or persons it is targeted toward. Examples of harassing behavior may include unwanted physical contact, foul language of an offensive sexual nature, sexual propositions, sexual jokes or remarks, obscene gestures, and displays of pornographic or sexually explicit pictures, drawings, or caricatures. Use of the employer's computer system for the purpose of viewing, displaying, or disseminating material that is sexual in nature may also constitute harassing behavior.
Whistelblower PolicyKitsap Brain Injury is a Washington nonprofit corporation (“Organization”), that will investigate complaints of fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of the Organization’s resources or property by directors, officers, managers, staff, volunteers, or any other agents of the Organization. Any person found to have engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct will be subject to corrective action and may face civil action or referral to criminal prosecution if the conduct warrants such action.
Further, whiastleblowers are protected against response and retalitation