2025 Board of Directors application – Lights Out Louisville

WHO WE ARE

Since 1968, Louisville Audubon has operated as the local chapter of the National Audubon Society—a nonprofit environmental organization established in 1905.

Our chapter is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit with 1,000-plus members from Jefferson County and surrounding counties.

OUR MISSION

We aim to conserve and restore natural ecosystems and protect birds and other wildlife for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

We focus on birds not only because they are beautiful and awe-inspiring, but also because they are a crucial link in the chain of life.

WHAT WE DO

As part of our mission, we collaborate with local and national partners to create and conserve natural ecosystems; educate public and private stakeholders about the benefits birds offer humans; and increase awareness of the threats to birds and other wildlife as they adapt to the perils of living in a human-dominated world.

HOW WE DO IT

We further our mission through community engagement, education, and advocacy. Via our grants program, we support other organizations’ conservation work. Past awardees include Creasey Mahan Nature Center, Raptor Rehabilitation of Kentucky, Second Chances Wildlife Center, and the Falls of the Ohio Foundation.

Qualifications for a Board position

Serve as a Board member for at least two consecutive years
Maintain active membership in the Louisville Audubon Society (or, if not currently a member, be willing to join)
Bring a passion for conservation and a desire to take action
Understand and stay up to date on our mission, policies, and programs
Act as an advocate of and spokesperson for our chapter
Behave ethically and with integrity; champion diversity, equity, and inclusion
Attend and actively participate in at least 75% of monthly Board meetings each year (generally held on the third Tuesday of each month over Zoom); review agenda and supporting materials (such as prior month’s meeting minutes) ahead of Board or committee meetings
Serve on or volunteer to chair at least one committee (Current committees: Conservation Committee, which includes Lights Out Louisville; Grants Committee. Potential future committees may include: Advocacy & Education; Events; Member & Community Engagement; Publicity & Communications)
Volunteer to lead or participate in special projects in your area(s) of expertise as opportunities arise
Help plan our annual meeting (held every spring) as well as other ad-hoc events as needed (attendance at events related to key LAS programs is highly encouraged)
Contribute at least two blogs per year to ensure fresh website/social media content (either by writing your own draft or submitting bullets/notes to LAS writers who can ghostwrite for you)—more if you’d like!
If LAS Volunteers are unavailable, support community-engagement activities (such as staffing events, leading presentations or talks at local organizations, leading bird walks/field trips, etc.)
Be willing to submit to a background checked administered by the Kentucky State Police*

*Background checks may be required for insurance purposes. However, a prior conviction or criminal record will not automatically exclude you from being selected as a Board member.

NOTE: We are accepting and vetting applications on a rolling basis throughout 2025 for our 2026 Board for two officer positions: Treasurer and Secretary. Those who apply and are accepted in 2025 for the 2026 Board will have the opportunity to get direct training and coaching from the current Treasurer and Secretary.

SECRETARY’S KEY DUTIES (non-exhaustive):
• take minutes during Board meetings and share for the Board’s approval
• save and file important documentation and correspondence in LAS’ digital files
• check the LAS P.O. box and communicate to appropriate parties any action items from mailed correspondence
• handle Chapter/Board correspondence with National Audubon Society as needed
TREASURER’S KEY DUTIES (non-exhaustive):
• track ingoing/outgoing funds from LAS financial accounts and manage
• prepare a monthly Treasurer’s Report on LAS’ financials and present it to the Board ahead of and at each meeting
• issue checks for grants and other expenses as needed
• file annual Secretary of State report and tax documents

rEADY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Help us shape a healthier tomorrow for birds and other wildlife—and for the environment we all share. Fill out the application below to be considered for a seat on Louisville Audubon Society’s Board of Directors.