Board Member Responsibilities

Leadership by a volunteer board guides the work of Humanities Kansas and anchors the mission in Kansas values and priorities. The members’ backgrounds, expertise, and other assets vary, but collectively they provide for Humanities Kansas to remain a successful and creative organization.

All Humanities Kansas board members are expected to:

• Provide financial and governmental oversight of the organization
• Actively participate in fundraising
• Be knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the public humanities
• Promote HK's work through attendance at events and business meetings
• Serve on working committees and task forces
• Support HK's commitment to equity

In Detail:

1. Humanities Kansas is governed by a 21-member Board of Directors. 17 are elected through open nominations and four appointed by the Governor.
2. Members serve without compensation although reimbursement for board-related travel is available.
3. Members serve for one three-year term with the possibility of renewal for an additional three-year term. Terms begin July 1.
4. Business meetings usually occur in February/March, June, and October. The locations of the June and October meetings rotate statewide, but the March meeting is held online or in Topeka. During the pandemic, meetings have been held remotely but the assumption at this time is that most future meetings will be held in person when it is safe to do so.  In-person business meetings are held on Fridays from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. Committee meetings are often held the Thursday afternoon prior to the business meeting or conducted online.
5. Each member annually serves on at least one standing committee and /or task force.
6. New board members attend an orientation and receive an overview of the history, policies, and responsibilities.

Mission

Humanities Kansas connects communities with history, traditions, and ideas to strengthen civic life.

About Us

Since our founding as an independent nonprofit in 1972, our pioneering programs, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations, generate insights, and encourage civic engagement. Together with our partners and supporters, Humanities Kansas inspires Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics and culture to enrich their lives and to strengthen the communities we call home. Humanities Kansas receives funding from tax-deductible gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the State of Kansas.

Inquiries about the Nomination Process or Board Membership

Nominations are due by April 7, 2023 for individuals wanting to be considered for board membership vacancies in 2023. 

Please contact Julie Mulvihill, Executive Director, at julie@humanitieskansas.org or call 785-357-0359. A call for new board members is circulated annually in the spring.