Sweet Streets is seeking new board members!
Sweet Streets, a volunteer-led nonprofit advocacy organization seeks new dedicated members to serve on its Board of Directors.
Board members are responsible for steering organizational direction as well as conducting day-to-day activities that make streets safer for people walking, biking, taking transit and more pleasant places to be. Our current priorities include:
Neighborhood Byways: advocate for the city to prioritize the build out of neighborhood byways, submit Capital Improvement Program funding requests, and facilitate awareness and navigation through Bike Streets
Make Local Streets Decisions Local: continue covering recent state overreach into SLC’s street design by engaging with local and state leaders, keeping our followers abreast of developments, and pushing for more transparency and public engagement during the process
News, Education, and Outreach: keep our community in the know with projects and plans, share public input opportunities, produce informative content about urbanism, and hold meaningful events that foster use of public spaces, advocate for change, or bring the community together
These are among other initiatives led by Sweet Streets, as well as real-time responses to the city and state’s actions and inaction.
Board members are expected to attend monthly meetings, which are 90 minutes. These have been held on the third Monday of the night at 6:30 PM in person, though we’re considering whether to change to online meetings later in the evening at a time better for parents. Between board meetings, board members should be available on Slack to move initiatives forward. We have sought geographical representation of our city and are committed to including individuals from a variety backgrounds and professional experiences.
Why join the board?
We asked Troy Saltiel, who joined the board over two years ago, why he got involved and about his experience:
“I was trying to get around more frequently by walking, biking, and transit and found myself questioning why things were designed the way they were. I sent out a few emails to city leaders and got some responses, but it felt like things just ended there. My favorite urbanist content creators often reiterate the importance of joining local community groups, so I looked around and found Sweet Streets. I started joining events, responding to calls for action, and saw how much more you can do with a collective group, such as getting 20 MPH local speed limits, rallying our neighbors around safe streets improvements, and keeping transit projects like 200 South on track.
By joining the board, I became much more connected to my community and learned the inner workings of local government. Instead of shouting into the void, I know the time I spend can actually effect change, and improve the quality of life for myself, my friends, and my neighbors. If you have the time, I’d highly recommend throwing your name in the hat and giving it a try!”
As part of the requirement for becoming a board member, you’ll need to join two board meetings first. You can also consider this a trial run to see if you want to fully commit.
We are looking for board members who are:
Interested in the opportunity to influence how our public spaces are used for the betterment of the Salt Lake City community, build relationships with elected officials and partner organizations, and work with people passionate about creating a less-car-dependent city for everyone
Passionate about how streets and other public spaces can address many of problems we face as a community
Either experienced in local/civic engagement or nonprofit/mission-oriented work, or have a strong desire to learn
We're looking for these skills/talents:
Knowledgeable (or passion for self-teaching) about public finance, urban planning, architecture, public transit, biking, urban walking, advocacy, city workings, street design, or state and local policy
Skills or experience in fundraising, social media, outreach, community organizing, accounting, networking, volunteer coordination, or research
Other requirements:
Ability to give an average of 1-3 hours a week to the organization's work. As a volunteer-run organization, our families and day jobs come first, so we remain flexible with commitments so long as there is clear communication
To Apply
Interested individuals should fill out this form to apply. The form will be open through Monday, July 6th.
Thank you for taking an interest!
- The Sweet Streets Board
