Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) is seeking nominations for its 2014 board of directors and other committees. Over the years, the organization has resettled and assisted countless Arab immigrants and refugees, and continues to work tirelessly to give them a voice. Lutheran Services does this, in part, by recruiting many of them to its board of directors, where they can help guide the group’s work. 

Seven seats are expected to be open for a  three year term (2014-2016). Each year, one third of the seats on the board are due to open, as part of its pattern of rotation. This year, four of the incumbents are eligible to serve another term. In addition, opportunities are available for service on the following committees: Audit, Communications and Resource Development, Finance and Investment, and Outcomes. 

LIRS is an award-winning nongovernmental organization. The LIRS board works to set the organization’s goals and ensure that it has the resources, leadership and oversight necessary to carry them out. The 16-member board has extensive knowledge of and a serious commitment to refugees and immigration matters. Three Lutheran church bodies, as well as other denominations and faiths, serve on the board. In addition, the board is also made up of three former refugees and two immigrants. LIRS makes a concerted effort to ensure diversity among its board members. The organization strongly encourages the nomination of women, former refugees, immigrants, and other members of underrepresented groups. LIRS is seeking specific skills and expertise to fill current vacancies.  These are outlined in the call for nominations. Information about current board members can be viewed at the LIRS leadership page.

Potential candidates and nominations can visit lirs.org/boardnominations to view the call for nominations, expectations of board and committee members, the nomination timeline, and the nomination form.  Nominations should be submitted to nominations@lirs.org by June 1 for early review, but must be received no later than June 14.