Frequently Asked Questions

Who can serve? Currently, nominees for the Board of Directors must represent of one of TALC’s member groups (though some restructuring of the Board is likely to happen in 2009). Groups that are currently affiliate groups, or have not yet become a member or affiliate group of TALC, may apply to become a member group in order to be able to nominate a candidate. The nominee does not have to be the current designated member/affiliate group representative or work for the organization, but can be anyone who will represent the organization on the TALC Board. The Board members whose terms are ending can be nominated again.

What is the time commitment? Those elected to the Board will serve a three-year term officially beginning in January 2009 (but will attend the November 2008 meeting). Board terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the twelve Board members’ terms expire every year. There are meetings every other month in Oakland, somewhat frequent e-mail exchanges, and Coalition working groups that the Board members participate in.

What are you looking for in a candidate? TALC wants a Board with a balanced mix of social justice, transportation, health, affordable housing, and environmental advocates, plus a geographic representation and cultural diversity that reflects the Bay Area. Consideration is also given to any additional talents and resources the candidate organization and its Board representative bring to the Coalition, including legal, financial, non-profit management, and fundraising expertise. TALC also has an Advisory Board for committed individuals who want to be more engaged in TALC, but do not want to join the Board of Directors.

How is the election run? Nominees are asked to write a one-paragraph biography and one-paragraph statement of interest, which must be submitted with the nomination form. The candidates will be put on a ballot that goes to the current member group representatives, from which the top vote-getters are confirmed by the Board, based on the number of seats available. TALC’s Organizational Plan also calls for those Board members who are not trying to be reelected to recommend a slate of candidates from all of the nominees that they believe best complements the existing board and promotes cultural, geographic and issue diversity.

How do I nominate someone? Use the nomination form (80k PDF file) -- also available as an application in MS Word format. Please email, mail or fax the form in by August 31, 2008. For additional information, including a copy of TALC's "Board Roles and Responsibilities", contact Marta Lindsey at marta@transcoalition.org or 510-740-3150 x321. You can self-nominate as long as your organization has been informed you will be doing so. A list of the existing Board members is below.

TALC Board of Directors as of August 2008

Class of 2008 (terms are ending this year):
Andy Thornley (Bay Area Bicycle Coalition)
Anita Rees (LIFETIME: Low Income Families’ Empowerment Through Education)
Rocky Birdsey (Marin Center for Independent Living)
Rubén Lizardo (PolicyLink)

Class of 2009:
Amanda Brown-Stevens (Greenbelt Alliance)
Juliet Ellis (Urban Habitat)
Sarah Karlinsky (SPUR)
Winston Dong (Reconnecting America)

Class of 2010:
Corinne Winter (Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition)
Roxanne Sanchez (SEIU Local 1021)
Policy Director, (Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California)
Mike Daley (Sierra Club)