Ujaama Advisory Council
Organizational Profile
The Black Montessori Education Fund (BMEF) is committed to Montessori education as a means of liberation. We are a fiscally sponsored project of MOMIE’s INC that aims to bridge the educational gap for the Black community. We provide funding for Black people to access quality and culturally responsive Montessori programs as a means for social, emotional, spiritual, and economic liberation.
We offer 4 types of scholarships for Black educators, leaders, families, and researchers to enroll in and start Montessori programs around the world.
Are you passionate about increasing the accessibility of Montessori education to Black people in the US and around the world and eager to make a meaningful impact? The BMEF is inviting dedicated individuals to join our Ujaama Advisory Council (UAC) – a dynamic team of 6 committed individuals seeking to support the organization through counsel alongside others who share a vision for Montessori education as a means of liberation for Black people and all others, regardless of race and socioeconomic status.
What is the function of the Ujaama Advisory Council?
The BMEF Ujaama Advisory Council is a group of volunteers who are passionate about increasing the access that Black people around the world have to a Montessori education, both as children and adults.
The ideal candidates will be able and willing to commit to a one-year term of a few hours per month to BMEF activities that will help to increase the funding capacity and visibility of the organization. The UAC addresses a crucial need for these as well as robust leadership support within the BMEF from a nonprofit and educational perspective.
As a member of the UAC, you will play an important role in offering advice, support, and resources to the BMEF in order to help the organization meet its goals and to widen its impact and support initiatives.
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Dedicated individuals with a diverse range of expertise including but not limited to business, law, Montessori education, marketing, fundraising, and strategic planning.
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BMEF will advertise the council through our anniversary event, social media platforms, and word-of-mouth. Interested parties can apply on our website for consideration by the BMEF leadership team or nominate an individual by contacting us via email.
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We are seeking diversity in professional backgrounds, experience, and demographics.
Purpose & Scope
UAC members will commit to a minimum of 1 year of supporting the BMEF in the following ways:
Provide strategic guidance for the organization
Engage in fundraising efforts and offer support for the BMEF through time, expertise, and financial support
Engage in preliminary scholarship grading in collaboration with BMEF once a year
Contribute to the development and improvement of our programs and initiatives
Provide suggestions, ideas, and content for our website, social media, and other platforms
Participate in the BMEF’s events, award ceremonies, and fundraising events and help promote the BMEF’s visibility through all available networks and avenues
Help to ensure that the organization is organized and managed in an accountable, fair, and systematic manner and in compliance with applicable law
Provide valuable feedback of our strategic plans, goals, and policies
Member responsibility includes (but is not limited to):
Meetings and Events
The UAC members will commit to virtual 2-hour meetings every other month, at minimum. Meetings will be led by the council chair.
The schedule of meetings will be determined by members after the first meeting. The council secretary will provide minutes.
Aside from this there are annual events including but not limited to:
June
Black Montessori Retreat Location TBD
TBD
Other Conferences
TBD
February
AMI Refresher Conference
San Diego
October
MSJ Annual Event
TBD