WHAT IS RAILSBRIDGE?

RailsBridge puts on technology workshops as a free and fun way to get started or level up with Rails, Ruby, and other web technologies. Our events focus on increasing diversity in tech, so that people of all backgrounds can feel welcome and comfortable in our industry.

We teach people to code because we believe that the people making technology should accurately reflect the diversity of those using it. We want to push for all kinds of diversity in tech: gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, and class. We value acceptance, enthusiasm, and hard work. The RailsBridge community thrives on optimism and a love for making great things.

WE WANT YOU!

We have immediate openings for three positions on our board. In addition to their board responsibilities, we expect board members to lead one of our committees being a lead on one of our committees.

You might enjoy working on the RailsBridge board if:

• You are interested in leading a group of volunteers to help us achieve our organizational goals.
• You enjoy big-picture thinking, but also really like getting things done.
• You care about creating sustainable processes to keep the RailsBridge board effective beyond your tenure.
• You can work autonomously and independently.

Although there are no financial expectations to join the board, we do ask that you meet the following criteria:

• You have organized or participated in at least 2 prior RailsBridge workshops
• You’re excited to understand and help improve our mission and strategies, policies and programs, strengths and needs.
• You can actively participate in the board by attending monthly meetings and are able to chair one committee.

The board is currently made up of five women, but we are definitely happy to have new board members of any gender identity! We’re also looking for people with a wide variety of experiences and backgrounds, so even if you haven’t been involved with RailsBridge for years and years, we’d love to hear from you if you think you’d be able to make a positive impact.

RAILSBRIDGE BOARD

RailsBridge’s continued success depends on the personal commitment and active involvement of our board members who are advocates and enthusiastic communicators of the organization’s mission and vision. Our current board is made up of 5 people: Anna Neyzberg, Coraline Ada Ehmke, Kari Bancroft, Rachel Myers, and Bianca Rodrigues.

WHAT DOES THE BOARD DO?

The RailsBridge board got started during the summer of 2014, and officially announced its existence in January 2015. Since then, we’ve had a few board members become emeritus and three new members join.

Our major priority right now is creating the structure to support the committees that we have identified as our primary areas of focus. This is a lofty goal, but we see the need for each component and would really love for each board member to be able to focus on one committee, in addition to the normal day-to-day operations necessary for organizational sustainability.

HOW DOES THE BOARD WORK?

In addition to our monthly meetings, we have regular ad hoc check-ins on normal operations and follow-up on board discussions. We also hope to start monthly meetings lead by each board member with their committee. Asynchronously, we communicate primarily via a private Slack channel within the Bridge Foundry Slack org, and also through email.

Historically we have had an annual board retreat during the North American summer, where we reflect on our past efforts and make plans for RailsBridge for the next year.

JOIN US!

If you’re interested in joining the board, please fill out our Board Application form. If you know of someone who would be a good addition to the board, please share this post with them.

Lastly, please pass this post along to your RailsBridge community — we’d love to consider candidates beyond the current board’s networks! Thank you so much for your help in spreading the word.