2025 Board of Directors selection

The Board of Directors is the high-level governance body for People Powered. It guides strategy and policy, plans for financial sustainability, and ensures that the organization is carrying out its goals effectively. Per People Powered by-laws, the Board may have between 5 and 15 members. 

Now you can nominate and vote on candidates for our Board of Directors!

First, People Powered members and staff nominate candidates for the board of directors, and candidates can nominate themselves too. 

Then candidates will have a video conversation with People Powered. Staff will lead the call, but all members and current Board of Directors members will also be invited and be able to ask questions. Then, a short introductory video of each candidate will be shared with the community. 

Finally, People Powered members and staff vote on Board candidates. Each People Powered member and staff may vote for up to four board candidates. Candidates must receive support from a simple majority of voters (>50%) to be eligible for election. 

Individuals will be considered eligible for the Board of Directors if they meet the following criteria:

• Relevant expertise for carrying out the organization's work, which may include but is not limited to communications, advocacy, fundraising, technology, international law, international development, public and nonprofit administration, and organizational management.
• Passion for the organization's work to build participatory democracy around the globe.
• Previous experience with participatory democracy programs is ideal.
• Ability to communicate professionally in English.

As part of the Board of Selection process, at least half of the selected candidates must be women or gender non-conforming individuals. At least half of the selected candidates must be from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America. 

To determine the vote results, the woman or gender non-conforming individual with the most votes will first be selected, followed by the candidate from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America with the most votes (if these are different people). The remaining candidates with the most votes will then be selected, until all of the open seats are filled. If at any point the candidate with the next most votes would result in a minority of selected candidates being women or gender non-conforming individuals, or people from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America, this candidate will be skipped.

You can find more information about the selection process and how you can participate in the Board election policy.