Be a Champion for Veterans Rights

Interested in joining our Board of Directors? We are not only looking for people to be members of our board; we are looking for people who want to be a part of our community and make a difference for our veteran clients.  

About the Agency

We're vets helping vets.

Swords to Plowshares is a Bay Area-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting all veterans every step of the way. Founded in 1974 by six Vietnam veterans, Swords has a mission to heal the wounds of war, to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to prevent and end homelessness and poverty among veterans.

All services are free of charge. They include: case management, counseling, support groups, emergency housing, food assistance, rental support, supportive housing, vocational training, employment services, and legal support to access VA benefits.

WHO WE SERVE

About the clients

Swords to Plowshares serves all veterans, regardless of military discharge or service era. Many of the veterans who come to our doors are unhoused or at imminent risk of homelessness, report a physical or mental health disability, lack access to healthcare, have limited income, or are seniors with health issues.

3,000+

Bay Area veterans served annually

65%

of new clients are over 55 years old

Research & PUBLICATIONS

We serve locally and advocate nationally.

We also provide research and publications, community education, and policy advocacy at the state and national levels. Learn more about our Policy work here.

Veterans Reference Guide

Overview of this Reference Guide The demographics and cultural characteristics of service members, veterans and their families from all eras. The scale and scope of issues veterans may encounter. Availability and limitations of federal resources for veterans.

FINDINGS: Peer Support in Service Delivery Models

Research suggests there is high value in including peer support specialists in mental health care...

FINDINGS: Opioid Addiction, COVID-19, and Veteran Mental Health in San Francisco

At the onset of the COVID-19, pandemic researchers warned that the pandemic would result in a substantial increase...

LEARN MORE

About the Board of Directors

Apply using the button below. The Chair of the Development & Governance Committee will reach out to connect with you in 10 business days.

The Ideal Candidates

We are looking for people who meet at least 2 of the following groups/criteria:

  • Connection to enlisted veteran community
  • Veteran family members (chosen/blood/caretaker)
  • Worked at the VA or veteran-focused organizations Veteran
  • Experience with legislation
  • Connection to unhoused and marginalized communities
  • Experience with/understanding of Swords to Plowshares
  • Former Swords’ client
Governance Goals

We seek to maintain a Board of Directors comprised of 15-20 members and approach Board recruitment and retention in line with our DEI goals, including the goal that our staff and Board be reflective of the clients we serve. To that end, we aim to build a Board that reflects the following demographics:

  • 60% identify as a veteran
  • 40% identify as having a disability
  • 30% identify as a woman
  • 40% identify as Black or African American
  • 18% identify as Latinx
  • 5% identify as a person of color
  • 10% identify as LGBTQI+
  • 10% have lived experience (e.g. formerly homeless)
Member Obligations
  • Attend at least two-thirds of board meetings (out of 5 or 6 annually)
  • Join one or more board committees: Development & Governance, Resource Development, Audit, Finance, Strategic Planning, Executive
  • Make a meaningful investment to you – whether by donation or active engagement to better Swords and the Board
Want to learn more?

Join us at our next public board meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 5:30pm hosted on Zoom.

Meeting ID: 835 0104 8112
Passcode: 114160