FIUTS Board of Trustees

As an independent community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit, FIUTS depends on its Board of Trustees in representing Seattle colleges and universities as well as community interests and in executing its mission of promoting cultural understanding in the Puget Sound region.

FIUTS recruits new members for their Board of Trustees annually! Each trustee is elected to a three-year term, and can serve 2 consecutive terms. Learn more about joining the board, or contact Executive Director Era Schrepfer at era@fiuts.org.

Join the Board of Trustees

FIUTS (Foundation for International Understanding Through Students) is a non-profit organization that advances international understanding through cross-cultural experiences, student leadership, and community connections. Founded at the University of Washington in 1948, FIUTS envisions a global community, tied to the Puget Sound region, where people are connected through friendship, mutual respect, and a commitment to peace and understanding.

The FIUTS Board of Trustees are community leaders who are passionate about our mission and interested in making an impact through citizen diplomacy. Each spring, FIUTS recruits a cohort of 4-6 new trustees to our large board.

The FIUTS Board of Trustees (BOT) meets bi-monthly, and each member serves on at least one committee, who generally meet in the alternate months. In addition, trustees attend 3-6 public events each year and participate in fundraising and other programs. The FIUTS BOT is made up of 16-25 community members and 6 student members, who serve one-year terms. FIUTS Trustees serve a three-year term that can be renewed one time.

Overall Responsibilities: 

• In partnership with the Executive Director and Student Board, develop and implement FIUTS’ strategic plan by setting and evaluating program performance against goals

• Serve as a FIUTS ambassador and promote FIUTS programs to the community

• Provide oversight of organization policies, procedures and programs

• Review financial statements and approve annual budget; ensure prudent use of assets and effective management

• Support FIUTS with a personal contribution and participate in fundraising, “friend-raising”, and special events

• Serve on committees and task forces that focus on governance, fundraising, finance and HR, board development, and strategy

• Ensure FIUTS programs meet their objectives and uphold our commitment to the community

Interested in learning more or meeting with a current BOT member? Read our Trustee Information Sheet or contact Era Schrepfer, Executive Director at era@fiuts.org.