Banyan Community

History

Banyan is a community development organization rooted in the Phillips neighborhood to transform lives by developing youth, strengthening families, and creating community. We believe in an asset-based approach, a holistic model, and trust-based relationships in responding to the complex problem of poverty. Removing barriers to access support and creating opportunities for educational success is at the heart of what we do. We invite individuals who share our values and find resonance with our work to contribute and belong to our transformative mission to create deep and lasting change.

Our mission is only possible through a commitment to the values and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Authentic community development demands we foster relationships and create spaces where everyone can belong and contribute to the shared work of social justice. As a community, we commit to the following:

Youth: Develop all youth to learn, grow, and succeed by understanding and appreciating their diverse experiences, personal assets, and aspirations.

Family: Strengthen families by removing barriers to opportunities and making equitable resources accessible so all families can thrive.

Community: Create inclusive neighborhoods through trust-based relationships that unite our community in a collective pursuit of the common good.

Strategic Priorities

During the past year, The Banyan Board of Directors approved our 2021-2025 Strategic Plan as our existing plan was expiring. In partnership with Deloitte and DeYoung Consulting, the Banyan Board of Directors, leadership, staff, parents, and community members developed the new 5-year plan that continues the journey we’ve been on to deepen our roots within the community and create enhancements to ensure youth and families receive relevant, future oriented programming.

The team undertook the most robust data collection process in Banyan’s history. Insight and information from parents, neighbors, community council, staff and board informed the process. In the end, the voices from over 100 interviews and surveys were reflected in the vision for the next 5 years!

Our ongoing and focused approach will continue to develop reconciled people, committed learners, and leading citizens.

Youth and Family:

Provide preschool-to-career support for youth and families with the goal that participants are growing, active and resilient leaders in our community.

Define approach and establish preschool
Build out additional educational capabilities
Expand high school network and program
Promote diverse postsecondary options
Enhance internship and career support
Diversity and increase adult education options

Community

Through engagement, we will focus on building relationships and leveraging community assets to connect those who show commitment and interest and Banyan and with each other.

Design comprehensive admissions process
Develop and utilize consistent guidelines for serving families that move
Enhance community engagement to build lasting relationships
Identify older adult program opportunities

Organizational Infrastructure

Support staff by enhancing our human resources, organizational infrastructure and advancing our focus on diversity, equity and inclusion to best understand and serve our community for generations to come.

Strengthen diverse representation and voice to honor neighborhood demographics
Develop feedback opportunities and performance expectations
Grow leadership skills and qualities that support organizational goals
Create succession plan

Annual Budget: $2,500,000 – Foundations, Individual Contributions, Government Grants or Contracts, Investment

Skills

Banyan Community is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:

• Board Governance
• Fundraising
• Legal
• Strategic and Business Planning

Information

• Number of members currently: 10
• Meeting frequency:  6 meetings annually
• Meeting location: Minneapolis
• Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes

Expectations

• Time Expectation: Up to 5 hours/month
• Financial Contribution Required: Yes
• Service on Committee Required: Yes
  • Committees: Executive, Governance, Fundraising, Other
• Length of Term: 3 Years
• Renewable: Yes