“Lead with Pride. Shape the Future of Indigenous Voices.”

Membership Application

Join the Movement. Lead with Pride.

Indigenous Pride LA is looking for passionate leaders & community volunteers to help shape the future of our community. As Indigenous Pride LA members, you’ll play a vital role in amplifying Indigenous voices, honoring traditions, and creating spaces where our identities thrive.

Your leadership matters. Your vision can empower generations.

Ready to make an impact? Apply to one of the position below.

Available Positions-Board

  • The Treasurer is critical to the financial health and ability to continue the work of Indigenous Pride LA (IPLA) and in order to successfully support the Executive Committee.

    Qualifications

    • Active member of the Board in good standing (have attended at least 3 consecutive meetings or at least 80% of all meetings in one planning cycle).

    • Critical Thinking - You should have the ability to appraise IPLA's financial standing, policies, and procedures in order to make recommendations regarding the financial decisions that will be made.

    • Aptitude for Organization - All good treasurers possess excellent organizational abilities. The Treasurer will keep accurate and impeccable records.

    • Strategic Planning - The ability to synthesize cause and effect scenarios (with regard to potential financial decisions the organization will make) is necessary for a treasurer to accelerate their organization's growth and future success.

    • Creativity - When it comes to generating funds and cutting expenses, new ideas and creativity are key in an ever-changing and developing organization.

    • Clear Communication - In one sense of the position, treasurers act as financial ambassadors on behalf of the rest of the board. It is essential that an organization's treasurer be able to communicate complex financial concepts in easy-to-understand, jargon-free, layman's terms.

    • Basic Accounting Skills – Have basic accounting skills, but an aptitude to learn more.

    Responsibilities

    1. Preparing a Budget

      1. The budget is the foundational document of IPLA.

      2. The treasurer should insist on putting together a budget before beginning of the planning process of IPLA Annual event. The budget should include all expenses, even small administrative expenses. In addition to budgeting, treasurers work with the Executive Committee and grant writer to provide advice regarding potential opportunities, risks and tax implications of future financial plans. They might also be consulted regarding grants, proposals, investments and plans regarding unexpected funds and/or cash flow shortages.

    2. Reporting Financial Information

      1. Prepare financial report before each meeting. This financial report should include the starting and ending balances of any accounts. Any money collected should be covered, and bills paid should be listed. The financial report should be easy to understand, and the treasurer should be open to answering questions about it.

    3. Preparing a Successor

      1. When a new treasurer is elected, the current treasurer needs to prepare that person by explaining the record-keeping process and letting the successor get a look at all of the information

  • The Secretary is crucial to the smooth running of the Executive, Special Committee and General Committee meetings. This involves activities before, during and after Committee meetings.

    Qualifications

    • Active member of the Board in good standing (have attended at least 3 consecutive meetings or at least 80% of all meetings in one planning cycle).

    • Understand and have an interest in the Board’s roles and responsibilities, including the relationship with the Board Members, Community Partners, and the Fiscal Sponsor.

    • Able to interact effectively with people from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

    • Demonstrates sensitivity to the needs of Two-Spirit and Indigenous people in Los Angeles County.

    • Demonstrates communication skills, including a willingness to speak in front of committees, encourage and motivate others, exercise diplomacy and tact, and a willingness to delegate responsibilities. Experience with group facilitation preferred, but not required.

    Responsibilities

    Before the Meeting

    • Consult with the Chair and Vice Chair on the order of business for the meeting, and the way in which it should be dealt with on the agenda. Decide what business requires discussion and what requires a decision by the Executive Committee;

    • Ensure that the notice of the meeting is given, that suitable accommodation is arranged and confirmed, and that copies of the agenda is prepared;

    • Circulate to all members (a) any papers to be discussed at the upcoming meeting and (b) a copy of the agenda, minutes of the previous meeting; and

    • Make sure that any reports or information requested at the last meeting is available or that there is a good reason why not.

    At the Meeting

    • Arrive in good time before the meeting with the minutes and with all the relevant correspondence and business matters for that meeting, in good order. Record the names of those who are present, and convey and record apologies received from those who are absent;

    • Read the minutes of the previous meeting, and if they are approved, obtain the Chair's signature on them;

    • Report on action or matters arising from the previous minutes. Read any important correspondence that has been received;

    • Take notes of the meeting, recording the key points and making sure that all decisions and proposals are recorded, as well as the name of the person or group responsible for carrying them out. Make sure action points are clear; and

    • Make sure that the Chair and Vice Chair are supplied with all the necessary information for items on the agenda, and remind the Chair and Vice Chair if an item has been overlooked.

    After the Meeting

    • Prepare a draft of the minutes and consult the Chair and Vice Chair for approval;

    • Send a reminder notice of each decision requiring action to the relevant person; this can be done by telephone, or by an ‘action list' with the relevant action for each person duly marked; and

    • Promptly send all correspondence as decided by the Executive Board.

  • The Member-at-Large is vital to the diverse representation and operational flexibility of Indigenous Pride LA (IPLA). This role ensures that the Board remains connected to the community’s needs and provides the necessary support to execute the organization’s mission and annual events.

    Qualifications

    • Active member of the Board in good standing (have attended at least 3 consecutive meetings or at least 80% of all meetings in one planning cycle).

    • Community Advocacy – You should have a deep commitment to the Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ community and the ability to represent their interests during board discussions.

    • Adaptability – As a Member-at-Large, your tasks may shift based on the organization's current projects. A "can-do" attitude and willingness to step into various roles (e.g., volunteer coordination, outreach, or logistics) are essential.

    • Collaborative Spirit – The ability to work effectively within a team and support the specific mandates of the Executive Committee (Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) while providing independent perspectives.

    • Reliability – Consistency is key. You must be dependable in completing assigned tasks and showing up for both board meetings and community events.

    • Clear Communication – You act as a bridge between the board and the community. It is essential to listen to community feedback and relay it to the board accurately and respectfully.

    Responsibilities

    Organizational Support & Liaison: The Member-at-Large serves as a flexible resource for the board.

    • They often serve as a liaison between the Executive Committee and general volunteers or sub-committees.

    • They provide "boots on the ground" support during IPLA Annual events, assisting with setup, teardown, or real-time problem-solving as needed.

    Governance & Decision Making: While they do not hold a specific officer title, the Member-at-Large has full voting rights and a voice in all major decisions.

    • They are expected to review all board materials, budgets, and proposals prior to meetings to participate in informed voting.

    • They offer diverse viewpoints to prevent "groupthink," ensuring that the board’s decisions are inclusive and reflective of the broader Indigenous Pride community.

    Special Projects & Committees: The Member-at-Large often takes the lead on ad-hoc projects that fall outside the duties of the Executive officers.

    • This may include chairing a specific subcommittee (e.g., Entertainment, Fundraising, or Youth Outreach).

    • They assist the Secretary with community outreach or the Treasurer with grassroots fundraising efforts when extra capacity is required.

    • Preparing a Successor: When a new Member-at-Large is elected, the current member should mentor them by sharing institutional knowledge, introducing them to key community partners, and explaining the ongoing projects they have been managing.

Available Positions-Volunteer Staff

  • The Social Media Manager is vital to the digital visibility and community engagement of Indigenous Pride LA (IPLA). This position focuses on the strategic management of platforms and community interaction to ensure the IPLA mission reaches the widest possible audience.

    Qualifications

    • Digital Literacy – Proficiency in navigating major social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok) and a willingness to stay updated on platform algorithm changes.

    • Community Moderation – The ability to monitor comments and messages with cultural sensitivity, ensuring the digital space remains a safe and inclusive environment for the Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ communities.

    • Aptitude for Organization – Must be able to manage a posting schedule and maintain a digital calendar to ensure consistent communication throughout the planning cycle.

    • Strategic Thinking – The ability to analyze engagement metrics (likes, shares, reach) to determine the best times to post and the most effective ways to distribute organizational announcements.

    • Clear Communication – As the digital voice of IPLA, you must be able to communicate effectively with the board to ensure all public-facing information is accurate and reflects the organization's values.

    Responsibilities

    Platform Management & Scheduling: The Social Media Manager is responsible for the "how" and "when" of IPLA’s digital presence.

    • They manage the posting schedule for all approved announcements, event flyers, and community updates provided by the Executive Board or content creators.

    • They ensure that all profile bios, links, and contact information across platforms are current and accurate, especially leading up to IPLA events.

    Community Engagement & Moderation: The Social Media Manager serves as the primary digital point of contact for the community.

    • They monitor direct messages and comments, responding to general inquiries or redirecting complex questions to the appropriate board member.

    • They are responsible for enforcing community guidelines in the comment sections, removing spam, and addressing any lateral violence or harassment to maintain a safe digital space.

    Analytics & Growth Strategy: The Social Media Manager tracks the performance of the organization’s digital outreach.

    • They provide brief updates to the board regarding which types of announcements are receiving the most engagement.

    • They identify opportunities for digital partnerships, such as "tagging" or "reposting" from allied organizations and community partners to increase mutual visibility.

    Preparing a Successor: When a new Social Media Manager is appointed, the current manager must facilitate a secure hand-off of all login credentials and administrative access. They should explain the current engagement strategy and provide a history of past performance data to the successor.

  • The Grant Writer is essential to the financial sustainability and long-term growth of Indigenous Pride LA (IPLA). This role focuses on identifying funding opportunities and crafting compelling narratives to secure the resources necessary to serve the Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ communities.

    Qualifications

    • Research Skills – The ability to identify local, state, federal, and private foundation grants that align specifically with Indigenous and LGBTQ2S+ initiatives.

    • Exceptional Writing Abilities – Must be able to draft clear, persuasive, and professional proposals that highlight the unique impact of IPLA’s work.

    • Attention to Detail – Grant applications often have strict requirements. You must be able to follow complex instructions and meet rigid deadlines without exception.

    • Strategic Thinking – The ability to work with the Board to align grant requests with the organization’s long-term goals and annual budget needs.

    • Collaboration & Communication – You must be able to interview board members and elders to gather the stories and data needed to create an authentic and culturally resonant narrative.

    Responsibilities

    Prospecting & Research: The Grant Writer is responsible for maintaining a pipeline of potential funding sources.

    • They research and vet potential grantors to ensure their values align with the mission of IPLA.

    • They maintain a "Grant Calendar" that tracks opening dates, letter of inquiry (LOI) deadlines, and final submission dates for the entire fiscal year.

    • Proposal Development & Submission: The Grant Writer serves as the primary author for all funding requests.

    • They draft, edit, and submit grant applications, ensuring all required attachments (such as 501(c)(3) status, board lists, and project descriptions) are included.

    • They work closely with the Treasurer to ensure the narrative of the grant matches the financial figures and budget justifications requested by the funder.

    Compliance & Reporting: Securing the grant is only the first step; the Grant Writer ensures IPLA remains in good standing with funders.

    • They track the progress of funded projects and work with the Board to collect data or testimonials.

    • They draft and submit "Impact Reports" or "Final Reports" to grantors, demonstrating how the funds were used and the success of the supported programs.

    Preparing a Successor: When a new Grant Writer is appointed, the current writer must hand over a comprehensive "Grant Toolkit." This should include templates for past successful proposals, a list of logins for grant portals, and a history of communication with foundation program officers.

  • The Communication Specialist serves as the primary gateway between Indigenous Pride LA (IPLA) and the public. This role is essential for maintaining a professional, responsive, and welcoming presence, ensuring that community members, partners, and vendors are connected to the right resources efficiently.

    Qualifications

    • Professionalism & Hospitality – As the first point of contact, you must represent IPLA with warmth, cultural humility, and a service-oriented mindset.

    • Aptitude for Organization – The ability to manage a high volume of inquiries via email and phone while tracking which items have been resolved and which are pending.

    • Effective Triage Skills – You should have a strong understanding of IPLA’s internal structure to accurately determine which staff member or board lead is best suited to handle specific requests.

    • Clear Communication – Superior verbal and written skills are required to provide clear information to the public and concise internal summaries to the Director of Operations.

    • Discretion – The ability to handle sensitive or confidential community information with the utmost privacy and integrity.

    Responsibilities

    Inbox & Information Management: The Communication Specialist acts as the digital "Front Desk" for the organization.

    • They monitor the general organizational email inbox daily, providing direct answers to frequently asked questions and forwarding specialized inquiries to the appropriate staff or board members.

    • They maintain a log of incoming requests to ensure no message goes unanswered and follow up with staff to ensure timely resolutions.

    Telephony & Reception: This role manages the "voice" of IPLA.

    • They are responsible for checking the organizational voicemail and returning phone calls in a timely manner.

    • They provide general information regarding upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and resources over the phone, maintaining a professional and helpful tone at all times.

    Collaborative Coordination: The Communication Specialist works as a bridge between different departments.

    • Director of Operations: They report directly to the Director of Operations, providing regular updates on the volume of inquiries and flagging any urgent or high-priority issues that require executive attention.

    • Social Media Manager: They work closely with the Social Media Manager to handle "conversation hand-offs." When a community member initiates a complex inquiry on social media, the Specialist takes over the conversation via email or phone to provide more in-depth support.

    General Administrative Support: The Specialist assists with clerical tasks that keep the organization running smoothly.

    • They may assist with maintaining the general contact database or mailing lists.

    • During the IPLA events, they may serve in a "reception" or "information booth" capacity, acting as a central hub for attendee questions and vendor arrivals.

    Preparing a Successor: When a new Communication Specialist is appointed, the current specialist must train them on the "IPLA Voice," provide access to email templates/FAQ scripts, and ensure they understand the internal hierarchy for forwarding messages.