Announcing Boston Advisory Board

Dear Friends: 

We are writing to ask for your help in identifying potential members for the Boston Advisory Board of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. We are looking for antiracist practitioners, students, faculty, community members (i.e., people most directly harmed by racist policies and organizing towards antiracist policies), and others who are interested in bringing their expertise and experience to bear on the Center’s work with our local community. 

We are looking for Boston Advisory Board members who live in the Boston area and have a deep commitment to its antiracist future. Folks with experience in health equity work are especially encouraged to apply, to provide guidance as we launch The Boston Social Determinants of Health Initiative, a city-wide health system aimed at eradicating health inequities for children and families.

Social determinants refer to the many factors that impact people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Examples include access to healthy and culturally relevant food; safe places to live, work, and play; enough income and wealth to weather hardships; antiracist healthcare providers; and time for leisure and rest. We are looking for community members, innovators, advocates, and those who are building with communities who can provide helpful insights on how these issues manifest in Boston.

You may nominate someone here or submit an application here. We are looking for a diverse group of people from different walks of life who care deeply about Boston. The inaugural board will be made up of 7-10 people, but for those not selected there may be other opportunities to work with the Center in the future. We will review nominations and applications and notify potential candidates by early September. 

The Boston Advisory Board will be constituted by September 30 following conversations with potential candidates. The Boston Advisory Board will meet twice per fiscal year and will also be invited to participate in meetings with other BU and Center advisory boards. The total minimum commitment is four 2-hour in-person meetings per fiscal year. Advisory board members are eligible for one two-year term, though some members may receive shorter or longer initial terms to ensure that board members’ terms do not all expire at the same time. We will provide a stipend and other support to facilitate participation for those who have limited resources.

We deeply appreciate your help in identifying excellent candidates for these critical and dynamic advisory positions. The deadline for receiving applications and nominations is Friday, August 26, 2022 at noon.  

Sincerely,

Yanique Redwood, PhD, MPH

Executive Director