Inaugural Descendants Forum Standing Committees

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is responsible for researching and evaluating potential governance models for the Descendants Forum and recommending structures that reflect the Forum’s values, mission, and commitment to democratic participation. During the Forum’s founding year, the committee will develop and oversee a pilot governance model to guide the Forum’s operations and decision-making. It will also prepare a proposed permanent governance structure—including bylaws, membership provisions, and leadership frameworks—for consideration, amendment, and ratification by the Congress at the Descendants Forum’s Inaugural Convening in Spring 2027.

Governance Committee Objectives:

1. Research and evaluate at least three potential governance models suitable for the Descendants Forum.

2. Develop and oversee a pilot governance structure for the Forum's founding year.

3. Draft proposed bylaws, membership provisions, and leadership structures for consideration by the Congress.

4. Present a recommended permanent governance model for discussion, amendment, and ratification at the Inaugural Convening.

Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee supports the growth of the Forum's Congress by recruiting new member organizations and welcoming new participants. It also helps maintain membership records, serves as a point of contact for membership inquiries, and develops strategies to strengthen participation in the Forum's programs, committees, and collective initiatives.

Membership Outreach Committee Objectives

1. Recruit new member organizations to participate in the Forum.

2. Develop and implement a member onboarding process.

3. Maintain an up-to-date membership directory and database.

4. Establish systems for member outreach, retention, and engagement.

Internal Communications Committee

The Internal Communications Committee oversees the Forum’s internal communications infrastructure and member information-sharing. The committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining communication tools—including the Forum’s listserv—and ensuring that members receive timely updates about meetings, programs, opportunities, and organizational developments. It helps coordinate announcements, newsletters, and other internal communications that keep members informed, connected, and engaged in the work of the Forum.

Internal Communications Committee Objectives

1. Establish and maintain the Forum's internal communications infrastructure, including a listserv.

2. Create a regular schedule for member announcements and organizational updates.

3. Develop communication protocols for committees, members, and leadership.

4. Ensure members receive timely information regarding meetings, programs, opportunities, and Forum activities.

Development Committee

The Development Committee supports the Forum’s efforts to build the resources, partnerships, and organizational capacity necessary for long-term sustainability. During the Forum’s founding year, the committee will identify potential funding opportunities, cultivate relationships with supporters and partner institutions, and explore strategies for resource development. The committee will also research and help prepare for the Forum’s eventual transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization, developing recommendations for fundraising, donor engagement, and financial sustainability that can support the Forum’s growth beyond its inaugural convening.

Development Committee Objectives

1. Identify potential funding opportunities, sponsors, and institutional partners.

2. Develop recommendations for the Forum's long-term fundraising strategy.

3. Research organizational and legal pathways toward becoming an independent 501(c)(3).

4. Prepare a resource-development plan to support the Forum's continued growth following the Inaugural Convening.

Member Engagement Committee

The Member Engagement Committee plans and hosts the Descendants Forum’s regular virtual programming, creating opportunities for members to learn from one another, share expertise, and engage in meaningful dialogue. The committee is responsible for organizing monthly virtual gatherings on topics relevant to Descendant communities and organizations, including genealogy, archival research, historic preservation, reparations, heirs’ property, public history, community organizing, fundraising, and other issues identified by Forum members. The committee works to develop engaging programs, identify speakers and facilitators, and create spaces where members can exchange knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen the collective capacity of the Forum.

Member Engagement Committee Objectives

1. Organize and host monthly virtual programs for Forum members.

2. Develop a year-long calendar of educational and community-building events on topics identified by members.

3. Recruit speakers, facilitators, and subject-matter experts from within and beyond the Forum's membership.

4. Foster knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and relationship-building among members through regular programming.

Internal Resources Committee

The Internal Resources Committee develops, compiles, and maintains resources that support the work of the Forum’s members and member organizations. The committee identifies tools, guides, templates, best practices, funding opportunities, and educational materials that may be useful to Descendant communities and organizations. It also works to create a shared repository of resources that can be freely accessed by all members, helping to strengthen organizational capacity, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and reduce the duplication of effort across the Forum’s network. Through this work, the committee helps ensure that members benefit not only from collective advocacy and collaboration, but also from practical resources that support their day-to-day work.

Internal Resources Committee Objectives

1. Develop a centralized repository of resources available to all members and member organizations.

2. Compile and share templates, guides, best practices, and funding opportunities relevant to Descendant communities.

3. Create resource materials that strengthen the organizational capacity of member organizations.

4. Establish systems for members to contribute and share resources with one another.