If you are interested in making a difference with DBSA California, join our board or one of our committees.
CLICK HERE to express interest.

Board of Directors (Typically 5 hours per month) This is the Governing Board of the organization. The Board of Directors typically meets bimonthly (every other month) but sometimes meets more often when needed. The Board discusses and makes decisions on all policy matters facing the organization, has fiduciary responsibilities for the organization and is responsible to hiring and evaluating the Executive Director, who makes operational decisions on most decisions made by the Board. Board members serve terms of two (2) years.

Advisory Board (Typically 6 to 10 hours per year) The Advisory Board provides expertise, networking and fundraising assistance to the organization. Membership in the Advisory Board is by invitation of the Board only. If you are interested please email: [email protected]

Communications and Outreach Committee (Typically 2-5 hours per month)  The Communications and Outreach Committee makes recommendations to the Board relating to communications strategies, works with staff in crafting strategies for our website, our social media, newsletters, and other outreach media.  The Committee develops, recommends and performs networking and expansion of our services to the mental health community and other key stakeholders. This committee also works to expand our services to underserved populations such as rural areas, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, non-English speakers and others. 

Education Committee (Typically about 2-5 hours per month) The Education Committee brainstorms topics of interest to the DBSA CA community and connects with potential guest educators, such as: therapists, doctors/other practitioners, creative artists, and authors. Committee members may take active roles in planning and carrying out educational events. Typical activities may include: designing and/or posting promotional flyers, introducing guests to an audience, moderating panel discussions, serving as a featured speaker, and analyzing feedback from participants.

Finance and Fundraising Committee (Typically 3-5 hours per month)  The Finance and Fundraising Committee helps keep the organization viable and sustainable by  overseeing the organization’s budget and brainstorming and developing plans for fundraising. In coordination with the Executive Director, this committee is responsible for designing and implementing the most promising fundraising strategies, such as corporate partnerships, individual donation drives, grant writing, and/or fee-for-service enterprises.

Legislative Committee (Typically 1-3 hours per week during legislative season) The Legislative Committee considers all matters of public policy, particularly bills (laws) proposed by the California State Assembly and Senate, but also discusses matters of policy for State Regulatory Agencies, such as the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the Mental Health Services Act Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). The bulk of the work of this committee is during the times when the legislature is in season, especially January, February and March, as bills are introduced.

Support Group Committee (Typically 2-4 hours per month)  All current facilitators are by default on the Support Group Committee.  The committee meets at a monthly Roundtable to discuss current issues regarding support groups. This committee will help ensure that DBSA California support groups are safe and supportive spaces for peers. The committee will also participate in updating policies and procedures that serve to improve the quality of our support groups for all participants.