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]

Business Development Committee (Typically 2-5 hours per month) The Business Development Committee brainstorms and develops plans for fundraising and grant acquisitions. Essentially, this committee helps keep the organization viable and sustainable.

Communications Committee (Typically 1-2 hours per week) The Communications Committee makes recommendations to the Board relating to communications policies and strategies. Additionally, the committee works with Communications staff in crafting strategies for our web site, our social media presence, and other outreach media.

Education Committee (Typically 1-2 hours per month) The Education Committee makes recommendations to the Board on issues related to the organization’s education programs. Members of this committee will often develop new education modules and act as presenters for the events.

Finance Committee  (Typically 3-4 hours per month) The Finance Committee oversees the organization’s budget in collaboration with the Executive Director and Executive Committee. The committee is chaired by the DBSA California Treasurer.

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.

Outreach Committee (Typically 2-5 hours per month) The Outreach Committee develops, recommends and performs networking and expansion of our services to the mental health community and other key stakeholders. This committee sometimes will meet in conjunction with other committees and their duties align and complement each other.  This committee also works to expand our services to underserved populations such as rural areas, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, non-English speakers and others. A subcommittee addresses questions and concerns of support groups across the state.

Support Group Coordination Committee (Typically 2-4 hours per month) This newly formed committee will help ensure that DBSA California support groups which are not affiliated with a local chapter have access to all the training, information, mentoring and other support as all other chapters.  The committee will also reach out to other California chapters to offer information, resources and training as needed.