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 About Microboards
An individual Microboard is an incorporated
non-profit association designed to serve just one person. The person
who is supported is a core member of the Board of Directors. Trusted friends
and family members fill other positions on the Board of Directors and an
extended circle of community members provides critical informal support.
With this support, control of essential resources stays in the hands of the
individual person whose life is most directly affected and his or her
closest allies.
A formal or informal association of Microboards can be
organized to provide a broader network of mutual support and shared resources. For a
detailed description and history of Microboards and Microboard Associations, see the
linked
article.
What is a Microboard?
A microboard is a nonprofit organization formed by a small (micro) board of directors. The sole purpose of the microboard is to serve and provide supports to one named individual who is vulnerable. Microboards are empowering to the individual through their customized plan of care, which comes from the person’s own desires and wishes. Some microboards choose to take their responsibilities further by contracting with the state as a provider for their individual’s services.
What do we need to do to get started?
The term “Microboard” is trademarked, and can only represent an organization that is developed through our step-by-step process. All organizations that wish to be called a microboard follow the philosophies set by the Vela Microboard Association. These include person-centered planning and empowerment of the individual through these principles of self-determination: freedom, authority, support, and responsibility. Microboards believe that companionship, contribution, and community inclusion are vital to the quality of life provided to their individual.
What kind of funding is available to microboards?
Microboards who decide to contract with the state can receive funds through the Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities or other state programs for which the individual served may qualify. Those Microboards that do not have this as their goal or do not qualify for it may still function without funding. They simply continue to use the framed network developed to aid the individual by furthering their wishes and desires.
Who can/has to be on the board of directors for the microboard?
We recommend a minimum of 5 individuals serve on the board at a time. The individual being served is always a member of their microboard, and can serve at any capacity that they feel is possible. The microboard is comprised of a standard board: a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, leaving one individual to be a general board member. All work together as a team.
It is important to note that no person who is paid to provide services to the individual can be on the board. The board members are volunteers, and to have someone receive payment for services on the board would be a conflict of interest. Microboards who become state-funded agencies are accountable to the state for their financial and program management operations. Anyone considered to be an ally of the focus person (i.e., friend, community member, family,) could serve on a microboard.
Why can’t our microboard get the provider application from the start?
As part of our accountability to the state and the Vela Microboard Association from whom we are permitted to use the term “microboard”, we have to follow the guidelines set in our program in developing a microboard. A microboard is not just a one-person provider; if this is what you are seeking, perhaps we could help you find another avenue to pursue it. Microboards are all about just the one individual they serve; the quality of services and the quality of life it provides their individual is the main focus. In order for your microboard to be able to function well, we have set steps that develop and train your board throughout our process. We are liable to the state for any of the microboards formed and for the quality at which they serve.
What does the microboard’s board of directors do?
The board of directors together becomes the owners/operators of the organization. For whatever level of funding and service your microboard provides, the board of directors develops policies and procedures for the operations of the care it will provide. They become the liaison with the world around their individual, and provide a framework and safety net for them. They develop a deep enough knowledge of the person and his/her desires that they are able to collaborate and each obtain pieces of the kind of life their individual seeks through networking and often times procuring financial resources.
Why does it take so long to go thru the process?
Our process is detailed, and the beginning portions of it can actual go pretty quickly. However, that portion is full of new information to be learned, so rushing it often does not prove advantageous for anyone involved. Often times the board has trouble scheduling the required sessions with everyone’s schedules, or may even have trouble finding volunteers to fill the needed capacities to move forward.
If the microboard pursues becoming a provider agency, the application can take some significant time to complete. From that point on, the timeline is based pretty much on the state and its timeline for approving your application and establishing the microboard as one of their providers. This can take anywhere from 3-6 months just from the time the application is sent to receiving your contract to begin services. We have very little influence over this portion of timing as the state has several places to send it and processes to do in accepting the application.
Why is it so complicated?
The same rules in paperwork and documentation within the state’s policies apply to even the smallest of nonprofits and agencies. The initial legal formation of the microboard is often a little tricky. The lengthy, intricate application to become a provider with the state of Illinois is the same application that the biggest agencies complete as well. Every step to becoming whatever level of microboard you become is detailed and necessary.
What is Managing the Art of Living?
Managing the Art of Living guides people in the development of microboards, human service cooperatives. We also offer facilitators to help in the PATH process, a requirement for microboards. See frequently asked questions on cooperatives and PATHs for more information. An association is currently being formed that will be made up of of individual microboard representatives, as well as other community people that may have the help and information we need to further the association’s tasks. The association offers a visual entity to the state for all of the microboards and cooperatives within the state. This representation achieves a heavier legislative power and more support for cooperatives and microboards. They work together to assure that all of the microboards within the state receive the help and information they need to continue providing services.
Why does the microboard need a long-term membership with the association after it is established?
The microboard, by design, is meant to be an ongoing, long-term provider of supports itself. The association is interested in being the same to the microboards it serves. The state is constantly exploring new grounds, and developing new requirements and procedures. There is much to be considered and reworked even after the initial establishment of a microboard. As a member, the association and its employees become advocates for your agency in any circumstance. It is dangerous to assume that your microboard of volunteers will be completely abreast of any changing policy and procedure set by the state, much like going without motor vehicle insurance. One mistake could lead to a whirlwind of problems.
How much does starting a microboard cost?
Initial costs of starting amounts to about $100 out of pocket. The microboard must incorporate as a non-profit with the state, and those fees paid directly to the State of Illinois are currently $50.
Does a microboard give more access to services than a cooperative?
One is not inherently better than the other. Whether you work toward developing a microboard or a cooperative is a matter of need and preference. Those who are looking to join a group and have similar service needs may wish to create or join a cooperative. Those who would benefit more from a circle of support around their specific needs may pursue developing a microboard. The reasons for choosing a microboard over a cooperative and vice a versa are as varied as individuals themselves. It takes time to determine which is right for you – so feel free to call on us and we’ll be happy to discuss it.
What are some of your successes in microboarding? Who can I call to get a first-hand opinion about microboarding?
Successes are wonderful, and we collecting stories regularly. Each microboard varies from any other because the kind of individual being served varies. Our microboards are able to help their people become more independent, and more integrated and understood in their communities. The microboards are able to network for resources that the individual would not have had if they did not have the board at all. The microboards in the state are setting a new, higher standard for the business in quality of care. For individual microboards’ stories and successes, please feel free to contact Wendy Partridge at 815-262-0699 or Teri Steinberg at 847-831-4540 or visit our website at www.managingtheartofliving.org
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