Get Involved

The Middle East Research and Information Project is actively seeking institutional partners for events, educational experiences, and collaborative projects. We also welcome interest from our readers who would like to volunteer their time and expertise to support our mission. Read below for some ways you can get involved. 

JOIN OUR BOARD

MERIP periodically seeks out new additions to our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is the governing body of MERIP, and all members serve in a volunteer capacity. Information about current needs and recruitment can be found below.

The Need:

MERIP has unpaid, volunteer positions open on its Board of Directors for the roles of Board Treasurer and At-large positions. Board members serve three-year terms with the option to renew.  

All board members are obligated to

• Commit to publicly supporting and promoting MERIP and its publications.
• Attend quarterly board meetings, some in person in various locales and others via video conferencing.
• Assist with fundraising and networking efforts for MERIP programs and events.
• Commit to an annual financial contribution that is personally meaningful.
• Leverage personal and professional connections for the benefit of MERIP.
• Provide governance and assume fiduciary responsibility.
  

The position of Board Treasurer is obligated to

• Work closely with the Executive Director to devise financial strategies for the organization.
• Provide initial approval for annual budgets.
• Liaise as necessary with MERIP’s accountants and auditors.
• Serve as needed as a fiscal representative or point of contact for sponsored projects.

We are looking for At-Large Board Members who can provide

• Pro bono legal advice, particularly on contracts with partners and vendors.
• Assist in development strategies and events.
• Assist MERIP in forming beneficial partnerships with academic, policy, cultural, and non governmental institutions that strengthen its mission.

Questions or inquiries regarding board membership may be sent to James Ryan, Executive Director, at jamesryan@merip.org, or to Paul Silverstein, Chair of the Board of Directors, at silversp@reed.edu Please send your applications to James Ryan, Executive Director, at jamesryan@merip.org. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications should include the following information:

1. Name of nominee, address and contact information
2. Brief statement outlining why the nominee would like to be a board member
3. If interested in serving as Board Treasurer, a short statement detailing the nominee’s experience in managing institutional financial matters, particularly for nonprofit organizations.
4. Short background such as professional experience, interest in MERIP mission

Nonprofit Board Member Frequently Asked Questions: 

Adapted from BoardSource Board Responsibilities and Structures FAQ’s

 What are the basic responsibilities of nonprofit boards?

1. 1. Determine mission and purpose
   2. Select, support and evaluate the chief executive
   3. Ensure effective planning including monitoring the plan’s goals
   4. Monitor and strengthen programs and services by monitoring effectiveness and consistency with organization mission
   5. Ensure adequate financial resources
   6. Protect assets and provide proper financial oversight such as developing the annual budget and ensuring that proper financial controls are in place
   7. Build a competent board by articulating prerequisites for candidates, orienting new members, and periodically evaluating their own performance
   8. Ensure legal and ethical integrity including adherence to legal standards and ethical norms
   9. Enhance the organization’s public standing by being able to clearly articulate the organization’s mission, accomplishments, and goals to the public and garnering support from the community through advocacy

What are the legal responsibilities of nonprofit board members?

1. 1. Duty of care—using reasonable care when making decisions as a steward of the organization
   2. Duty of loyalty—undivided allegiance when making decisions affecting the organization, never using information obtained as a board member for personal gain, and acting in the best interests of the organization
   3. Duty of obedience—faithfulness to the organization’s mission including not acting in a way that is inconsistent with the central goals of the organization

INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERSHIP

MERIP is actively seeking to partner with educational institutions, NGOs, think tanks, and university presses to help further its mission of disseminating rigorous, critical analysis of politics, economy, and society in the Middle East. We are particularly interested in collaborating on virtual and in-person events, seminars, and grant supported research projects. You can read about some of our current partnerships at the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Exeter, the IMPOP Program at the Institute for Middle East Studies at George Washington University, the MESA Global Academy, and Pluto Press. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please email James Ryan, MERIP’s Executive Director, at jamesryan@merip.org. 

VOLUNTEER WITH US

If reading and supporting MERIP is close to your personal interest and mission, and you would like to volunteer your time, services, or expertise to MERIP, we are interested in hearing from you! Some of our specific needs are outlined in our Board Recruitment information, and we are also interested in hearing from readers who may be able to volunteer editorial, web design, legal and development expertise. Please contact James Ryan, Executive Director, at jamesryan@merip.org if you are interested in volunteering with us.