United by Purpose: Welcoming the Fourth Class of the Baylor Hunger Collaborative's Board of Advocates

This month marks the onboarding of the fourth class of the Baylor Hunger Collaborative’s Board of Advocates (BoA). Every year, partners from every sector are invited to serve as advocates to the organization for a three-year term; these advocates utilize their networks, expertise, and leadership on behalf of the Hunger Collaborative to energize, promote, and further develop effective strategies to strengthen every aspect of the organization’s work. This could mean making phone calls, scheduling meetings, and writing letters to elected officials; it could mean bringing friends and colleagues together to educate and advocate for the work being done; or it could mean something as simple as providing relational support by acting as cheerleaders for the committed and tireless staff.

The BoA gathers multiple times a year, and when they do, the collective impact is profound! When combined with the staff’s incredible work, these smart and passionate individuals create a powerful synergy fueled by determination and hopeful expectation. As the Hunger Collaborative explores creative approaches to alleviate hunger, the BoA serves as a sounding board and idea generator. Not surprisingly, the past four years have demonstrated how every person and every program has improved because of the effort.

Shared Commitment to Ending Hunger

The Board of Advocates supports the mission and work of the Hunger Collaborative, and every BoA member shares an abiding commitment to ending hunger. Gathering leaders together from various professional sectors including food security, advocacy, faith communities, marketing, corporate leadership, community organizing, academics and research, the BoA serves as a marvelous partner group for the Hunger Collaborative. They have deep connections within their own spheres of influence, and they see the Hunger Collaborative as an organization with the resources and opportunity to make a difference they can support.

Almost since the Baylor Hunger Collaborative’s inception, Jeremy and I (Kris) dreamed about the value an advisory board could bring to the Hunger Collaborative. In 2020, we agreed the time was right to formalize such a group. Gathering input from senior staff, we considered what the roles of the BoA might include—the skills and competencies needed for a strong board that would not have governance responsibilities. From there came the proverbial Rolodex—the collective index of individuals in their networks—as we began considering various combinations of people to join the group. The time-honored strategy of the Hunger Collaborative always guided our deliberations: a belief that no single person or group could end hunger alone. Lists were created. Spreadsheets filled in. There was prayer, and there was more prayer, and then we were on the way! When we finally agreed on the A-Team list, we offered invitations, and after thoughtful consideration, many invitees agreed to serve. To say we were humbled by the response of these individuals would be an understatement.

For those first few years, the BoA built the plane while we were flying it. We clarified bylaws, expectations, responsibilities of members, and our relationship with staff. Simultaneously, staff and leadership educated board members on the complex and varied work of the organization; together with staff, we evaluated political contexts, addressed current events and their effects on hunger and poverty, and brainstormed further ways to expand the Hunger Collaborative’s reach and influence. As time passed and the BoA formed deeper roots, we continued to make changes to better meet the evolving landscape in which the Hunger Collaborative does their work and the ways in which the BoA can be of the most support.

The Path Ahead

We (Kris and Desiree) agree our lives have been immeasurably changed and enriched by the members of the BoA and staff with their wisdom and vision. Our time at the Hunger Collaborative has helped us to better understand the numerous causes of food insecurity and wholeheartedly agree with the Hunger Collaborative: hunger ends where collaboration begins. As our new BoA members join our cause, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise; they are nutritionists, film makers, former public servants, communicators, and leaders of nonprofits. Their passion for ending hunger and the record of accomplishments demonstrate a remarkable class of new thought leaders, and together, we are excited to continue raising the profile and successes of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty.

The Hunger Collaborative is excited to welcome its newest Board of Advocates at their first meeting in Washington, D.C. later this month.