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The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing has 15 board members (10 at-large members and up to 5 regional representatives).
Each of the regional representatives must be a member of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division regional office advisory committee in their area. (Minnesota Statute 256C.24)
While the Commission can submit recommendations based on our needs, the Governor makes the final decision on who is appointed to the board.
At least 50% of the members must be deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The statute also requires at least one parent of a child who is deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing.
The board also has nonvoting “ex officio” members chosen by the commissioners of education, health, and employment and economic development and the director of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division in the Department of Human Services. (Minnesota Statute 256.C.28)
Diversity is important. In addition to what is required by statute, the Governor's Office and the Commission also consider:
The selection of board members is not an easy process. We need to make sure all points of views are included at the table.
Board members must commit to attending four to five all-day Commission meetings each year. All board members serve on at least one of the four committees (Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Recruitment and Training Committee, and the Community and Legislative Alliance Committee). Committees meet on Zoom. Some committees meet monthly, and others meet quarterly, depending on current projects.
The board follows a board policy governance structure (PDF).
Terms are for four years. Members may not serve more than three consecutive full terms.
If you believe you are a good fit and bring an important area of expertise to the board, do apply! Go to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State's Boards and Commissions page, search for the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing's open positions, and then complete the online application.
Anyone may apply for the at-large positions. To apply to be a regional representative, you must be a member of your region's Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division advisory committee; contact their regional offices to learn more about their advisory committees.
The Commission is able to accomplish its work because of the board members and supporters in the community. Thank you for all that you do!
Here are the instructions for filling out a board membership application on the Office of the Secretary of State website.
The Commission staff or Governor's office staff will reach out if they have any more questions. Appointments typically take place once a year. For any questions about the status of your application or the Commission board, please email MN.Commission@state.mn.us.
