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Tohono Chul Board of Directors Application Form

Tohono Chul Board of Directors Application Form

Welcome

Thank you for considering a role on the Tohono Chul Board of Directors. As a Board member, you’ll play a vital role in guiding the vision and impact of one of Tucson’s most cherished gardens and environmental treasures. We are seeking passionate, community-minded individuals who are dedicated to preserving the spirit of the Sonoran Desert and advancing Tohono Chul’s mission through strategic leadership, advocacy, and support. Please complete the application below to tell us more about your experience, interests, and what draws you to this opportunity.

Click here to download the Primary Board Responsibilities PDF.

About Tohono Chul

The story of Tohono Chul begins in 1966 when its benefactors, Richard and Jean Wilson, started piecing together patches of the desert that would form its core – ultimately owning 37 acres. In 1968, they purchased the section containing the hacienda-style “West House” known today as the Tohono Chul Garden Bistro (formerly the Tea Room). The Wilsons lived in this house for eight years.

It was during the 1970s that the couple was approached several times by developers seeking to purchase the land for commercial development. They always refused. Jean Wilson told them, “I don’t want to sell the land. I don’t want it cemented over. I want to preserve it.” In fact, when Pima County condemned a strip along the southern boundary of the property in order to widen Ina Road, Dick Wilson demanded that they move every saguaro and replant it on their adjacent property…

Click here to read more about the inspiring history behind Tohono Chul.

Mission & Vision

Mission Statement

The mission of Tohono Chul is to create a community oasis where reverence for the cultural and natural ecology of the Sonoran Desert region inspires responsible stewardship so that future generations may thrive.

Vision Statement

We envision a Tohono Chul that is:

  • An immersive environment — celebrating the wonders of the Sonoran Desert
  • A commons — integral to the community, meaningfully engaging with the diverse histories and cultures of the region
  • An ecological leader — championing actionable, nature-based solutions to the core environmental challenges facing arid lands

Application Form

We know you have many options for volunteering, and we’re honored you’re considering Tohono Chul. This application helps us learn more about you—your skills, motivations, and potential contributions—while giving you insight into what we value in board members. Our goal is to see if we’re a good mutual fit, ensuring you can support our mission effectively and have a meaningful experience. We appreciate your time and thoughtfulness in completing this application and look forward to continuing the conversation.

▸ CONTACT INFORMATION

Your Name:(Required)
Email:(Required)
Address(Required)
Employer Address(Required)
Which mailing address do you prefer we use?(Required)

▸ TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

Attributes
A board is more than just a group of people — it’s a team that makes decisions, sets strategy, and has important discussions. It must work as one unit. Your personality traits will add to the diversity of the board and help strengthen how well the members work together. Please check the boxes that you believe describe your attributes:
Leadership & Board Experience(Required)
Please check the boxes that best reflect your background, skills, and professional expertise.
Skills(Required)
Please check the boxes that best reflect your background, skills, and professional expertise.
Profession(Required)
Please check the boxes that best reflect your background, skills, and professional expertise.

▸ BOARD EXPECTATIONS

Please review the document titled "Primary Board Responsibilities," which is available for download via the link at the top of this page. Do you agree to uphold the responsibilities outlined for Board Members?(Required)
Which committee would you be most interested in serving on?(Required)
Fundraising & Membership(Required)
Among other responsibilities, board members play a key role in raising funds for our organization. It is an expectation of board service that you will maintain membership at Tohono Chul and introduce people within your sphere of influence to our work. We encourage you to invite them to engage more deeply—whether as prospective volunteers, board members, staff, or donors. Our organization is committed to providing you with the information and tools necessary to serve as a vocal and visible ambassador for our mission. Will you agree to fulfill this expectation?

▸ DEMOGRAPHICS (optional)

The following questions are optional and are intended to help Tohono Chul’s understanding of where our board may grow in diverse perspectives. Note that while this answer is not anonymous, individual responses will not be shared. The TCP Board of Directors strives to recruit Board Members who offer a diversity of lived experiences that will support TCP in its commitment to bring a welcoming, safe, and enriching place for everyone who wishes to enjoy the experiences TCP has to offer.
Race/Ethnicity
How do you identify?
Gender Identity
How do you identify?
Sexual Orientation
How do you identify?
Age
What is your age range?
Disability Status
Do you identify as a person with a disability?
Veteran Status
Are you a U.S. military veteran?

▸ UNDERSTANDING & COMMITMENT

Do you agree to support the organization's staff, recognizing that the primary responsibilities of the Board of Directors are to: (1) set policy and (2) support fundraising efforts?(Required)
I find all of the above acceptable to me, and reasonable for the operation of the Board of Directors. I would like to be considered for membership on the Board, understanding that my nomination must first be made and accepted by the current Board of Directors. Once I become a member of the Board of Directors, I understand that the term of my membership is three years; at the end of that term, my membership on the Board of Directors may be extended for one additional three-year term, provided I have agreed to the continuation and that the continuation has been approved by the Board of Directors.(Required)
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By typing your full name below, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined above.