NEC is a member-led network and worker self directed non-profit! We strive to have important decisions be directly shaped by the needs of members. We do this through member votes and direct decision-making, member representation on the Board of directors, member leadership of working groups, and more.

What Decisions are Made By Membership?

Learn more about the member voting process and structure.

The Board & Elections

• The Board of Directors is primarily member-elected, and is the main way we remain accountable to our membership. The board is coordinated by the board co-Chairs.

• The Board is governed by the organizational bylaws, is responsible for making key decisions around budget and strategy, and is responsible for the highest degree of structural or mission based changes to the organization.

• Board Elections are generally held every other year. The most recent election was held in 2025, which onboarded a new slate of 5 board members from our membership.

General Circle

• The General Circle is an executive-level decision making body made up of elected staff representatives and member-elected board representatives, both of whom serve terms.  

• NEC does not have an “executive director”. The General Circle manages most high impact personnel, finance, and program-related decisions. 

NEC Staff

• NEC is worker-self directed and all staff share in decision making, governance, and operations work to keep the organization functioning.

• For our current staff structure please see here.

• Staff stewards NEC strategy, programming, anchors member-led working groups, and serve as points of connection between members.