BeYOU Health Advisory Board

• March 26, 2024
• March 28, 2023
• January 31, 2023
• November 29, 2022
• September 27, 2022
• July 26, 2022
• May 31, 2022
• March 29, 2022
• October 19, 2021
• September 21, 2021
• August 18, 2021
• June 15, 2021
• May 18, 2021
• April 20, 2021
• March 16, 2021
• January 30, 2021

LGBTQ2S+ Advisory Board Charter

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Two-Spirit Community (LGBTQ2S+) Advisory Board is known as the “BeYOU Health Board” (BYHB). The BYHB provides recommendations regarding LGBTQ2S+ health issues and topics to North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS). Board members assist HHS in ensuring LGBTQ2S+ perspectives are incorporated in planning and decision-making for the state and forming community partnerships. The BYHB maintains the seven core components listed below:

• Led by representation of the LGBTQ2S+ community
• Maintains consistent, structured meetings
• Fosters community building
• Offers a space for LGBTQ2S+ to share their opinions on health-related matters
• Describes the unique needs of the LGBTQ2S+ community
• Analyzes workplace, community and healthcare settings that prevent bias and discrimination
• Places an emphasis on planning, executing and focusing on meaningful projects and topics to help improve the well-being of and eliminate health inequalities faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community

Mission
HHS BYHB's mission is to create a consistent platform for the LGBTQ2S+ community to make a difference in North Dakota communities by using peer influence to develop, promote and educate on important initiatives and issues that will improve the health of North Dakota's LGBTQ2S+ population. HHS’s BYHB allows the LGBTQ2S+ population to learn about and implement community-wide planning and improve leadership and transparency across North Dakota.

Advisory Board Members
The Board consists of up to 20 individuals, 18 years of age and older, who represent the LGBTQ2S+ community and reside in North Dakota. The Board comprises a diverse group representing various backgrounds, including ethnicity, race, age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability and places of origin. All members are asked to commit to at least two years of service to cultivate their personal and professional growth.

Members will:

• Increase their knowledge of public health policies and concepts
• Serve as advisors to HHS programs and staff on LGBTQ2S+ health-related issues
• Provide recommendations for HHS’s role in enhancing the delivery of regional and local services to the LGBTQ2S+ community
• Eliminate inequalities and barriers to success and improve health equity across the state
• Consider how the needs of the LGBTQ2S+ population vary across different North Dakota communities
• Advise HHS on the best strategies to actively seek written, electronic or oral community input on initiatives, policies and other activities
• Serve as a platform for bringing community concerns to HHS
• Provide recommendations on the mission, goals and objectives of the Board
• Meet bi-monthly (six times per year)
  • Meetings will be in-person, by phone or via video technology at a date and time determined by the board.

Requirements

• Applicants must be current North Dakota residents
• Commit to attending and participating in 75% of bi-monthly meetings (six times per year)
  • Meetings will be in-person, by phone or via video technology at a date and time determined by the board.
• Attend an orientation session
• Serve as a platform to bring community concerns to HHS
• Act as an ambassador and advocate for LGBTQ2S+, the community and the BYHB
• Engage LGBTQ2S+ through discussion and leadership opportunities
• Seek out and listen to other’s opinions and experiences
• Incorporate and consider all feedback provided by the BYHB
• Advise HHS on the best strategies to actively seek written, electronic or oral community input on initiatives, policies and other activities.

Officers and Duties

BYHB Chair

The chair will oversee the board in collaboration with HHS and will assist in leading quarterly meetings. This position will be a two-year term, which will be voted on by all members of the board. This position will help maintain order at all meetings and serve as the liaison to other councils and other organizations as requested. If other committees are needed to carry out the duties of the board, the chair shall appoint standing or special committees. Decisions will be followed by a majority vote by the board, including the election of the chair and the co-chair. The chair will assist HHS with meeting preparations, including the development of the agenda.

BYHB Co-Chair

The co-chair will assist the chair as needed and serve as chair when the chair is absent. This position will take attendance at meetings and provide notes covering the summary of each meeting. Decisions will be followed by a majority vote by the board, including the election of the chair and the co-chair.

BYHB Meetings

Board meetings are held bi-monthly (six times per year), approximately two hours in duration. These meetings will be held to ensure the support, participation and engagement of the Advisory Board members. Productive and effective meetings are essential to the success of the BYHB. Meetings will house discussions and deliberations covering important topics that may be converted into decisions and recommendations to HHS. The board implemented Guiding Principles after its initial establishment, and guidance is sought continuously. If necessary, this can be done by e-mail. Meeting locations have been decided with input from board members. Remote technology, including telephone and virtual alternatives, allows members who cannot attend in-person meetings to participate.

Voting
For a vote to occur, at least 2/3 of the current members must be present to meet the quorum. If a vote is taken at a meeting, all members of the Board shall be informed at least two weeks before the meeting. Voting will be allowed in person and by virtual alternatives.