• Identify candidates from the Working Group and power analysis.
• Create short list of potential Governing Body members. Note that the list of candidates may or may not include Working Group members.

Refine candidate list by meeting with each candidate to collect the following information:

• Specific contribution(s) to addressing the Just Communities Commitments within the neighborhood.
• Specific expertise and lived experience in the Just Communities Commitments.
• Willingness to share power and work transparently.
• Level of commitment to address and prioritize racial and social inequities within the community.
• Relevant expertise and training in racial equity and climate resilience.
• Any conflict with other candidates.
• Candidates that would need to be compensated for participation.

Finalize the Governing Body and confirm candidates’ willingness to serve on the Governing Body.

Using the Backbone Organization Assessment Template, make a list of potential organizations that could serve as a backbone to the Governing Body.

Assess candidate organization by answering the following questions:

• Does the organization’s mission and work line up with the Just Communities priorities?
• Does the organization have adequate capacity to support the Just Communities work? Do they need to hire additional staff?
• Who will the Just Communities staff report within the organization?
• Is their existing funding available to support the Just Communities work in the short and long term (e.g., salaries, benefits, operating expenses)?
• Is the organization committed to/ have expertise in advancing racial equity. Has the organization been responsible for or contributed to reinforcing historic racial injustices? Is the organization trusted among
  local communities of color?
• Is the organization committed to / have expertise in advancing climate resilience? Does it have relationships with other partners that are advancing climate resiliency and justice work?
• Does the organization have effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and procedures guiding internal hiring, leadership development, program design, and partnerships?

Select the backbone organization and secure their formal participation.

Using the Declaration of Collaboration Template, memorialize the agreements in a formal Declaration of Collaboration signed by all members of the Governing Body and backbone organization.