In the past few days, we’ve run several advertisements asking students and other community members to join The Daily’s Editorial Board. But few may know the actual roles and duties of the Board’s members. We would like to take this opportunity to explain the details surrounding the position as well as the overall goals of the Board.

The Editorial Board is comprised of a few Daily staffers, including us — the two Opinions Editors, as well as a handful of students not otherwise affiliated with the paper. While each edit is written by one member of the board, all of them remain unsigned. The anonymity allows the Board’s opinions to transcend the potential individual biases of each member.

The Board’s purpose is to provide a unified opinion on issues affecting the Stanford community. Members brainstorm ideas and meet once a week in order to share thoughts and ultimately decide which issues the Board will cover. The Board adopts a stand on each issue based on majority consensus. When a majority consensus cannot be reached, the Board may opt to write separate pieces reflecting opposing opinions. If a board member expresses strong disagreement with the majority position, he or she may write a signed dissenting editorial.

Editorials are not simply rants. Each issue is both thoroughly researched and considers counterarguments.

So what are we looking for, you may ask? Good editorial board members are aware of what is going on around them, receptive to opposing opinions and passionate about taking a stand. A strong writing background is encouraged, and reliability is a must.

Think you’re ready for the job? Send two sample edits (600-800 words), 10 future ideas and a short cover letter with contact information and an explanation of any previous experience to opinions@daily.stanford.edu. For questions, e-mail njabbar@stanford.edu or vickyd@stanford.edu. We’re looking forward to working with you this volume!

Victoria Degtyareva and Natalie Jabbar are Opinions Editors for Volume 230.