Executive Committee elections are coming up for Surfrider Ventura County!
The Executive Committee (EC) is a group of volunteers responsible for running a Surfrider Foundation chapter. It’s a fun and rewarding position that requires consistent efforts through a two-year term. The EC includes five basic roles (chair, vice chair, volunteer coordinator, treasurer, and secretary) and two optional ‘at large’ EC members. As volunteers, perfection is not expected, but dedication is important. EC members typically meet separately from the general chapter meeting once a month to discuss chapter business and finances, along with engaging in regular communication via Surfrider officer email.
Nominations
Any chapter member in good standing may be nominated. A chapter member in good standing is defined as any member of the Surfrider Foundation who has attended at least three (3) chapter meetings or three (3) chapter events in the twelve (12) months preceding the election.
Nominations will begin at the November general chapter meeting (Nov. 7, 2017). The election will take place at the general meeting in December. If an active member is unable to make it to the November meeting, nominations may also be submitted via email.
Election
Executive Committee members are elected for a two-year term by anonymous ballot at the December chapter meeting. Prior to ballots being cast, nominees have three minutes to introduce themselves to those gathered and make a short speech. All current Surfrider Ventura County chapter members in good standing may cast a vote in the election. The top vote-getters will become part of the Executive Committee starting in the new year.
The chapter general body elects EC members; it does not elect specific positions. After the election, the new EC members will meet with the current and outgoing EC members to discuss the duties of positions such as Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator to determine (based on interest and time commitment) who will perform those duties in the coming year.
Participating in the Election Process
The easiest way to make your interest known about the upcoming chapter elections or to ask more questions is to come to the next two general meetings. Feel free to contact the Chapter Chair, Sadie Iverson, for more info: chair@ventura.surfrider.org
Additional Information
Surfrider Foundation chapters are led and run by a small group of incredibly dedicated volunteers. Running a chapter should be fun, but it’s important to remember that every chapter is a direct extension of the nationwide network of Surfrider chapters and thus should seek in every way possible to conduct business in a professional manner. How the chapter conducts itself will determine how we are perceived in your community.
As an Executive Committee member you can expect to spend somewhere from 2 to 10 hours a week on Surfrider communications and tasks, depending on your specific role, the time of year and how active the chapter is. Our current and past EC members come from a variety of professional backgrounds and have a number of skill sets. Most importantly, we seek self-directing and self-motivated types who care deeply about the protection and enjoyment of our coasts, recognize the power of grassroots action to effect change, and enjoy learning as they go.
General Functions of a Surfrider Foundation Chapter:
- Identify and work on mission-related issues in the chapter’s geographic area. This means running campaigns to win a decision in favor of the environment
- Involve members through regular communications, meetings, and by giving them mission-related ways to volunteer
- Grow chapter membership, including retaining current members
- Cultivate, train, and mentor volunteers
- Raise funds to support chapter activities
- Identify new leaders and groom them for leadership positions General Duties of Chapter
Executive Committee Members: Essential Functions
- Organize and implement Issue Campaigns and Programs
- Organize and staff outreach events
- Organize and plan fundraising and awareness events
- Coordinate and develop volunteers
- Participate in and co-lead subcommittees, i.e. campaign, program or event committees.
- Communicate regularly with and be responsive to Regional or National Staff
- Communicate regularly with and be responsive to chapter membership
- Conduct annual chapter planning early each year, including rough sketches of campaigns and budgets. Implement the annual plan during the year
- Ensure that chapter funds are raised, spent, and accounted for properly
- Meet minimum requirements for chapter operation and comply with Chapter Bylaws
- Use Chapter emails as a way of capturing information relevant to running the chapter