RUNNING YOUR CHAPTER-COMMITTEES
There are two types of Board Committees — standing and ad hoc. The standing committees assist with the administrative needs of the chapter. Each chapter should have, at a minimum, the following standing committees:
- Executive — Consists of the Board of Directors officers and acts for the Board between meetings.
- Finance — Oversees the chapter financial situations including the development of a budget, maintaining the chapter's bank accounts, conducting an annual audit, recommending potential investments, and completing ACC's annual financial reports.
- Nominating — Oversees and reviews the process of officer nominations.
- Membership — Actively promotes membership growth within the chapter through the development of a consistent membership marketing plan to generate new members and retain current members.
- Programs — reviews, develops and implements the chapter's educational efforts.
To encourage smooth functioning committees, follow these additional steps:
- Prepare written descriptions for each committee to outline the scope of responsibilities and objectives, and to help the committee understand the focus of their activities.
- Make committee work assignments according to the background, expertise, and schedule of each member.
- Distribute tasks evenly among members so that everyone participates, but no one is overloaded.
- Create a system of checks and balances to monitor committee members' work and assure that tasks are completed on schedule.
QUALITIES OF AN EFFECTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
Communication Skills
- Demonstrates ability to communicate with committee members, staff, and other groups.
- Demonstrates willingness to listen.
Participation
- Demonstrates active participation and interest in the association.
- Commands prestige and respect from within the industry or profession.
- Has knowledge of the subject in which the committee in involved.
- Thinks in terms of association goals.
Leadership
- Commands attention and inspires others.
- Demonstrates ability to create positive work atmosphere.
- Controls without dominating.
- Understands how the committee fits into the larger work of the association.
Administrative Skills
- Demonstrates willingness to take the initiative.
- Demonstrates ability and willingness to carry out responsibilities.
- Supports orderly procedures for conducting work.
Qualities of an Effective Committee Chair is from John F. Schlegel's, Enhancing Committee Effectiveness, p. 6.
