Abstract

Depending on program size and needs, becoming or appointing a committee chairperson may be a one-time event or a situation that arises often. This effective practice, which presents ten questions to consider, was compiled from a discussion between Patrice A. Lynch, Volunteers Resources Coordinator, Arthritis Answers, and Kurt Ziley, Director of Volunteer Resources, AccountAbility, Minnesota, occurring on the CyberVPM e-mail discussion list in September 2002.

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Issue

What is the best way to assess the feasibility of taking an appointment as a committee chairperson, for program directors and prospective volunteers?

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Action

When considering accepting a chair position or when recruiting prospective volunteers for the position, be sure to have the answers to the following questions:

1. What are the expectations of the position (basic job requirements: i.e. what do I do, when do I need to do it, what tools are provided to do the job)?
2. What are the expected time commitments (including preparation time, meeting time, and phone time while serving, as well as length of commitment to the position)?
3. When are the required meetings (including dates, times, locations)?
4. Who does the chairperson report to and who reports to the chair?
5. What, if any, control does the chairperson have in making selections to the committee?
6. Is financial support of an organization intrinsic to the position?
7. Does the chairperson need to recruit/identify the successor?
8. What type of staff support is given the chairperson? Does this support person have job goals directly related to the committee chair position? If so what are they? (Knowing these objectives beforehand can help that person succeed.)
9. Who "fires" an uncooperative/disruptive committee member?
10. Will someone provide a list of key contacts of the organization and collaborating partners?

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Context

Considering taking on a chair position is a decision that is best reached with some prior knowledge about the placement. And, for program directors recruiting prospective volunteers to serve as a chairperson it is important to convey some basic information about the position.

As part of volunteer member development, programs may design member committees for recruiting, discipline, mediation, retreats, and training. Subsequently, programs need to appoint a chairperson to head these committees.

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Outcome

With important information conveyed beforehand, the chairperson will function more efficiently in his/her position.

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