President Katherine Rowlands works with the board to craft a strategy for the next five years. Journalism & Women Symposium is building on its proud record of service to women journalists with more regional programs, an exciting 2012 conference and a new push to strengthen our financial base.

If you are looking for a meaningful way to contribute to JAWS, consider applying for a spot on our Board of Directors.

We will be losing several members of the board this fall (Teresa Puente, our secretary; Sarah Pollock, our deputy vice-president; E.J. Graff; Charreah Jackson; and Peggy Orchowski). We will be looking to nominate a Secretary, a President-Elect and two or three directors.

The board meets by phone about once a month to set policy, bring up issues for the staff or board to address, and check on matters involving membership, programming, fundraising and CAMP planning. This is an exciting time for JAWS because the organization is growing, our regional activities and training sessions are expanding, and our ability to extend our influence is gaining momentum.

If you are interested in adding your voice to this committed and important group of women — or if you want to recommend someone for us to consider — please send a note to President Katherine Rowlands at Katmail2@hotmail.com by July 20.

The nominating committee will put forth its slate of recommended candidates by Aug. 1. The general membership will vote on the slate of candidates at our conference on Oct. 28. Below is the job description for board members.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The board of directors consists of at least 11 members, including five officers and at least six general board members. (We currently have five officers and nine directors). Directors are elected for two-year or one-year terms. The president, vice president, secretary and treasurer serve two-year terms. The president-elect and deputy vice president serve one-year terms, with a deputy vice president elected to serve when there is no president-elect. General board members are ineligible to seek successive terms. The secretary and treasurer shall be elected in alternating years. Ideally, three new general board members will be elected each year. Officers and board members must be active members of the organization in good standing and have attended at least two JAWS CAMPs.

General Duties

0 Maintain a current membership in JAWS and attend CAMP.

0 Know the bylaws, mission, purpose, goals, programs and services for the organization.

0 Raise funds and actively seek financial support and donations for JAWS. Each board member is expected to give OR get at least $500. It is vital that as an organization we can tell funders and foundations that our board of directors participates 100 % in donating to JAWS, and at a significant level.

0 Serve on at least one committee.  Accept leadership positions, initiate special projects and undertake them willingly when asked.

0 When the need arises, represent JAWS to the public.

0 Prepare for and attend all board meetings.  The board holds two meetings a year that require in person attendance  — spring and fall. The spring meeting date is determined by the president. The fall meeting is held immediately preceding fall JAWS CAMP at the same location.  (The new board convenes immediately after the membership vote, usually on the Sunday afternoon of CAMP.) Conference calls are held throughout the year (usually about once a month) and regular participation is required. The board of directors may remove any member who has two consecutive unexcused absences from board meetings or calls.

0 Suggest agenda items periodically for the board meetings to ensure significant issues are addressed.  Make sure programs and services address membership needs.

0 Contribute ideas for programming, training, fundraising and membership and recruit for CAMP.

0 Contribute and/or recruit stories for the JAWS newsletter, which is distributed monthly.

0 Review the minutes to ensure that critical matters, resolutions and topics of discussion have been adequately covered.

0 Take an active role in recruiting members for JAWS, its board of directors and in promoting the programs and goals of the organization — this includes attendance at regional events, CAMP and other events.