Dear Friends,
Without a doubt, one of the best things I have done since returning from my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya has been serving on the RPCV/W Board of Directors. I’m sure each of my fellow Board Members would agree with this statement. RPCV/W Members are genuinely committed to bringing their Peace Corps service back home and it is an honor and a thrill to serve you and help lead us forward.
As the 2011-2012 RPCV/W Board term wraps up, I write this letter to encourage each of you to consider running for a RPCV/W Board position. Serving on the Board is a tremendous opportunity to hone your leadership skills, interact with a diverse and talented membership, and find ways to strengthen our community.
Members interested in running for a Board position must declare their candidacy by June 12 using the form located on our homepage. Online voting will open on June 16 and run up to June 30, where the polls will close at the Annual Members’ Barbecue.
The RPCV/W 2011-2012 Board of Directors and I are happy to tell you about our experiences and answer your questions.
Thank you for all that you do for our community!
Sincerely,
Chris Austin (Kenya 2003-2005)
RPCV/W President
2012-2013 RPCV/W Board of Directors Position Descriptions
The RPCV/W Board of Directors are annually elected by the RPCV/W membership to serve one-year terms beginning on August 1 of each year. All positions are unpaid. Board Members attend monthly Board meetings and are expected to be present at most RPCV/W events. Traditionally, the Board has two strategic planning retreats throughout the year -one in August and one in February. The 2012-2013 Board will consist of the following 12 positions, each highlighting different skill sets. Please keep in mind that these are only general descriptions and that RPCV/W encourages Board Members to be bold and innovative in pursuing the goals associated with their responsibilities.
President
The president is responsible for giving strategic direction to the Board. He/she runs Board meetings, co-facilitates retreats, troubleshoots organizational challenges, and serves as the face of the organization for media and events. The president maintains partnerships with NPCA and the NPCA’s Mid-Atlantic/nationwide Representative, Peace Corps, and other peer organizations in the region. Candidates should have leadership and management experience, patience, and rapport-building skills.
Vice President
The VP is responsible for coordinating and co-facilitating strategic Board retreats. In the President’s absence, the VP runs board meetings and fills in as Board leader. The VP runs and implements the Partnership for Peace selection process and reception, linking RPCV/W with local community non profits. Candidates should be well-organized managers with excellent people skills. Along with the Treasurer, the VP is responsible for ensuring that RPCV/W’s annual paperwork is filed with the IRS and NPCA.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is responsible for managing RPCV/W’s finances and cash flow. The Treasurer manages membership dues and event revenue, writes checks for all expenses, and provides monthly budget summaries for the Board. The Treasurer ensures we are up to date with NPCA membership and dues. Treasurer works on obtaining insurance for events and for the organization, as needed. Candidates should have basic knowledge of 501(c3) tax preparation, Quicken or similar finance software, be detail oriented, trustworthy, and organized. Along with the VP, the Treasurer is also responsible for filing taxes and other financial documents in a timely manner.
Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for keeping the minutes of each Board meeting and retreat, as well as compiling the annual report in June. The Secretary should distribute minutes in a timely manner and keep detailed records of Board decisions. He/she is responsible for creating and disseminating the weekly newsletter. This newsletter articulates RPCV/W events and announcements. Candidates should be organized and available to attend meetings regularly. Experience in editing and newsletter design is desirable.
Outreach Director
The Outreach Director is responsible for ensuring that RPCV/W retains a robust membership and for building relationships between RPCV/W and community stakeholders. He/she manages the RPCV/W membership database and works to streamline membership sign-ups between NPCA and RPCV/W. Interaction is not limited to members, but also to potential members, (e.g. RPCVs visiting the area for career purposes, Med-evac’d PCVs, etc.). The Outreach Director seeks to find and address gaps in serving the RPCV community.
The Outreach Director also works closely with the Professional Development Director and is responsible for the annual Speed Networking events (usually held twice a year in conjunction with Peace Corps’ jobs conference) and for monthly Med-Evac PCVs/RPCVs Meet-n-Greets. Traditionally, this Director has also worked with the Social Director on the Thanksgiving Potluck event and for new member events.
Development Director
The Development Director is responsible for keeping RPCV/W funded through non-dues revenues. He/she works with sponsors and donors, and runs the silent auction at the Holiday Party. The Development Director chairs the Board’s Development Committee, thinking creatively about new revenue opportunities and works to develop new, creative revenue-generating events and programs for RPCV/W. In addition, the Development Director is responsible for developing sponsor/donor materials (i.e. letters, forms, thank you notes, packages, etc.). Candidates should have basic fundraising or networking experience, have enthusiasm for building robust fundraising events and programs Taking pleasure in meeting new people and developing relationships (networking), leadership skills, particularly the ability to delegate effectively, and have genuine passion for RPCV/W and the Peace Corps.
Professional Development Director
The Professional Development Director is responsible for developing and implementing RPCV/W’s Professional Development Initiative (PDI). The aim of the PDI is to better connect RPCVs with each other along career lines. The Professional Development Director organizes career information events, speed networking events, formal panel discussions with RPCVs representing various industries, and mentoring programs for recently-returned volunteers.
Special Events Director
The Special Events Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of RPCV/W’s three signature events: The Annual Holiday Party, Annual Wreath Laying Event and Annual Summer BBQ. He/she works closely with venues, catering, and the Development Director to secure sponsors and donations. Candidates should have event planning experience, be able to delegate responsibilities to the board, and have a sense of humor!
Community Service Director
The Community Service Director is responsible for integrating the community service component to RPCV/W. He/she identifies local opportunities to engage in service projects. The Community Service Director assists the VP with Partnership for Peace. Candidates should have a passion for service and be able to bring diverse groups of people together.
Social Director
The Social Director is responsible for coordinating social events for RPCV/W members, including happy hours, family events, camping, cooking classes, wine tasting tours, etc. This person will also organize our Annual Cherry Blossom Picnic. He/she coordinates sign-up sheets and name tags at events, coordinates with local venues, and encourages members to meet each other and establish connections and friendships. Candidates should be outgoing, organized, and fun!
Public Relations Director
The Public Relations Director is responsible for posting and maintaining events and announcements on Face Book, Twitter and the RPCV/W website. This person is also responsible for maintaining and updating RPCV/W’s website, Google Groups, and other applications. He/she works closely with the Membership Director on integrating the member database. Candidates should have basic knowledge of website management and online applications and working knowledge of MS Publisher or similar newsletter formatting software and Adobe Acrobat Professional, be extremely organized with attention to detail, and keep to deadlines.
Historian
The Historian is a non-voting position appointed by the Board of Directors. He or she will be in charge of chronicling the organization’s past, present, and future. The Historian will be encouraged to attend events throughout the year and document them to the best of his or her ability. The Historian will also be encouraged to delve deeply into RPCV/W’s trove of ancient scrolls, and work hand-in-hand with the President, Secretary, and Public Relations Director to safeguard and publicize lost knowledge. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, an inquisitive nature, and considerable free time.