AHCJ board president
Felice Freyer, AHCJ board president (Photograph courtesy of Paola Rodriguez)
Have you ever loved studying and networking at AHCJ’s annual conferences or fellowship packages? Made use of our tip sheets, webinars, listserv — or in any other case discovered worth and enjoyable in being a member of AHCJ? Or have you ever had some ideas on how we are able to enhance what we do?
If the reply to any of those questions is sure, now could be the time to think about volunteering to assist govern this group. I extremely advocate it.
The annual AHCJ Board of Administrators election is beneath manner, and professional category members have till June 15 to declare their candidacy. Yearly, six of the twelve seats are up for grabs, and board members serve two-year phrases.
I’ve been a board member since 2009 and take into account it among the many most rewarding experiences of my skilled life. (Nevertheless it doesn’t really feel simply “skilled” — as a result of I’ve made so many good pals alongside the best way.) Let me stroll you thru what’s concerned.
Why do you have to be part of the board?
For starters, as a result of we want you. To maintain this group very important and responsive, we want new folks and contemporary concepts.
Serving on the board offers you a chance to contribute to the continued success of AHCJ and work to raise the standard of well being care journalism.
By serving on the board, I’ve made new connections, broadened my horizons, and relished being a part of this enterprise — being within the thick of issues. Board service has meant I might attend each annual convention whereas additionally doing my half to assist make the convention profitable. I’ve loved the camaraderie of our board dinners and different gatherings, and particularly the sensation that I could make a distinction shaping a company that does vital work.
AHCJ’s board has a historical past of concord and customary function. In my expertise, board members have at all times labored collectively effectively, agreed on most vital issues and resolved variations with out rancor.
If I be part of the board, what is going to I’ve to do?
Our staff manages the day-by-day operations, however the board units coverage and path for the group.
Now we have laid out board members’ duties intimately on this page. Earlier than throwing your hat within the ring, test it out. I’ve discovered that board service isn’t onerous — however it does require a severe dedication.
We estimate that board service requires, on common, an hour per week of labor. However some moments are busier than others, and you’ll at all times do extra — as many do. Board members are anticipated to attend all our conferences. The board meets as soon as every spring and fall, normally for a number of hours, plus occasional shorter Zoom conferences or e-mail votes when a priority arises that may’t wait.
Each board member serves on a committee, and a few board members additionally chair a committee. Some step up in different methods corresponding to moderating the listserv or serving to with efforts to extend range.
What are the downsides to board service?
For me, there’s been just one draw back — that I’m not eligible to enter my work into our annual contest. However I agree with that rule and really feel a twinge of delight once I inform my editors I can’t enter as a result of I assist lead a company with excessive moral requirements.
If I resolve I wish to run, what’s the course of?
You’ve got per week to declare your candidacy. Write a 400-word mixture bio and candidate assertion explaining who you might be and why you wish to serve. Electronic mail it to mujourahcjinfo@missouri.edu earlier than 5 p.m. CST on June 15. Members will vote by e-mail June 20 by way of July 1, and winners might be introduced July 5.
I’m unsure I’m prepared for board service, however I wish to become involved. Is there one thing else I can do?
Sure! You may volunteer to serve on considered one of our committees. I first grew to become concerned with AHCJ once I joined the Proper to Know Committee, which advocates for entry to data. It’s an exquisite technique to get to know the group and make a contribution. Along with Proper to Know, we’ve committees overseeing finance and improvement, membership insurance policies and recruitment, freelancers’ issues and the annual contest. They’re listed here, and you’ll volunteer by contacting the chair.
And at last, you may make a distinction just by voting within the board election. You’ll obtain an emailed poll. Studying the candidates’ statements and filling out the poll takes only a few minutes, and it’s a major contribution each member could make.
