It’s election time! No, you don’t have to brace for an onslaught of negative television ads just yet. That’s next year. Now is the time to elect chapter officers and SPJ board members who are dedicated to improving the state of journalism across New Mexico; can work cooperatively with other directors on fundraising, membership, and programming; and bring innovative ideas and energy related to training, mentorship, transparency, and other issues critical to New Mexico’s journalists.
For the next few weeks, please consider nominating yourself or a willing colleague. The board has five officers and six at-large board members. Every position is open this year.
Nominations will be accepted via e-mail from now until Nov. 15
We’ll post the slate of candidates online at NMSPJ.org on Nov. 16 for you to review vote on the first week in December. Results will be announced Dec. 7 and each term begins on Jan. 1, 2014.
To declare your candidacy, send a short bio and a photo to Peter.StCyr@Gmail.com. Please note if you are running as a director or officer (officer positions are listed below).
To qualify as a candidate, you must be a current member of SPJ and reside in New Mexico or the El Paso region. (Not a member? Join online.)
All at large board member terms are for one year. Officers are limited to three consecutive one-year terms.
Everyone has busy schedules, but becoming involved in the chapter is a great way to invest in your career, improve the state of journalism in the state, stay engaged in the local journalism community, and network with colleagues.
Here are the open 2014 positions:
President: Organizes and presides at meetings of the chapter membership and board of directors. Appoints committee chairs and committee members. Assists committee members with planning and communication. Serves as the official spokesperson for chapter.
VP – Communications: This Vice-President is the officer in charge of chapter communications. Communicates with members, publicizes job openings and events via email newsletter, website, Facebook, Twitter, etc. May appoint members to assist with the internal communications work and website maintenance.
VP – Development: This Vice-President is in charge of membership development may appoint other members to assist with contacts of prospective members and membership campaigns.
Note: Either Vice-President may preside at chapter board meetings or membership meetings in place of the President when the President cannot attend or temporarily relinquishes the chair.
Secretary: Writes and maintains official minutes of all regular and special call board meetings. Handles correspondence as directed by the president. Notifies national office annually of names of new officers and date that they will take office.
Treasurer: Collects dues, Pays bills. Prepares budgets. Maintains financial records of the chapter including an annual financial statement of income and expenses. Files any financial reports required. Submits books to chapter’s Audit Committee for annual audit.
At-large Board Members (6 spots)
