Defining a "good" committee
The immediate tasks are done, the conservancy is registered, and the first rush of activity is over. Now we can relax, drink coffee, chat and promote our own agenda...right?
The committee is crucial to the success of the conservancy. But who does what, and how do we know that the committee is "good"?
Chaiman: leads all meetings and makes sure the meetings are fair organised and meet the rules in the constitution.
The buck stops with the Chairman. He or she delegates, but cannot abscond responsibility.
The Chairman should run a democratic committee.
Vice Chairman: works closely with the Chairman and stands in for Chairman when he/she is absent.
Secretary: This is an important and responsible portfolio which is often assigned to someone merely because no one else wants to take minutes!
The secretary should be organised and efficient as much of the administration lands on their shoulders. Minutes, accounting, formal communication, advertisements and announcements, organise functions, host meetings....
Treasurer: This portfolio looks after the money - from generating ideas for fundraising to signing the cheques when money is spent.
The treasurer reports to the members at an AGM on how money was spent, and what income was received.
Committee members: Make sure people have time to work on the tasks of the committee. Most committees require more than the time spent at the meeting; members needs to go off and do some work.
Special portfolios: You may want to assign specific jobs to people with special skills.
Think about someone who will deal with media, create and update a newsletter, engage with officials, co-ordinate fund-raising activities, engage with children.
Important: Give people the work they are good at; you want them to have fun!
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
