Leadership: Co-Chairs Of the Survival Coalition

Survival Coalition has three co-chairs that are elected from the membership organizations. Co-chairs must be members of the Survival Coalition.

Term of Office

The term of office for each co-chair is three years. Each co-chair can serve up to two consecutive terms. Each term will be staggered for consistency and stability. Nominations for a vacancy will be accepted between November 1 and December 1. Voting will be at the first December meeting. The term will begin January 1 and end December 31.

Duties

• On a rotating basis, chair Survival Coalition meetings;
• Mediate differences of opinion among coalition members;
• Draft policy papers; write correspondence to legislators and the Administration;
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization by: signing letters; attending meetings with legislators, members of the Administration, and other coalitions; speaking at press conferences as needed;
• Represent Coalition in relationships to local, grassroots groups;
• Call special meetings of the Survival Coalitions if necessary;
• Serve as ex-officio member of all committees and work groups;
• Work with staff to prepare agenda;
• Provide direction to paid staff;
• Oversee writing of the minutes, financial reports, membership reports;
• Oversee fiscal management;
• Assist in membership campaign by calling or writing lapsed members.

Qualifications:

A candidate for Survival Coalition co-chair must:

• Have been a paid member for at least two years;
• Have attended a majority (50%) of Survival Coalition meetings on a regular basis;
• Be available for meetings with co-chairs, legislators, and members of the Administration;
• Track emerging issues with statewide impact.

Nominations

Paid members may nominate themselves or others after verifying that the candidate meets the four qualifications. Nominations may be made in writing or electronically between November 1 – December 1 and sent to the administrative coordinator. If the nomination of any candidate is questionable, the coordinator will consult with the current co-chairs.

All candidates who meet the qualifications and are willing to serve will submit a one page biography describing who they are, what area of interest or focus they work in, any affiliations and a brief personal statement. The biography would go out to members before they vote. Candidates will also be notified of other candidates before the announcement to members goes out. This will give candidates an opportunity to decide if they wish to continue to run.

Elections

Votes may be submitted in writing or electronically by December 15. One chair is elected each year for a three-year term by majority vote of members actually voting. Run off elections will be conducted with the top two or three candidates if a majority is not reached. One member per dues paying organization may cast a vote. A ballot will be sent to all paid members by December 1.

In the event of a single nominee, a vote will take place at the first December meeting. The nominee will be announced prior to the meeting and those not present at the meeting will be able to submitted their vote in writing or electronically prior to the meeting.

Vacancies

If a chairperson is unable to complete his/her term of office, a special election may be held. The person elected at the special election will complete the exiting co-chair’s term. If the vacancy occurs during the last six months of the term, the election may be conducted during the regular election period.