I. AVS Executive Board Nominations
The Nominations Committee of the AVS Executive Board is seeking nominations for Secretary, Treasurer, and four Member-at-Large positions commencing July 1, 2018. Any AVS member in good standing who is a U. S. citizen and/or U. S. resident is eligible to be nominated.
II. About the Nominations and Election Process – How to Submit a Nomination
Nominees should be highly motivated and prepared for significant service assignments and committee work to further the aims and programs of the society. As part of AVS’s ongoing efforts to develop its Board and to serve a diverse constituency of violists and viola enthusiasts, the AVS especially encourages nominations from groups currently underrepresented within its membership, such as music educators and amateur violists. Nominations of individuals with expertise in development, finance, social media/web development, and organizing events (such as festivals and workshops) are also encouraged.
AVS members are encouraged to send recommendations for nominees (self-nominations are allowed), and all nominees must be AVS members. Non-AVS members are encouraged to join or renew their memberships to be eligible to participate in the process.
To submit a nomination or self-nomination, send an email to Julie Edwards (nominations@americanviolasociety.org), chair of the Nominations Committee, by January 31, 2018. The email should have the subject “AVS Nominations” and should include the following information:
Nominations received by January 31, 2018 will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee. As per the AVS By-Laws, a slate of at least two candidates for each position will be determined within 7 days from close of nominations. (See below for selection criteria.) All nominees will be informed of the status of their nomination at that time.
For those nominees selected as candidates, their names, personal statements, and bios will be posted on the AVS website and sent electronically to voting members during the election period in Spring 2018. Voting will take place by electronic ballot. All AVS members in good standing will be eligible to vote, except for for institutional, complimentary, press, and CVS members who pay extra to receive JAVS but whose memberships originate in Canada. The winning candidates will be announced immediately following the close of the voting period.
III. About Board Service, AVS Board Needs, and Nominations Selection Criteria
In keeping with AVS’s commitment to serve a diverse constituency of violists and viola enthusiasts, the AVS especially encourages nominations from groups currently underrepresented within its membership, such as music educators and amateur violists. Nominations of individuals with expertise in development, finance, social media/web development, and organizing events (such as festivals and workshops) are also encouraged.
As a working board, AVS officers and Executive Board members participate actively in the planning and administration of our many programs, including the following:
The Board is also working on the creation, implementation, and evaluation of several new programs tailored to the changing needs and interests of our membership based on feedback from our recent strategic planning process.
Responsibilities for officers and Executive Board members are as follows:
Serve on approximately 4–6 working committees, involving significant service assignments to administrate AVS programs and support the society’s needs
Participate actively in an annual board meeting weekend (either in person or via teleconference service), and in regular teleconference meetings throughout the year (approximately quarterly), with preparation and follow-up work for all meetings
Develop familiarity with AVS’s goals, objectives, and programs
Assist the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities
Support the AVS’s development and membership recruitment efforts, including establishing new programs and resources to attract, support, and retain a diverse membership
Serve as ambassadors for the AVS within the musical community, and promote partnerships with sister organizations
Participate in ongoing strategic planning and evaluation of AVS programs
The Nominations Committee will consider the following criteria when selecting nominated individuals to appear as candidates on the ballot:
Willingness to commit time, contribute meaningfully, and follow through on service assignments
Willingness to prepare for, attend, and participate in board meetings
Commitment to serving a diverse constituency of violists and viola enthusiasts
Ability to work well in groups, including a diplomatic, consensus-building, collegial approach to committee work
Experience in leadership positions and/or developing new programs or initiatives
Creative approach to problem-solving
Reputation for honesty, integrity, and responsibility
Professional communication skills befitting public ambassadors for the AVS and for the viola
Community-building skills
Expertise matching AVS’s organizational needs, such as development, finance, social media/web development
For nominees for Treasurer, a significant background in either accounting or finance (ideally with non-profit experience) is highly desirable.
IV. Nominations Committee Contact
If you have questions about the nominations or election process, or about AVS service, please contact Julie Edwards, Chair of the Nominations Committee, at nominations@americanviolasociety.org.
V. Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t know anyone on the AVS board. Am I still a viable candidate?
Yes. The Nominations Committee will evaluate your nomination based on the expertise, skills, and commitment that you can contribute to the organization (see criteria above). It is not necessary to have a personal connection to the board.
I am not a viola professor or orchestral musician—but most of the AVS board members are.
The AVS board is eager to develop programs and resources that serve all violists and viola enthusiasts, including music educators, amateur players, young professionals, composers, viola makers—and even non-violists who are fans of the viola. We actively encourage nominations of individuals who can help us to better serve this broad constituency and to expand our membership base.
Is serving on the AVS board the way to be programmed to perform, teach, or present at a Viola Festival?
The AVS has developed new procedures for a more transparent process for proposing performances, master classes, and presentations at our major gatherings. Stay tuned for more information about our next major gathering. It is not necessary to run for the board in order to be programmed at an International Viola Congress or American Viola Festival.
I am interested in board service, but I don’t know anyone who can nominate me.
Self-nominations are welcome and will receive the same consideration as other nominations.
I would like to get involved with AVS (or, I have ideas how I can help with a specific AVS program), but I’m not sure I can commit to all the meetings required for board service.
We would be delighted to hear from you and discuss ways you could get involved with a specific program or event, even without serving on the board. Email AVS President Michael Palumbo (president@americanviolasociety.org) to discuss your ideas.
What happens if I’m not selected as a candidate on the ballot? Or if I am on the ballot but am not elected? I still want to get involved with AVS activities.
We would love to have your input and help. Contact AVS President Michael Palumbo (president@americanviolasociety.org) to discuss ways you can get involved, and we hope you will be nominated or self-nominate again at the next election.
Are current AVS Executive Board members eligible to be nominated for an additional term?
Members-at-Large may succeed themselves only for no more than a second term. They are, however, eligible to be nominated for officer positions. For more details, consult the AVS By-Laws.
How do the duties of officers differ from those of Members-at-Large?
The 2018 election cycle is for Secretary, Treasurer, and Members-at-Large. For future reference, descriptions of each position are included in the AVS By-Laws. If you have further questions, please contact Julie Edwards, Chair of the Nominations Committee, at nominations@americanviolasociety.org.
