Greetings Friends and Colleagues, August is winding down and as we enter a new season, new starts and exciting changes are happening in our Society. Now is the time we start the ISSTD election process. If you have ever thought of having a voice in the direction of our Society and in the field of trauma and dissociation, now is your time. Our first step is to identify a cohort of potential candidates. This year, not only are we looking for a new President-Elect, we will be choosing a new Secretary. Moreover there are up to five openings on our Board of Directors. While some of the current Directors are eligible to run for a second term, we are in need of fresh faces, new eyes, and innovative ideas. Board members have the opportunity to make a real difference in our Society and ultimately in the field of trauma and dissociation. Collaborating with ISSTD members from all over the world, utilizing their strengths and skills to benefit our Society, our Directors contribute to meeting ISSTD goals and to fulfilling our Mission. Board members are responsible for attending monthly Board meetings conducted online via videoconferencing. Additionally, they are required to attend the all-day, face-to-face Board meeting held annually in conjunction with our annual conference. The date for the 2019 Board Meeting is Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the Sheraton New York Times Square. Behind the scenes, Board members are expected to serve as a chair and/or as members of the different committees that do the hard work of running a Society. They contribute to lively online discussions that shape how our Society meets the challenges facing our field.
What are the qualifications needed to become a Board member?
ISSTD is seeking individuals who are:
- Current members of ISSTD who have sustained membership for at least the past 3 consecutive years
- Dependable and hard working
- Known for their ethical practice in the field of trauma and dissociation
Highly-rated nominees:
- Work and play well with others
- Work well as part of a team and are able build a consensus
- Have a history of ISSTD committee membership or participation in other ISSTD activities
- Have an interest in the overall well-being and growth of ISSTD, not just in particular projects
- Are committed to working hard to ensure the future of ISSTD
- Have previous non-profit organization board experience
- Have no conflicts of interest
The Call for Nominations will run from August 30 – September 30, 2018. If you know of a colleague that will help serve our Society and further our Mission and goals, please consider nominating them. (Ask First! No Surprises!!!) Each nominated candidate must be endorsed by two other ISSTD members and complete a nominated candidate profile. Please feel encouraged to step up and contribute. All the forms and the fine print can be found on the nominations page of the ISSTD website. Beyond the opportunities to serve on our Board of Directors, we are also looking for a new Secretary. The Secretary serves not only as a member of the Board but also as an officer on our Executive Committee. The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes of all the Executive Committee and Board meetings; ensuring that approved copies of minutes and the records of the organization are properly maintained. The Secretary serves a three year term and may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. Those are the leadership opportunities available for this year. Every year we also look for candidates for the position of President-Elect. The person elected serves a three year term moving from President-Elect to the sitting President and then onto the advisory role as Immediate Past President. Our bylaws call for the successful candidate to have served at least two years on the Board of Directors to demonstrate familiarity with the workings of and issues confronting our Society. The role is both taxing and deeply rewarding. Again, if you, or someone you someone you know, is qualified and interested in serving either as a Director on our Board, or as an officer of our Society, reach out and start the Nominating process ASAP! Martin Dorahy, our Immediate Past President, is convening this year’s Nominating Committee. They will be charged with the responsibility of vetting potential candidates. The Nominations Committee will review all candidates nominated for the open positions, based on the best fit for the current and long-term needs of ISSTD. Their recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Directors for final approval as this year’s slate of candidates. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves to make a difference and help create the future for ISSTD and the field of complex trauma and dissociation? Send in your nominations today. Hoping you will join me and the other Board members.
All the best, Kevin
LAST MINUTE SHAMELESS PLUG: Please help support our $35 for the 35th campaign. This important campaign raises funds to grow and support student member opportunities and activities and to provide for our much needed website updates and improvements as well. You can help by making a donation of any size by visiting the 35 for the 35th webpage on the ISSTD website. One time and monthly installment payment options are available. Thanks for helping grow ISSTD!