State Board Member Approval Policy
Goal
NFC looks to keep our state boards small, and made up of like-minded and engaged people. This will allow us to make decisions in a timely manner, while preventing us from watering down our mission due to diverging opinions and positions and the need to make concessions to appease board members.
Background
Unlike organizations where a paid membership gives one a vote if they choose to use it, paid membership in NFC does not. Instead, NFC maintains small, hand-picked state boards that are vetted and approved at both the state and national levels.
While applicable credentials, experience, and affiliations are helpful, there are no absolute requirements in regard to qualifications or experience for membership at the state board level in NFC. What we are looking for is people who embrace our mission and are willing to step up to help advance the mission at the state level.
Membership in NFC at the state board level for existing chapters is based on nomination at the state level with approval at the national level. Approval is based on the results of phone conversations with the State Chair and the applicable National Vice Chair (North or South) to determine if it is a good fit for all involved.
For new chapters, membership in a board is driven by interest on the part of the candidate with approval at the national level. Approval is based on the results of a phone conversation with the appropriate National Vice Chair to determine if it is a good fit for all involved.
National Vice Chairs will involve the National Chair in the vetting process if they feel they need a second opinion.
When communicating with potential state board members, avoid the use of terms that imply it is a done deal until they have been fully vetted and approved. Consider using verbiage such as, “If you would like to be considered for a position on the Maine board…”
NFC meetings are open to board and advisory council members only. State board candidates should not be invited to attend meetings until they have been fully vetted; have provided contact info, a bio, and several photos; and have been loaded to the applicable state chapter webpage.
Once a state board member has been added to the NFC website, they are expected to keep abreast with chapter projects and issues, attend meetings where they can, and volunteer for projects where they are able to. While no one expected to do everything, everyone is expected to do something.
The applicable state chair is responsible for making sure all candidates get properly vetted, provide us with a bio and pictures, and have been posted to the appropriate state page.
Summary
The process in place for recruiting and vetting board members helps makes sure that NFC state boards are staffed with like-minded people who understand and embrace the mission and are willing to do what is needed to meaningfully contribute.