Committees in General

Suggested standing committees would be: annual meeting, audit, award of excellence, bar liaison, budget, certification, education, governance, marketing, membership, nominations and elections, non-dues income, professional development, publication, strategic planning, and technology. This list is by no means inclusive; it is merely meant to be a starting point. As stated above, the "directors" may serve as chairmen of the committees, depending on your bylaws and/or standing rules; however, it is strongly recommended that this not be the case. The directors should act as liaisons to the committees, the conduit of information passing between the board and the committees; leaving the board free to plan strategically, and the committees to do the work of the association.

Task forces may be appointed by the president, subject to approval pursuant to the bylaws and/or standing rules. The purpose of a task force is to set up and organize specific projects. Typically, the group of people appointed to the task force serve on the task force until the project is completed. Once the project is completed and/or on the way to an ongoing project, the task force has completed its project. For example: NALS has an annual conference task force which operates under the NALS Education Committee, i.e., 2001 Annual Conference Task Force. This task force works to organize the educational sessions at the annual conference. Once the 2001 Annual Conference has past, that task force has completed its obligations. However, several NALS committees have newsletter task forces. In this instance, the individuals serving on the task force may change year to year.

Below are some broad general descriptions for the above suggested standing committees. Again, these are merely suggested general descriptions and each local and state association is encouraged to develop a more detailed description and a set of objectives, guidelines, and deadlines for each. (See Guidelines for Officer, Director, and Committee Procedures Manual.)

Annual Meeting
This committee works closely with the president and Board of Directors to coordinate the duties and responsibilities involved in hosting the annual meeting (generally state), including site selection, scheduling, education, special events, etc.

Audit
This committee reviews the records of the treasurer and reports to the membership on the condition of the books and finances of the association. It is recommended that the audit committee consist of three members appointed by the president with the approval of the executive committee. The current treasurer and president should not serve on this committee.

Award of Excellence
This committee conducts an annual Award of Excellence competition. If your local or state association has not developed its own Award of Excellence program, we suggest contacting others that have and/or reviewing the NALS Award of Excellence rules and criteria. See Recognition Book of NALS.org to assist you in setting up such a recognition program.

Bar Liaison
The purpose of the committee is to improve existing relations and establish new relations with the various bar associations in the state.

Budget
The purpose of this committee is to assist the president and president-elect in preparing the annual budget.

Certification
This committee’s suggested responsibilities are detailed under Certification Director.

Education
This committee’s suggested responsibilities are detailed under Education Director. This committee is charged with the responsibility of furthering the knowledge of members and helping them increase their job efficiency. This committee is in charge of all educational programs and works closely with the marketing committee to promote and publish educational offerings. It is also suggested that this committee work with the publication committee in obtaining articles for the newsletter.

Governance, better known as bylaws and standing rules.
This committee, which could be chaired by the parliamentarian, past president, and/or president-elect, would be responsible for keeping the bylaws and standing rules current and interpreting same. Likewise, this committee would be responsible for creating, updating, and maintaining an Officer, Director, and Committee Procedures Manual.

Marketing
This committee’s suggested responsibilities are detailed under Marketing Director.

Membership
This committee’s suggested responsibilities are detailed under Membership Chair/Director.

Nominations and Elections
This committee provides for nomination and election of officers and directors. This committee shall prepare and mail the official Call for Nominations letter and form for officers and directors to each member; upon receipt of nominations and verification of qualifications, mail acceptance/rejection letters to nominees with a request they be completed and returned with biographical information; prepare or mail ballots (if your association allows for mail ballots) to all members who were members in good standing as of a date set by your bylaws/standing rules.

Nondues Income
This committee organizes and oversees non-dues income projects for the association.

Professional Development/Leadership
This committee provides professional development and leadership sessions to members via workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills. This committee can work with the education and annual meeting committees in planning these types of sessions.

Publication
This committee edits and distributes the association publication. The editor, who is the chairman of the committee, may serve as a member of the marketing committee.

Strategic Planning
This committee works with all committees and members in the development and implementation of the Strategic Plan, including enhancement and review of the existing plan adopted by the members. It is recommended that this committee be made up of board members.

Technology
This committee maintains and enhances the association’s web site and works with the education and publication committees to provide technology education.