Nominations and Selection Committee

Background and Purpose

The Nominations and Selection Committee was established as part of the evolution of the National Council in 2017. The focus and purpose grew out of the 2017 Strategic Target to re-imagine the volunteer role and the subsequent work of the Chappaqua Leadership Workgroup, many of whose members formed the initial Nominations & Selection Committee.  The initial tasks focused on transitioning from an election system to establishing the desired competencies for key positions, such as the field volunteer members of the Board of Directors and national volunteer leadership positions. The committee takes responsibility for the application process for the potential Board members. The potential Board candidates are then reviewed and approved by the Steering Committee of the National Council, which then forwards the name(s) formally to the Board’s Nominations and Governance Committee for consideration and vote.  The committee acts as a resource to the advisory and work groups in selecting new members of their committees, utilizing a competency framework. To date, the committee chair has served in an advisory capacity to the National Council Chair and Co-Chair in the selection of Steering Committee Members. Other duties have included conducting an annual evaluation for the Steering Committee of the Council.

Committee Responsibilities

  • To have a working knowledge of the Competencies for both the Field Volunteer Positions on the AFS-USA Board of Directors and the National Leadership Positions.
  • To oversee the recommendation of Field Volunteers for the Board of Directors, responsibilities including:
    • There are 6 Field Volunteer Positions on the Board of Directors, with 2 being elected each year. One of these positions is held by the Chair of the National Council.
    • The Chair of the National Council will serve on the Board for a 3-year term and will considered as part of the Board “class” for that year. When a new National Council Chair is selected, that individual will begin a 3-year term with the Board “class” for that year.
    • Field Volunteer Board Members who wish to be considered for a second term will reapply to the National Council as outlined above.
    • The Chair of the National Council, with the support of the Chair of the Selection and Nominations Committee, serves as a principal point of contact with the Chair of the Board’s Nominations and Governance Committee to assure that recommendations to fill vacancies are put forward, within an agreed upon time line and considering the needs of the Board.
  • To serve as a resource to the Advisory Groups and Work Groups in developing a process for the selection of new members or leadership.
    • It is not intended that a “one size fits all” process will be developed, but rather the committee is a resource to assist in defining what specific knowledge, skills, experience, in addition to competencies and diversity elements, should be considered in selecting new members or leadership.
    • Some groups may request more direct assistance with developing and implementing a selection process, in which case the committee will strive to partner to achieve the agreed upon goals.
  • Future Work:
    • With the continued evolution of the National Council, it is anticipated that this committee will be tasked with developing additional assignments such as succession planning processes and procedures, terms and rotation processes, and evaluations.
    • The committee may also be tasked with the development of recruitment strategies for national level positions (for example, how to market and recruit for advisory group membership), the development of a “central point of contact” process for those interested in working at a national level in the organization.
    • Specific tasks that may be assigned with the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2.0.

Committee Members

The Nominations and Selection Committee is chaired by a Volunteer, who also serves on the National Council Steering Committee, and a Staff Co-Chair, who is appointed by the Executive Team. The National Council Chair works closely with the committee and is the primary liaison with the Board Nominations and Governance Committee for the tasks related to Board positions.

The committee is seeking volunteers who would like to focus on one or more of the following areas:

  • provide support to one or more advisory or work groups to assess need for Nomination and Selection Support
  • provide support to the Steering Committee of the National Council in its succession planning process
  • develop and manage recruitment/marketing strategies, in coordination with other organizational initiatives to identify, develop, and refer volunteers for national leadership positions.

Time Commitment

Initially, monthly meetings will take place as a work plan is established. Afterward, committee meetings may be more or less frequent, with project based sub-committees setting a timeline and schedule that works for them. Members may choose to commit to a task project for the length of that project or to be a standing committee member for a minimum of one year, renewable.

Application Criteria

  • Prior experience on an AFS-USA national committee, advisory or work group (examples, Chappaqua, National Council, Returnee Initiative, Advisory Groups, etc.)
  • Knowledge, interest, and commitment to a competency-based selection process.
  • In addition to a written application, other factors may be considered such as diversity and inclusive representation, as well as specific knowledge and skill sets needed for task projects.
  • If you are interested in serving on the Nominations and Selection Committee, please complete the interest form here.