General information about our Board of Directors
The New England chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution is governed by a board of directors. The chapter seeks directors who reflect the diversity of the region's practitioners, show a strong commitment to the field of conflict resolution, and are familiar with NE-ACR's work and mission. Past attendance and participation in chapter events and programs carry additional weight.
Chapter board member responsibilities
NE-ACR board members are expected to:
- Serve for a two-year term
- Be a member of NE-ACR for the duration of the term
- Maintain membership in the Association for Conflict Resolution while serving on the chapter board
- Attend NE-ACR board meetings (usually three in-person meetings per year with additional telephone meetings), member meetings (usually three to four per year, coinciding with board meetings), and other NE-ACR events during the board term
- Keep up to date on chapter activities and communications
- Chair or participate in at least one chapter task force or committee
- Help with the NE-ACR conference (every other year, with the next in 2012) by chairing or serving on a conference committee or sub-committee
- Promote conflict resolution and NE-ACR in communities and workplaces
The nomination and election process
Nominations for directors are requested of all members well in advance of the chapter's annual meeting each April. The chapter's Nominating Committee, made up of at least three chapter members, reviews all nomination submissions, talks with candidates, and recommends a slate of directors and officers for the chapter year that runs from April through March. Nominated officers, who serve for one term, are usually selected from directors who have served on the board for some time. The chapter officers are president, president-elect, vice president, treasurer, and secretary.
Elections are held at each annual meeting in April and are conducted by voice vote unless someone requests a paper ballot process.
NE-ACR aims to promote diversity on its board as well as in all activities, events, and publications. As a chapter of the national Association for Conflict Resolution, we subscribe to the following statement from the national organization:
ACR seeks to encourage and promote participation, accessibility, active representation, and leadership from diverse populations including, but not limited to, races, ethnicities, national origins, languages, genders, sexual orientation, economic status, school or organizational locations, physical abilities, ages, religions, educational types or levels, and perspectives. Further, ACR actively implements equity and affirms diversity in its work, including its publications and standards, and in its board, staff, programs, chapters, sections, and committees.
In order to promote diversity and equity in our organization and our field, on-going self-examination is essential. We are committed to discussing and implementing fairness and openness in our values, procedures, conceptual frameworks, and structures. All persons participating in ACR programs and activities are a part of this endeavor.
