2016 Affirmation Presidential Elections & General Business Meeting
The Annual International Affirmation Conference is fast approaching which includes the important Annual General Business Meeting (Friday, September 18 at 3 p.m.) where candidates for Affirmation President will have the opportunity to introduce themselves to the Affirmation community and briefly share their vision and goals for their term of office. Candidates will also be recognized in the Opening Program on Friday, September 18 and opportunities will be given for them to meet and greet with attendees throughout the Conference.
The term of office for Affirmation President is one year, running from January 1 to December 31. To be on the ballot, you must submit a statement of candidacy to Olin Thomas no later than the end of the first day of the 2015 Annual Affirmation Conference (Thursday, September 17, 2015).
Complete candidate statements will be published in late October on our website and via our weekly email Messenger. Ballots will be emailed or mailed to all current Affirmation dues-paying members in early November and completed ballots will be due by November 20th. The election results will be announced in early December.
The position of President is the only elected position in Affirmation. The President appoints two vice presidents and these three people form an Executive Committee that conducts the business of Affirmation along with the Board of Directors and a large expanded team of volunteers. The person elected for President greatly influences the performance of Affirmation in conjunction with the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors can remove the President if they believe the President’s actions do not align with Affirmation’s chartered purposes and values.
Affirmation does not depend on one person alone; as many presidents in the past have found, there are many who help. If you would like to be one of those who help Affirmation survive and flourish, consider offering yourself to help with a variety of volunteer opportunities in Affirmation. Many possible future presidents are out there, waiting for the moment they are ready to take the plunge. Grow into the role and learn about Affirmation from more experienced leaders by accepting appointed positions first. If you are interested, talk to any member of the current Executive Committee or Board of Directors.
If you do wish to run for President, please send your statement by end of day September 17, 2015 via email to Olin Thomas. Only current dues-paying members (anyone who has donated $25 or more to the organization within the 2015 calendar year – does not include conference registration fees) can run for office and vote for the president. Donate $25 today to become current. If you have questions about your 2015 donation status, please contact Fred Bowers.
Best Wishes to All –
Olin Thomas
Corresponding Secretary