For Anyone Considering Running for PSi's Executive Council
This is something that I hope helps anyone considering Executive Council roles in PSI, or are unclear on the role of the EC.
Below is a portion of a message that the EC - new and old - have stickied to the top of their forum (which can get a lot of mileage some days). It answers the questions, "What does the EC do?" and "What does the job look like?"
This is an excerpt, and it is worded for those who have actually been installed as EC members.
You are more than likely serving here in a two year term from when you were elected (unless you were installed to fill an opening). You have two years to make a difference. During that time we encourage you to absorb as much information, guidance and tradition as you can. It not only allows you to make stronger decisions in the interest of the organization, but also to carry that history and information into the general membership.
It is imperative that you check-in here frequently, daily if it can be managed. Things pop up all of the time that require EC attention, opinion or action. As a representative of PSi it is your job to know what's happening in the organization in all areas. In this interest, you have been given access to every forum PSi has, including SlamMaster, members, event host cities and Event Coordinator forums. Your role in each area may be slightly different, but remember that you always represent PSi in those places and that what you post can often be construed as the word or direction of PSi...sometimes whether you like it or not.
You'll see a lot of debate, discussion and rulings in here. That is literally the work of PSi in front of you. Also bear in mind that what's discussed within the EC is confidential business unless otherwise directed. You are always welcome to clarify someone's understanding of something in the forums but things that have not been voted on or presented publicly through an officer or staff member are generally off limits.
What does the job REALLY look like, you're wondering. Besides chiming in with your opinions and votes when necessary, the one thing you should keep in mind while serving on the EC is that your job is to generate vision and make those visions a productive reality for our members and audiences. We're not just event organizers - we have people contracted to do those things (Host Cities and Event Coordinators). We are charged with leading the organization in line with the Mission Statement without breaking any bylaws. So your job - and this is the fun part - is to come up with ways that we can propel poetry and an appreciation of it into the world. You come up with ideas, programs, events, merchandise...whatever seems like it would attract people to what PSi offers. You then present those proposals to the EC, get us to vote for them, and develop the resources to make those visions a reality. THAT is the job of the EC: vision work.
What you are expected to do:
- Attend national events (NPS primarily, the others as can be managed) and meet with the EC regularly while there. EC members are entitled to some reibursement for this part of the job.
- Attend an annual October retreat
- Participate regularly in forums (or notify us if there will be an absence and hand off your vote to a proxy)
- Generate programming or product that advances the mission of PSi
That's the job in as few paragraphs as I could manage.
Below is a portion of a message that the EC - new and old - have stickied to the top of their forum (which can get a lot of mileage some days). It answers the questions, "What does the EC do?" and "What does the job look like?"
This is an excerpt, and it is worded for those who have actually been installed as EC members.
You are more than likely serving here in a two year term from when you were elected (unless you were installed to fill an opening). You have two years to make a difference. During that time we encourage you to absorb as much information, guidance and tradition as you can. It not only allows you to make stronger decisions in the interest of the organization, but also to carry that history and information into the general membership.
It is imperative that you check-in here frequently, daily if it can be managed. Things pop up all of the time that require EC attention, opinion or action. As a representative of PSi it is your job to know what's happening in the organization in all areas. In this interest, you have been given access to every forum PSi has, including SlamMaster, members, event host cities and Event Coordinator forums. Your role in each area may be slightly different, but remember that you always represent PSi in those places and that what you post can often be construed as the word or direction of PSi...sometimes whether you like it or not.
You'll see a lot of debate, discussion and rulings in here. That is literally the work of PSi in front of you. Also bear in mind that what's discussed within the EC is confidential business unless otherwise directed. You are always welcome to clarify someone's understanding of something in the forums but things that have not been voted on or presented publicly through an officer or staff member are generally off limits.
What does the job REALLY look like, you're wondering. Besides chiming in with your opinions and votes when necessary, the one thing you should keep in mind while serving on the EC is that your job is to generate vision and make those visions a productive reality for our members and audiences. We're not just event organizers - we have people contracted to do those things (Host Cities and Event Coordinators). We are charged with leading the organization in line with the Mission Statement without breaking any bylaws. So your job - and this is the fun part - is to come up with ways that we can propel poetry and an appreciation of it into the world. You come up with ideas, programs, events, merchandise...whatever seems like it would attract people to what PSi offers. You then present those proposals to the EC, get us to vote for them, and develop the resources to make those visions a reality. THAT is the job of the EC: vision work.
What you are expected to do:
- Attend national events (NPS primarily, the others as can be managed) and meet with the EC regularly while there. EC members are entitled to some reibursement for this part of the job.
- Attend an annual October retreat
- Participate regularly in forums (or notify us if there will be an absence and hand off your vote to a proxy)
- Generate programming or product that advances the mission of PSi
That's the job in as few paragraphs as I could manage.