Volunteer Chair and Vice Chair Descriptions

Volunteer Chair Position

The following outlines what is expected of a volunteer chair.

Qualifications

It is preferred that individuals selected for this position shall: 

• Have proficient written and oral communication skills.  
• Demonstrate a commitment to the mission and goals of ALA. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and advancing the education mission of ALA; possess an understanding of the issues relevant to the education of legal management professionals.
• Demonstrate the ability to be a cooperative and participatory team member.  
• Have the ability to develop and maintain positive relations with ALA Members, be they individuals, in chapters, on regional teams, or the ALA Board of Directors, as well as ALA Staff and Business Partners. 

Expectations

• Individuals who commit to serve at this level of ALA are held to high standards of public decorum, dependability and service to the members. 
• Chairs and Vice Chairs are required to participate in group meetings, as well as events and functions that occur during their term on their leadership group. Firm support is important to be successful in this role.
• Chairs and Vice Chairs shall exhibit and develop the attributes deemed important to leadership in ALA. Those attributes are courage, vision, communication, passion, reliability, inclusiveness, balance, respect, collaboration and integrity.
• It is required that each Chair and Vice Chair support and abide by the Bylaws, Code of Ethics, Strategic Plan and Plan of Work of ALA.

General Responsibilities

• Work with the staff liaison and respective leadership group members to develop a Plan of Work each year that will allow the group to effectively discharge its responsibilities for the year.
• Consistent with ALA’s policy and strategic plan, the Chair works with the staff and board liaisons to guide the group in its work as outlined by the Plan of Work.
• Work with the staff liaison to develop agendas and conduct group meetings.
• Work with the staff liaison to ensure that the work of the group is carried out between meetings.
• In conjunction with the staff liaison, develop reports on group activities, including requests to the Board of Directors for action.
• Report to their group on decisions of the Board or Executive Committee that affect the group's work or activities.
• Where appropriate, guide the group in proposing products and projects that will further the goals and objectives of the Association.
• Where appropriate, make policy recommendations to the Board.

Volunteer Vice Chair Position

Do you enjoy working in a collaborative leadership role? All ALA committees and advisory councils appoint a vice chair to their respective leadership group. As a vice chair, you will support the chair and their work as requested and help to carry out the work of the chair, board liaison and staff liaison to ensure the volunteer group's work is carried out.

The following outlines what is expected of a volunteer vice chair.

Qualifications

It is preferred that individuals selected for this position shall: 

• Demonstrate a commitment to the vision, mission, Strategic Direction, and values of ALA.
• Demonstrate the ability to be a cooperative and participatory team member.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relations with ALA members, business partners, staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Have proficient written and oral communication skills. 

Note: Vice Chairs do not automatically elevate to the position of Chair upon completion of their term. Rather, their service as Vice Chair will be considered alongside other volunteer activities should they wish to apply to serve as that group's chair in subsequent years.

Expectations

• Vice Chairs are held to high standards of public decorum, dependability, and service to the members.
• Vice Chairs are required to participate in meetings, as well as events and functions that occur during their term.
• Vice Chairs shall exhibit and develop the key attributes of ALA leaders.
• Vice Chair shall support and abide by and align their volunteer work with ALA’s Bylaws, Governance Policies, Code of Ethics, and Strategic Direction. 

General Responsibilities

• Vice Chairs support the Chairs in their work as requested and shall substitute for the Chair if required.
• Vice Chairs work with the Chair, board liaison, and staff liaison to ensure that the volunteer group's work is carried out.
• Collaborate with the Chair, board liaison, and staff liaison to develop reports on the volunteer group’s activities, including requests and recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

We are happy to answer any questions that arise throughout your volunteer journey. Email us at [email protected].