Volunteer to be Leader in TESOL

TESOL is an organization of volunteers, so its success depends upon the initiative of leaders to share their vision for the field, stay informed on trends and concerns, inform others, and generate interest and collaboration among members.

TESOL members volunteer to serve the association, to create and disseminate knowledge, to influence public policy, and to maintain a strong organization. In maintaining membership in TESOL and volunteering in various capacities, TESOL leaders are imperative to the work of the association, which could not be accomplished without their time and expertise. Serving in a leadership capacity for the association offers a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth and is one of the benefits of TESOL membership.

Volunteer to Serve on a TESOL Standing Committee
Volunteer to be a Member of the Affiliate Leadership Council

Volunteer to Serve on a TESOL Standing Committee

Each year in October, the president-elect seeks interested members for appointments to TESOL's standing committees. Committee operations are meant to be purposeful, advisory to TESOL's Board of Directors and staff, selective in appointing members according to your expertise and interest, and reflective of TESOL's overall commitments and initiatives. Service on a committee will test and expand your leadership skills and strengthen your ties with the TESOL community.

Visit the Standing Committees of TESOL Web page for more information on each committee and for application forms.

Volunteer to be a Member of the Affiliate Leadership Council

The Affiliate Leadership Council (ALC) reprsents affiliates and works with others in TESOL to address affiliate issues and concerns.  The ALC has four (4) voting members: the Past Chair, the Chair, the Chair-elect, and Member A on the ALC who receive and follow procedures and deadlines. Each member has designated responsibilities and roles. Members maintain online communications with each other; most of these communications are held throughout the calendar year.

Terms of Service for the Affiliate Leadership Council Position (Member A)
This position requires a 4-year commitment. Member A must remain active on the ALC committee for 4 years. Member A will move to Chair-elect the following year, become the Chair of the committee during the third year, and serve as the Past Chair during the fourth year of service.

Qualifications
Interested candidates must be TESOL members in good standing for at least the past 5 years. The candidate must also have served as a past president of an affiliate. He/she must have attended at least two annual conventions in the past 5 years and be familiar with the TESOL organization. Familiarity with TESOL is demonstrated by strong service to TESOL and/or a TESOL affiliate within the past 5 years. Such service includes active leadership in an affiliate organization; active membership in a TESOL standing committee, task force, interest section, or special project; or past service on the Affiliate Leadership Council.

Nomination Procedures
If you are interested or if you would like to nominate someone, please send a brief statement on the candidate's qualifications, experience as a leader, and the reasons for serving by November 2, 2009 to Don Weasenforth, 2009–2010 ALC Chair (dweasenforth@ccccd.edu).  The ALC encourages self-nomination from current and past affiliate leaders.

In the statement, please (a) cite your experience in TESOL (e.g., interest section, affiliates, standing committees, previous board experience), (b) describe your professional responsibilities and experience as they relate to serving TESOL, and (c) comment on your interest and motivation for service.
 
Deadline to submit nominations: November 2

Roles and Responsibilities of the ALC:

The whole Council: 

• Attends meetings of the Affiliate Leadership Council scheduled by the Chair, including conference calls 
• Follows the mission and the vision of the affiliates and TESOL 
• Plans activities to be held at the TESOL annual convention
• Produces two issues of the Affiliate News annually

Roles and Responsibilities of Each ALC Member:

Chair:

• Develops policies and actions for consideration by the ALC 
• Sets the annual agenda and supervises ALC activities and meetings 
• Serves as presiding officer of the Affiliate Assembly at the annual convention 
• Coordinates ALC elections in collaboration with the staff liaison and announces results
• Attends a meeting with the Executive Committee during the convention

Chair-Elect:

• Works closely with the chair and the ALC throughout the year 
• Serves as liaison between the ALC and the staff to update the ALC information on the TESOL Web site 
• With staff, board liaisons, and the ALC, plans the agenda for the Affiliate Leaders’ Workshop and coordinates/facilitates the Affiliate Leaders’ Workshop 
• Helps develop policies and action plans for consideration by the ALC

Member A: 

• Plans the affiliate newsletter
• Works with other ALC members, the board liaison, and staff liaison to plan and organize the Affiliate Booth at the TESOL annual convention
• Organizes and facilitates the Newsletter Editors’ Workshop
• Assists the chair in the coordination and implementation of affiliate functions at the annual convention and throughout the year
• Writes minutes for meetings when necessary

Past-Chair:

• Works closely with and provides support to the chair throughout the year
• Engages in regular communication with the ALC
• Works with the ALC team and affiliates to develop, organize, and facilitate the ALC Colloquium at the annual convention
• Prepares the annual report in collaboration with the staff liaison and presents the report at the Affiliate Assembly at the annual convention
• Solicits proposals for Best of Affiliate presentations and coordinates adjudication thereof