INSIDE TRACK
SUMMER 2010
Quarterly Newsletter for the Members of the Road Runners Club of America IN THIS ISSUE: !
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Smooth Leadership Transitions for Organizations Adopting a No Headphones Policy for Your Events RRCA Microfinance Program Disney Running Club Program Best Practices in Posting Event Results And more
SMOOTH LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS By: Jean Knaack, RRCA Executive Director and Michael Bowen, RRCA State Rep North Florida
Article III.A of the RRCA Bylaws outlines that our nonprofit member running clubs and events must hold annual elections at least every two years. This does not mean that new board members must be elected every two years, but at the very least, sitting board members should be re-elected every two years. The bylaws of your organization should clearly outline information about the board member election process and terms of board members. With these election requirements, the boards of directors for many of our member organizations go through annual transitions. For most organizations, the elections are a smooth process and leadership continuity continues. However, some organizations may experience contested elections as a result of differing views about leadership or organizational direction. Regardless, the days following an election for the board are an important time to ensure smooth transitions from one board of directors to the next.
RRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael Bowen, RRCA North Florida North State Rep, did an excellent job outlining recommendations for smooth leadership transitions in one of his recent blog posts that he shares with the RRCA members in his state.
Brent Ayer President
Michael’s blog outlines:
David Cotter Vice President Dennis Novak Treasurer Dan Edwards Secretary, At-Large Director Mark Grandonico Eastern Region Director Mitchell Garner Central Region Director Lena Hollmann Southern Region Director David Epstein Western Region Director Kelly Richards At-Large Director
If your club is a nonprofit organization, one of the provisions for RRCA membership is that the club has a board of directors to make certain the organization functions within a framework that supports their mission and aligns with the RRCA. At a certain point each year, one or more new members of a club’s board are appointed, elected or installed, most without knowing exactly their role, or that of the board of directors. Some of those board functions include overseeing and making certain the club adheres to local, state and federal laws pertaining to nonprofit organizations, which includes making timely and accurate reports required by local, state, and federal government agencies. The board ensures they follow the organization’s bylaws and articles of incorporation; if circumstances merit a change, the board can follow the approved amendment process. An independent annual audit of the organization’s financial statements and activities, as well as an annual report for membership, may also be done. What are the “perfect world” qualities of a road running club board member? This person could be someone actively involved in the running community, who stays reasonably informed about the organization’s business and actively pursues the best interest of the organization.
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