Short descriptions of VSEA Committees
VSEA STANDING COMMITTEES
The Bylaws of VSEA (see Bylaw 11) identify 14 standing committees and allow for the creation of special committees to deal with other issues and matters as needed. Committee members, except for the Chapter Presidents Committee, are appointed by the VSEA President and, except for the Election, Rules and Nominating Committee, perform duties as the President determines. The following are summaries of some of the responsibilities of each standing committee:
1. ELECTION, RULES and NOMINATING - Ensures that election deadlines and procedures are followed as specified in policy and bylaws. Oversees elections and ballot counts, provides election petitions to interested members and verifies signatures on the petitions. May recommend qualified candidates for elected offices if petitions are not filed. Recommends policy and bylaw changes if necessary.
2. MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT - Develops and recommends short and long term plans for expansion and retention of membership. Coordinates activities with Chapters and Bargaining Units to increase members. Develops and recommends programs/incentives to reinforce recruitment efforts.
3. SPECIAL EVENTS - Researches and recommends a meeting site for Annual Meeting, Bargaining Unit Annual Meetings and the Council Meeting. Assists the sponsoring Chapter local arrangements committee, as needed, for entertainment, meals, hospitality, door prizes, etc. The charge of the committee may involve organizing and/or planning other events as needed.
4. BYLAW REVISION - Reviews the Articles and Bylaws of VSEA, its Bargaining Units and Chapters. May recommend amendments submitted by members or staff to the Board of Trustees, the Council and members at Annual Meeting. Ensures that Chapters and Bargaining Units Articles and Bylaws are consistent with Master bylaws.
5. INSURANCE - Evaluates and recommends insurance benefits, other than those negotiated, to enhance member options. Such insurances may include, but are not limited to, automobile, life, accidental death/disability/dismemberment, etc.
6. RETIREMENT STUDY - Evaluates, studies, develops and recommends legislative improvements in the retirement plans for members. Actively monitors and supports VSEA’s legislative agenda relating to retirement issues.
7. LEGISLATIVE - Develops and recommends VSEA’s legislative agenda to the Council and Board of Trustees. Monitors the approved legislative agenda and reports to the VSEA Council and Board of Trustees. Works with the Legislative Coordinator to actively involve Chapter officers and members in influencing the legislative process. Actively advances VSEA’s legislative agenda and assist in developing a network of employees to positively influence legislation in their home districts.
8. CHAPTER PRESIDENTS - Develops and recommends plans for improving chapter participation in VSEA and the VSEA Annual Meeting. Coordinates programs for chapter meetings, events, membership recruitment and training. Develops and recommends chapter financial policies to the Board of Trustees. Coordinates political activity and establishes a political action network.
9. AWARDS/SCHOLARSHIP - Promotes and coordinates the awards process and solicits nominees for the Scholarships, Mazza, Macaig, Steward of the Year and Chapter of the year awards. Determines the amount of scholarship money for each recipient within budgeted figure. Reviews and recommends revisions to award criteria and new awards if appropriate.
10. BUDGET - Develops recommends and supports a proposed budget for the next fiscal year to be reviewed by the Board of Trustees, Council and approved by the membership at Annual meeting. Assists the Treasurer and makes recommendations, when necessary, regarding the fiscal operations of the Association.
11. BUILDING - Evaluates develops and recommends a plan for maintenance and/or improvement projects on the VSEA headquarters building. Recommends and monitors enhancements and/or additions to the existing structure.
12. BENEFITS ADVISORY - Monitors the activities and administration of the State Employees’ health, dental and life insurance plans. Evaluates and proposes enhancements or new offerings for the collective bargaining process.
13. DIVERSITY - Surveys the membership from time to time on issues that apply to a diverse workforce. Recommends improvements in affirmative action programs to ensure employees are fairly treated and that diversity is valued.
14. COMMUNICATION - Looks at methods of improving communication with members, non-members, legislators and the public. Makes recommendations to improve or increase the same. The objective is to evaluate our use of printed materials, radio and public access television as well as e-mail and the Internet. Develop a system for timely links to every work site.
The following are examples of special committees and summaries of their responsibilities:
1. COMPUTER - Studies and recommends ways to enhance the computer capabilities of the VSEA headquarters.
2. DUES EQUITY - Studies alternative means of dues structures for members while maintaining income sufficient for budget purposes.
3. POLICY - Usually, but not necessarily, made up of Board of Trustee members to examine existing policies and to develop and recommend new policies.
A goal is to ensure that each committee has representation from each of the eight VSEA bargaining units. However, this is not always possible due to the limited size of some units and unavailability of volunteers. Openings exist for all committees, and your participation is most welcomed! Serving on a committee is a very good way to get involved in your union. Time commitment is always a big issue for members. Don’t let that be the deciding factor-your union needs your help. Committees can, and will, adapt meeting plans/schedules so that members can best participate. And don’t forget-most units have “release time” articles in their contracts so that you don’t have to use your accrued leave to participate!! Please contact VSEA Executive Assistant to the Director Terry Macaig (tmacaig@vsea.org) if you have any questions about a committee(s).
