MetroLALSA-Board-Application-2020-2021

MetroLALSA, Inc Executive Board 2020-2021 Executive Board Application MetroLALSA, Inc Executive Board positions are open to law students (enrolled during the 2020-2021 academic year) of the thirteen participating law schools The thirteen schools are: Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University St John’s University School of Law Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law New York Law School NYU School of Law Columbia Law School Rutgers Law School Seton Hall University School of Law CUNY School of Law Fordham University School of Law Brooklyn Law School Maurice A Deane School of Law at Hofstra University Touro College Jacob D Fuchsberg Law Center Our Executive Board positions are: President Vice President Vice President of Financial Affairs Vice President of Alumni Relations Vice President of Membership Vice President of Pipeline Program Vice President of Social Action Vice President of Public Relations Vice President of Internal Affairs Vice President of Fundraising Interested Candidates must submit (1) a page Statement of Interest (double spaced), (2) an upto-date Resume, (3) a headshot, and (4) a list of up to preferred Executive Board positions, in order of preference, in the body of the email to ​metrolalsaorg@gmail.com ​by Friday, April 17th at 11:59pm ​Afterwards, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled Elections will take place online and we hope to announce our new E-board on Monday, April 27th​ All questions should be sent to ​metrolalsaorg@gmail.com​ ​with an appropriate heading Thank you and good luck! MetroLALSA,Inc Roles and Responsibilities of Executive Board Table of Contents Introduction Purpose of Manual Roles and Responsibilities President Vice President Vice President of Membership Vice President of Financial Affairs Vice President of Public Relations Vice President of Alumni Relations Vice President of Social Action Vice President of Fundraising Vice President of Pipeline Membership Vice President of Internal Affairs Introduction MetroLALSA, Inc (the “Organization”) is recognized as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is wholly-operated by law students The Organization represents the Latin American Law Student Association (“LALSA”) and other Latina/o-centric organizations from the 13 law schools located in the New York - New Jersey metropolitan area (collectively, the “Member Schools”), which are as follows: Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law, Brooklyn Law School, Columbia Law School, CUNY School of Law, Fordham University School of Law, Maurice A Dean School of Law, New York Law School, New York University School of Law, Pace University School of Law, Rutgers School of Law - Newark, Seton Hall University School of Law, St John’s University School of Law, and Touro Law Center Representatives of the Member Schools (the “Delegates”) have certain indelible rights to the structure and direction of the Organization, including the right to choose those to manage the Organization’s operations (the “Executive Board”) The constituents the Organization serves are not just the representatives of the Member Schools, but all Latina/os in the local community (the “Membership Community”), as well as other Latina/os and people of color outside the NY-NJ metropolitan area The core mission of Organization is to promote diversity and the advancement of Latina/o in the legal profession Purpose of Manual ​The purpose of this Roles and Responsibilities Manual (the “Manual”) is to detail the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Board This Manual will be accessible on the Organization’s website Roles and Responsibilities This Manual details the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Board Among the responsibilities detailed herein, the Executive Board has a duty to serve the Organization in the best interests of the Organization and the Delegates A part of that duty is ensuring that each Executive Board member performs his or her responsibilities authorized herein and in compliance with the Organization’s bylaws An Executive Board member may designate another to perform his or her duties unless such duties must be performed by the respective Executive Board member by law or otherwise, with the exception that the Treasurer may not designate his or her responsibilities to another person if the designee is also responsible for or has access to the collection of funds President ​The original purpose for the President was to be a figurehead of the Organization and fulfill the duties required for a not-for-profit organization The role has since changed to adopt to the needs of the Organization and based on the opinions expressed by the Community Membership Aside from fulfilling the legal requirements, the President shall assist the Executive Board and, if established, the standing committee or committees to aid the various chairs and committees on the organizations initiatives and projects The President shall also be responsible for the following: • ​Encourage involvement and attendance at the Organization’s meetings, events, initiatives and other activities • ​Maintain a relationship between Latina/o leaders and organizations and the Organization • ​Encourage active participation form Delegates in the Organization’s process and initiatives • ​Participate in networking events to establish a presence for the Organization • ​Participate in the Organization’s initiatives and events The President, however, is restricted from serving as a delegate If the President elected serves as a delegate of a Member School, that person must relinquish his or her delegate position Vice President​ The Vice-President is to serve as the chief operating officer of the association The Vice- President will work closely with the President, who is the chief executive officer of the association, in carrying out the association’s mission The Vice-President shall also be responsible for: ● Acting in the absence of the President (includes leading meetings, attending events, and so forth) ● Working closely with the President to create new initiatives that will better serve the association ● Understanding the bylaws and roles/responsibilities of the executive board to ensure compliance (as the President is responsible for legal requirements) ● Providing oversight and support in working with the fellow Vice-Presidents in the execution of their duties, especially time-sensitive projects ● Executing programming and operational strategies developed by the board Vice President of Membership​ TheVice-President of Membership is responsible for growing the association’s membership and connecting with current members to gauge their needs The Vice-President of Membership shall also be responsible for: ● Maintaining records of delegates and members ● Scheduling schools to host meetings during the semester ● Encouraging attendance at meetings to maintain quorum (e.g reaching out to alternate delegates/members if delegate cannot attend) ● Managing the delegates list-serv (e.g sending reminders for meetings, adding school events to the association calendar - to be reported on a monthly basis or as needed) ● Reporting information from member schools to the association and other member schools ● Encouraging collaboration and sponsorships between the association and member schools Vice President of Financial Affairs ​The Vice President of Financial Affairs (“VP of FA”) is responsible to maintain accurate books of the Organization’s finances to provide the financial status of the Organization and provide financial guidance The responsibilities of the VP of FA include: • ​Bank Account Maintenance – Choose a bank to hold the funds of the Organization, sign checks, invest excess funds wisely, and cash and deposit checks • ​Collaborate closely with the Executive Board and standing committee(s) • ​Oversee and maintain the reoccurring administrative expenses, such as the Organization’s website domain and P.O Box • ​Responsible for final approval of spending allowances, after consultation with the Executive Board • ​Complete and file taxes and other required financial reports or documentations in a timely manner • ​Execute all necessary legal and other important documents as fiduciary of the Organization that are applicable to the person’s capacity as Treasurer • ​Financial transaction oversight – Be knowledgeable and conscientious about who should be granted access to the Organization’s funds and other financial information • ​Develop systems for keeping cash flow manageable, especially with the payment of any outstanding bills or debts owed • ​Budgets – Develop the annual budget and budgets for specific projects and initiatives • ​Financial Policies – Oversee and advise the development and observation of the policies and procedures that affects the Organization’s finances • ​Reports – Regularly inform the Executive Board and the Board of Directors, and either upon request or at the discretion of the Treasurer, to the Delegates, of the finances of the Organization, including key financial events, trends, and concerns (potential or actual) that will materially impact the Organization Should a standing committee be formed for a Finance Committee, the VP of FA shall serve as the chair of such committee The VP of FA may perform other duties or be designated to handle the responsibility or responsibilities of another Executive Board member to advance the objectives or goals of the Organization, unless otherwise objected to by the Executive Board or by the Board of Directors Vice President of Public Relations ​The Vice President of Public Relations is responsible for the use of all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the branding of the Organization, striving to establish and maintain a relationship between Organization and the public The responsibilities of Public Relations include, but are not limited to: • ​Lead and implement public relation strategies, which may include: o ​Social media channels (​e.g.​, Twitter, Instagram, facebook, LinkedIn) ​o ​Press releases ​o ​Email campaigns (​e.g.,​ mailchimp, listserv) ​o ​Flyers • ​Assist with marketing strategies to promote the Organization’s initiatives and involvement • ​Promote social and networking events of Organization • ​Liaise with and address enquiries from the media, individuals and other organizations • ​Maintain and update information on the Organization's website and social media sites • ​Coordinate photo opportunities • ​Prepare and supervise the production of brochures, newsletters, handouts, direct mails, promotional videos and advertisements, and other promotional items • ​Manage the public relations aspect of brand crisis situations • ​Lead and delegate responsibilities to public relations committee • ​Create and publish at least two newsletter editions during the fiscal year (as defined in the bylaws) of Organization At the discretion of the Vice President of Public Relations, he or she may promote social and networking events of other professional and non-professional organizations, with the goal of promoting events that would be of interest to the Membership Community The Vice President of Public Relations may perform other duties or be designated to handle the responsibility or responsibilities of another Executive Board member to advance the objectives or goals of the Organization, unless otherwise objected to by the Executive Board or by the Board of Directors Vice President of Alumni Relations ​The Vice President of Alumni Relations serves as a key role as liaison between Organization’s students members and alumni The Vice President of Alumni Relations is the pipeline through which information is relayed and opportunities are provided to law students and alumni to foster a long-lasting relationship between them The responsibilities of the Vice President of Alumni Relations include: • ​Establish a strong relationship and line of communication between the Organization’s alumni and law student members • ​Recognize alumni for their professional accomplishments and personal milestones • ​Encourage alumni to support the Organization’s events, initiatives, and activities • ​Maintain accurate contact information and other important information of the alumni in a centralized location • ​Plan for alumni events well in advance to ensure high participation and attendance • ​Organize and lead the Organization’s Scholarship Committee The Scholarship Committee shall report directly to and follow the guidance from the Vice President of Alumni Relations • ​Ensure Alumni Chair and/or the particular committee should send thank you notes and follow-up emails The traditional programs and events the Vice President of Alumni Relations handle are as follows: • ​MetroFAM – This is the Organization’s mentorship program between alumni and law student members For this initiative, create and distribute flyers, reminders and assist in mentor/mentee pairing • ​The Pa’lante Scholarship – The Organization offers a scholarship at the Pa’lante conference, but such scholarship may be provided throughout the year For this initiative, organize and advise the Scholarship Committee and and facilitate communication between the Scholarship Committee and the Executive Board • ​Graduation Reception Ceremony – Leading to the end of the Spring semester for the Member Schools, the Organization holds a ceremony to honor and congratulate members who were active in the Organization since his or her tenure at law school Active membership may be decided by the Vice President of Alumni Relations, but the factors for consideration should be whether the person was a Delegate, held a position on the Executive Board or committee of the Organization, and participated in a Pa’lante conference or other initiative or activity of the Organization To facilitate this event, this person should collaborate with the Vice President of Public Relations to create and distribute flyers, find an appropriate venue, and order and distribute stoles • ​Alumni Gathering Events – This person shall hold events, at least one for each semester for the Membership Schools, geared toward expanding the professional and personal networking between law student members and alumni The Vice President of Alumni Relations may perform other duties or be designated to handle the responsibility or responsibilities of another Executive Board member to advance the objectives or goals of the Organization, unless otherwise objected to by the Executive Board or by the Board of Directors Vice President of Social Action ​The Vice President of Social Action plays a central role in the Organization by being a liaison between the Organization and the Membership Community The Vice President of Social Action is responsible for the planning and coordinating of social action initiatives, aiming to effectuate a positive influence to the Latina/o communities throughout the New York – New Jersey metropolitan area In a healthy community, social action promotes the values of social justice and human rights Social action initiatives may include, but are not limited to, the following: • ​Pipeline programs that advance the involvement of pre-law students and other professionals seeking to pursue a legal education, such as participating in LatinoJustice's Law Day • ​Street law programs that educate the Latina/o community of their rights or other information to give them empowerment • ​Presence and involvement in initiatives that raise awareness of social issues affecting the Latina/o communities or the communities of people of color Vice President of Fundraising ​For quite some time, the main source of fundraising for the Organization has been the Pa’lante conference In an effort to prevent such reliance on one initiative as the source of funding, and to increase the Organization’s capital resources to devote to sponsorships, scholarships and other benefits for its Membership Community, the Organization formed the Vice President of Fundraising (“VP of Fundraising”) The VP of Fundraising is responsible to oversee and implement fundraising initiatives for the Organization This responsibility entails establishing the relationships with other organizations, whether law firms or non-traditional firms, to sponsor, contribute or donate to the Organization or its initiatives and events For existing relationships, the VP of Fundraising shall maintain such relationships with such sponsors or contributors, which may include providing letters to demonstrate the Organization’s appreciation The Organization has achieved fundraising initiatives that the VP of Fundraising can continue going forward, such as holding a silent auction and hosting brunches and karaoke nights The VP of Fundraising shall also be responsible to coordinate efforts of new fundraising avenues, which includes, but is not limited to, applying for financial grants Considering the VP of Fundraising will be intricately involved with the finances of the Organization, such person shall work closely with the VP of FA, especially in assisting with budgets and financial projections; provided that, however, the VP of Fundraising shall not be designated or assist with the Organization’s bank deposits or withdrawals Should a Fundraising Committee be formed, the VP of Fundraising shall serve as the chair of such committee The VP of Fundraising may perform other duties or be designated to handle the responsibility or responsibilities of another Executive Board member to advance the objectives or goals of the Organization, unless otherwise objected to by the Executive Board or by the Board of Directors Standing Committee - Fundraising The standing committee of fundraising will be chaired by the Vice-President of Fundraising As the organization continues to grow there will be more costs associated with carrying out our mission and providing programs to fellows students Fundraising is needed throughout the fiscal year in addition to the Pa’lante conference The committee will be comprised of 2-4 students from our member schools who will work under the Vice-President’s supervision in executing fundraising initiatives such as events Vice President of Pipeline Membership ​The Vice President of Pipeline Membership is responsible for bringing in college and high school students, as well as working professionals (collectively, “Pipeline Members”), who are interested in learning about pursuing a law school education and what it means to be a lawyer The Vice President of Pipeline Membership shall strive to remove the “border” between minorities, among others, that hinder their ability to enter and succeed in law school, and beyond Further, the Vice President of Pipeline Membership shall connect the Pipeline Members with law students and professionals in the legal field to provide guidance, encouragement and resources to demonstrate the confidence and feasibility of attending law school and to succeeding in the legal profession Indirectly, the Vice President of Pipeline Membership shall develop a relationship with the Pipeline Members to encourage them to participate in the Organization upon entering law school The ​responsibilities of the Vice President of Pipeline Membership shall include: • ​Join pre-law and other related listservs, such as those with LatinoJustice, CLEO, and others, to share such information and opportunities to the Pipeline Members • ​Invite Pipeline Members to the Organization’s meetings, events, and initiatives, including social action initiatives • ​Create a program for Pipeline Members, including a program at the Pa’lante conference, based on the needs and wants of the Pipeline Members • ​Participate in events geared towards pre-law students, such as Law Day with LatinoJustice and the Ron Brown program, among others Vice President of Internal Affairs ​The Vice President of Internal Affairs (“VP of IA''), formerly known as Secretary, is a vital position for the Organization, playing a critical role in fostering communication and proper management of important records and the handling of administrative duties The person who holds this position will be viewed as a “Gatekeeper” since all sources of information will flow to and from such a person, such as general inquiries, board initiatives, and initiatives of the Organization’s membership, among other things As VP of IA, the person must transcribe minutes for meetings held by the Executive Board and the Board of Directors and special meetings with the general membership The VP of IA is responsible for recordkeeping and maintenance of material documentations of the Organization Such person shall further perform such duties as may be necessary and proper to fulfill his or her role for the Organization Further, as a means to communicate to and from the Membership Community, the Organization can contact the Membership Community and its Delegates via email to those who granted the Organization permission to be contacted (the “listserv” or “listservs”) The VP of IA shall maintain and oversee the listservs Notwithstanding the foregoing, the VP of IA may perform other duties or be designated to handle the responsibility or responsibilities of another Executive Board member to advance the objectives or goals of the Organization, unless otherwise objected to by the Executive Board or by the Board of Directors The following outlines three main responsibilities expected of the VP of IA Fostering Communication with Member Schools To fulfill the role as a “Gatekeeper”, the VP of IA must make a reasonable effort to build a close relationship with the executive board members of the Organization’s member schools This effort is critical to ensure updates, initiatives and events are communicated to and from the Organization and shared with the Membership Community In doing so, the VP of IA will establish a relationship with the Membership Community to receive and disseminate important or noteworthy information To facilitate the fostering of communication between the Membership Community and the Organization, the VP of IA shall share information, where necessary, to the listservs With the permission of the person being contacted, the VP of IA may contact the Membership Community and Delegates through the listservs Other Executive Board members and the Board of Directors may disseminate information to the listservs, but may be restricted by the VP of IA to prevent discouraging the Membership Community’s participation in the listserv The VP of IA shall maintain the listservs by ensuring such listservs include updated contact information of those being contacted The Membership Community may share information to the listservs, as well; provided that the VP of IA reviews and approves such communication prior to dissemination Maintenance of Material Documentations As a not-for-profit and due to the unique Delegate structure, the Organization must implement and adhere to its bylaws and its policies and procedures The VP of IA shall be responsible to ensure the bylaws, policies, procedures, and other governance documentations of the Organization are updated on a regular basis Recordkeeping of Material Documentations The VP of IA is also responsible for archiving material documentations that are accessible in a centralized location Material documentations include, but is not limited to, bylaws, Articles of Organization, court filing paperwork, and minutes As an unofficial historian of the Organization, the VP of IA should also maintain, and encourage others to the same, documentations to preserve the history of the Organization, which may include, but is not limited to, conference bid proposals, formal letters sent to and received by the Organization, and presentation materials 10