A REMINDER OF WHAT’S HAPPENING:

Every two years, BirdsCaribbean (BC) holds an election for its Board of Directors. 

This year — 2022 — is an election year, and we need the involvement of our community members! 

Serving on the BirdsCaribbean Board of Directors is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of an organization dedicated to conserving the region’s incredible birds and nature. We are a vibrant network and work with many partners throughout the region, including governments, NGOs, educators, tourism interests, communities, students, and more. The BirdsCaribbean Board is an extremely personable, inclusive, and enthusiastic group, and we are eager to bring new ideas and backgrounds to our leadership. Without a doubt, serving on our Board of Directors is an enriching and rewarding experience, and interested individuals should not hesitate to pursue a position.

THE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IS NOW OPEN!

The BirdsCaribbean Nominations Committee is ready to receive nominations.

The nomination period will remain open for two full months, from 15 August until midnight 30 September. During this time, our community’s goal is to develop the best possible slate of nominees to provide leadership and growth for BirdsCaribbean. 

WHAT POSITIONS ARE UP FOR NOMINATION?

The following positions are up for nominations:

• Executive Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer
• One Director-at-Large are elected to these positions 
• (other Board Directors are appointed directly by the Board)

Read more about these operational duties here.

IMPORTANT LINGO

• Nominees = individuals that have been nominated to stand for election
• Nominator = the person making the nomination
• Seconder = an additional person that supports the nominator’s choice

WHO CAN NOMINATE AND WHO CAN BE NOMINATED:

Any individual, sponsored, honorary, or life member in good standing* may be nominated and may also nominate or act as a “seconder” (i.e., give a second endorsement) for a nominee. All nominators must make sure that their nominee is willing to stand for election. And all nominations need a seconder. 

Exceptions:

• Directors that have served two consecutive terms in a position cannot run again for that same position. These individuals can run for a different position. 
• Note that individuals who have been disqualified because they have served 2 consecutive terms may run for election for their previous posts after a break of 1 term (2 years) or more. 

Note — If you would like to receive a list of BirdsCaribbean members in good standing, or if you are not sure of your membership status, please contact BirdsCaribbean’s Administrative Assistant, Delores Kellman (Delores Kellman@BirdsCaribbean.org). You can easily renew your membership or join BirdsCaribbean. Contact us if you would like to apply for a sponsored membership.

*The Nominations Committee will perform a thorough vetting of each nominee to make sure that they are suitable for candidacy.

HIGHLY DESIRED TRAITS FOR NOMINEES INCLUDE:

• Qualified for the post (please read the Terms of Reference for each position)
• Prior experience on a Board of Directors
• Enthusiasm and commitment to contributing to the leadership and mission of BirdsCaribbean, a non-profit organization

Any BirdsCaribbean member in good standing can nominate any other BirdsCaribbean member in good standing. All members should be active in seeking out nominations for elected or appointed posts. We encourage you to open up dialogue with individuals that you think would be a great addition to the BirdsCaribbean Board, and encourage those individuals to run for election. 

Note — the Nominations Committee will be considering the Board’s need for diversity and representation when developing the list of candidates for election.

WHEN YOU ARE READY TO NOMINATE AN INDIVIDUAL, PLEASE COMPLETE THE ONLINE NOMINATION FORM:

Be ready to provide the following:

• Nominee’s name, address, country (ies) of citizenship and residence
• Position the nominee is standing for (open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Director-at-Large)
• Evidence of the nominee’s willingness to stand for election. This is a brief statement that the nominee must write, and then send to you to be added to the nomination form. This should be a brief statement of interest (describing in about 100 words why the nominee thinks they are eligible for the post and what they will contribute if elected). 

• Name and contact information of a “seconder” (i.e., another person that agrees with this nomination), who must also be a member in good standing. 

The nominations will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee to ensure that the nominees are eligible and that the nomination forms are complete.

 Complete the Nomination Form Here

*You may nominate more than one individual. Please complete a new nomination form for each individual and each position they seek. 

The deadline for receipt of nominations is 11:59 PM, 30 September 2022.

ELECTIONS TIMELINE

15 August: Call for Nominations opens

15 August – 31 September: Two months’ time during which nominations can be sent to the Nominations Committee. 

1 October: Nominations are closed. The Nominations Committee reviews the nominations and agrees on a slate of candidates that they submit to the Board for approval.

1 November: The President will announce the slate of candidates and release the link to electronic ballots to BirdsCaribbean members.

1 November – 15 December: All BirdsCaribbean members should vote during this time. 

20 December: The President will announce the results of the election.

31 December: Terms of Office for previous Board members end.

1 January 2023: Terms of Office for new/ returning Board members begin.