AFA is now accepting nominations for the 2008 elected leadership, so this is a great time to consider the contributions that you or others can make toward the future of our Association. As those who comprise our volunteer ranks, we are depending on all of you to participate in the nominations process either by considering an office or recruiting qualified members to run for office. Our goal is to have a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the AFA membership, so we need your input to help accomplish that goal.

It’s no secret that those who volunteer for AFA are the most engaged members of the Association. Volunteers develop resources, facilitate programs, write articles and help accomplish the important work of the strategic plan. They believe in the Mission and Vision of AFA. It is therefore no surprise that Regional Directors and Board officers typically come from our volunteer ranks.  As our most engaged members, I’ll ask that that you continue your commitment to AFA by taking the following steps:

Nominate Someone
This year we are looking for qualified men and women to fill the roles of President-Elect, Vice President for Administration & Finance, Vice President for Resource Development, and all five Regional Directors. As you consider the gifted volunteers you work with, see if their talents and skills fit with the officer job descriptions found on the AFA website. If you know of a match between person and position submit a Nomination Form. There is no limit to the number of nominations submitted and completing the form takes less than a minute. Simply list the name of your nominee and the position you believe they should run for and email the form to the AFA Central Office - it’s that easy! Oftentimes people choose not to run for office simply because no one nominated them, so don’t let AFA lose out on a great candidate for this reason.

Run for a Position
As an invested volunteer, you believe in AFA and want to make a difference; the perfect candidate for an office! As you consider qualified nominees for each position, we urge you to also consider nominating yourself. The process is confidential and no one will ever know the origin of a nomination, so there is no shame in filling out your own form! If you are nominated by someone don’t be quick to dismiss the idea since someone thought enough of you to submit the nomination. Oftentimes we minimize our strengths and only focus on our weaknesses. In doing so, we talk ourselves out of taking a risk or trying something new. Be open to the feedback of your colleagues and consider your nomination as an affirmation of your talents and skills.

As you consider your future leadership potential within AFA, let us share with you some advice of our current board members:

“Being on the Executive Board has brought a deeper appreciation of all we do for our members and the interfraternal movement. From committee member to work group chair, all of our volunteers play an integral role in advancing the profession.”
- Kyle A. Pendleton, AFA President

“Working with a motivated group of volunteers as an Association leader reaffirms the reason why I work in the fraternity and sorority profession. It is an experience that is unmatched and something you will never forget.”
- Jay Anhorn, AFA President-Elect

“Make an informed decision. Pick up the phone and call people who have held the position, are currently in the position, and the people that fall under the supervision of the position you are thinking of. I spoke to five different people before I finally decided to commit. Take the leap. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it later. It’s worth it.”
- Monica Miranda Smalls, Vice President for Resource Development

Nomination forms and detailed position descriptions are available on the AFA website. The deadline for nomination submission is June 29^th. If you have any questions about the process or positions, please contact any member of the Nominations & Elections Committee or Dr. Ron Binder, Chair of the Committee.

Thanks for all you do to advance AFA and the fraternal movement. We appreciate it!