Volunteer Task Forces

ISPA Volunteer Task Forces are established throughout the year on an as-needed basis. Each group will have specific assignments and will be lead by a task force chairperson who works with a staff and board liaison. The current ISPA Volunteer Task Forces for 2008 are the technology task force and focus group task force.

Volunteer Task Force Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Task Force Member

• Actively participate in the work of the task force.
• Provides thoughtful input to the deliberations of the task force.
• Focus on the best interests of the association and the task force rather than on personal or constituent interests.
• Work toward fulfilling the task force’s goals. 
• Review all relevant material before meetings.  Makes contributions and voices objective opinions on issues.
• Carry out individual assignments made by the task force chair.
• Work as part of the task force and staff team to ensure that the volunteer task force proposes policies and/or develops products and services that help association members and staff who are responsible for programs within the scope of interest of the task force.
• Promote clarity within the task force on the task force’s role and how it supports and fits within the interests of the association.

Task Force Chair

• Develop a work plan that will allow the task force to effectively and efficiently discharge its responsibilities for the year.
• Develop agendas and conduct meetings.
• Approve reports of task force meetings before their distribution.
• Ensure the work of the volunteer task force is being carried out between meetings.
• Approve reports on task force activities, including action items presented to the board of directors for consent.
• Report to the task force on decisions of the board of directors or executive committee that affect the task force’s work or activities.
• Where appropriate, guide the task force in proposing actions that will further the goals and objectives of the association.
• Where appropriate, makes policy recommendations to the board of directors.
• Develop and recommend to the board of directors the necessary funding needed to implement the task force’s initiatives.

Board Liaison

• Be a leadership resource for the volunteer task force chair and staff liaison, as well as a resource to the board regarding task force activities.
• Be responsible for bringing any new policies, policy changes or initiatives before the ISPA Board of Directors for approval on behalf of the volunteer task force.
• Have a good working knowledge of the task force and its functions and how the task force’s initiatives relate to the strategic plan.
• Be called upon by the board to clarify or answer any questions regarding task force recommendations or proposals.

Staff Liaison

• Works with the chair to develop a plan of work that will allow the task force to effectively and efficiently discharge its responsibilities for the term. 
• Works with the chair to develop agendas and conduct effective meetings.
• Provides administrative support for planning and execution of all task force meetings. 
• Drafts reports of task force meetings for review and approval by the task force chair.
• Works with the task force chair, other task force members, and association staff to ensure that the work of the task force is carried forth between task force meetings.
• Facilitates communication of task force activities, including requests for action and/or proposed policies, to the chief staff executive and board of directors.
• Reports to the task force on decisions of the board of directors, executive committee, or other association task forces which impact the task force’s activities.
• Where appropriate, assists the task force in proposing products and services that will further the goals and objectives of the association.