Council Structure
Council Structure of Homeless Children’s Trust
Vision Statement
To serve as a resource to help homeless children cope now and eventually break the cycle of homelessness in the future
Mission Statement
Strengthening community involvement through volunteerism, organizational partnerships, and other advocacy activities that best meet the needs of homeless children
Number of Council Members
7 to 15 members
Term limits
Council members may serve two consecutive 3 year terms. As of May, 2009, current council members will be given staggered terms so that one third of the terms expires every year.
Quorum
One-half of the seated council members shall constitute a quorum to conduct business.
COUNCIL POSITIONS
Council Chair
The responsibilities of the Council chair include: Setting agendas, presiding over meetings, formalizing procedures, overseeing the direction of all committees, communicating with council members, representing the council at public events (when needed), and overseeing all other aspects of the council.
Vice-Chair
The Vice-Chair is the Chair’s right hand person and is eligible to run for the Council Chair if he/she so desire. The Vice-Chair will step into the Chair’s role (i.e. , run meetings, represent the council) as necessary.
Past Chair
The Past Chair will serve as a valuable resource to the current Council Chair and Vice-Chair for as long as the term stays within the six year term limits. This office which provides continuity in leadership will advise leadership on various issues and topics.
Secretary
The secretary will assemble council meeting notes and distribute them to council members and also aids the Chair and Vice-Chair with administrative support.
Scribe
The scribe will be a rotating role between council members. The scribe will be responsible for taking notes during the meeting to record the changes that are necessary to the Action Register and Issues Matrix. The scribe will also record decisions made and the high points of the discussion.
PR/Marketing Coordinator
This is a position appointed by the Council officers. The coordinator is responsible for creating PR pieces for distribution to area media agencies and community groups. Responsibilities also include making contact with news agency personnel and maintaining these relationships.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Fundraising Committee
Responsible for creating fund raising opportunities, organizing sub-committees as needed, and reporting fund raising activities to the council.
Volunteer Committee
This committee is responsible for recruiting, building and retaining a solid base of volunteers. This position would also be responsible for creating and maintaining an up-to-date database of volunteer information. The committee works closely with the PR Coordinator, the Partner Committee and Sponsorship Committee.
Events and Activities Committee
This committee is responsible for the coordination of events (i.e. Christmas party) and activities (i.e. working closely with the fundraising committee when activity is involved such as soup supper).
Sponsorship Committee
This committee, which is led by the current Council Chair, creates and maintains relationships as corporate sponsors with community businesses and organizations.
Partnership Committee
This committee, which is led by the current Vice-Chair, creates and maintains partnering relationships with all area aid agencies, religious groups, and other non-profit groups that work with homeless families in the community. The committee will report to the council information learned regarding the current needs of homeless children.
Honorary Members
Note: We may wish to create positions for honorary members, such as Sister Charmaine, who have devoted many years of service to this organization and have a wealth of knowledge about our history.
Council Meetings:
Monthly meetings for the first year, after which time we could contemplate changing to bi-monthly meetings for the council.