As the person in charge of nominations for positions on the WODL Board, I thought it might be of assistance to you to know just what those of us on the board actually do.
What is the WODL Board
The WODL Board is a group of elected and appointed people representing over 30 community theatres in Southwestern Ontario.
We meet approximately 9 times a year in a member group’s home venue – which gives us an opportunity to see what each one has/doesn’t have. During these meetings, we discuss what is happening in our home companies as well as new and old policies that affect community theatre productions such as SOCAN, Re:Sound, vendors, publishing companies, etc. We liaise with other groups – QUONTA, ACT-CO, EODL, NODL, and Theatre Ontario - to name a few.
Who is elected?
The positions of President, 1
st
Vice-President, 2
nd
Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, as well as 7 Area Vice Presidents.
Who is appointed?
The positions of Adjudications Chair, Awards Chair, Communications Chair, Constitution and Policies Chair, Webmaster, Theatre Ontario Representative, Membership and Development Chair, and current Festival Chairs.
Who else is on the board?
There is also a representative of the Life members.
How long is a term?
It is usually a two year term – however, if you are elected to the position of 2
nd
Vice-President, you are encouraged/expected to progress to 1
st
Vice-President, then President and eventually Past President.
All of the other positions could be as little as 2 years. In one case, we have the position of Area Vice-President shared by 2 people. Of course, we welcome anyone to stay with us as long as they feel they can contribute to the organization. Each board member is asked each year if they are willing to stay in their current position for another term but ALL of them MUST complete a nomination form first.
What does it cost to be a board member?
There is no actual cost except that you MUST be an active/current member of a member group. All costs involved in being on the board are covered – you pay for everything up front, submit your receipts twice a year and receive a receipt for a charitable donation for the entire amount – meals, tickets, mileage and motels.
How do I become a board member?
First of all, talk to someone currently on the board – ask questions, express an interest to any one of them, and someone will contact you directly.
Is it difficult?
By all means, we work hard but we have fun! Everyone on the board is truly committed to the success of community theatre – and should maybe BE committed!
