RGS & AWS is a member-based organization where all members belong to one or more chapters. Each chapter has a key group of volunteers that makes up its leadership committee. Committee members are the chapter’s voice and represent RGS & AWS locally. Committee members are responsible for communicating and supporting the RGS & AWS mission, hosting chapter events, identifying habitat projects and representing RGS & AWS as an ambassador for conservation.
Below are specific roles within the committee:
Chapter President (required)
The chapter president oversees the chapter and works closely with the regional engagement coordinator. A chapter president organizes meetings, leads discussions and acts as the committee’s voice. As the chapter president it’s also necessary to delegate duties to the other committee members.
Treasurer (required)
The chapter treasurer works with RGS & AWS staff to oversee chapter finances. The treasurer is responsible for making deposits, paying expenses and reporting on the status of the chapter checking account to the chapter and the regional engagement coordinator. They are also responsible for helping with event accounting and for compiling the end-of-year financial report.
Habitat Chair (required)
The main priority of the habitat chair is to coordinate their chapter’s support of habitat management projects through investment of reserve funds, volunteer projects, or supporting forest management on public or private land, especially in prioritized areas or dynamic forest restoration blocks. Working under the guidance of RGS & AWS’ forest conservation director or state conservation coordinator, the habitat chair aims to establish and maintain key relationships with people who can support mission delivery. Communication with other chapter members, volunteers and members is a pivotal part of the role. Critical to the role’s success, the habitat chair acts as an ambassador to help supporters understand and promote current, future and past work. The habitat chair is the chapter’s driving force to make the RGS & AWS mission a reality.
Chapter Vice President (required)
For all intents and purposes, the vice president is second in command. This individual should step in to organize and oversee chapter meetings or events in the absence of the chapter president. The vice president isn’t a required position; however, it’s recommended as it encourages positive turnover and growth in chapter leadership.
Event Chair (suggested)
The event chair’s role is to work closely with the committee and regional engagement coordinator to organize and execute events for the chapter. The event chair should be well organized and able to delegate tasks to other chapter committee members to ensure the chapter hosts a successful, enjoyable and smooth-running event. The event chair can rotate between members of the chapter.
Communications Chair (suggested)
The communication chair will work closely with the regional engagement coordinator and communication and marketing staff to effectively communicate the RGS & AWS mission and impact through digital, print and in-person efforts.
