The Board of the Alliance Française of Northwest Connecticut (AFNWCT) was recently informed that as of August 31 the two members who hold the Board positions of President and Treasurer will resign from the Board in order to move closer to their family.
To ensure overlap training time and a smooth transition, we call upon our members to volunteer to fill these two positions*. We also need more “behind-the-scenes” workers on several key committees (see below). Email Nancy, our Vice-President at afnwct@afnwct.org or call (203) 707-0710 with questions or to volunteer asap.
An active membership, where many members share the workload (rather than relying on a few core members to ‘do it all’) is the best evidence of a strong, sustainable organization: “Avec beaucoup d’ouvriers, la tâche devient aisée.”
Volunteering is a great way to get to know your organization and your fellow members! Currently, we have 165 members and it would be great to welcome some of our nouveaux adhérents to serve on the Board or to help on a committee, particularly in support of the three key areas: Programs, the Language School and Membership.
1921-2016: 95-Year Legacy
Organizing a full calendar of educational and culturally relevant programs has always been and will continue to be an essential element of our organization. Not only do these get-togethers offer opportunities to practice and/or improve our French-speaking skills, they also serve to attract new participants.
Gail, our current Program chairperson would gladly welcome help with suggesting and contacting new speakers, setting admission price and tracking RSVPs… If you’d like to help, send her an email at programmes@afnwct.org.
Thanks to the opening of our Language School in the fall of 2016, we have been able to increase our focus on teaching French. Membership fees and profits from French classes help to cover the majority of our operating expenses: rent, utilities, office and language school supplies, teacher’s fees.
Our Language School Director is actively recruiting new teachers for children and adult group or private classes. If interested in teaching (teachers receive an hourly compensation as a Independent Contract Hire) or if you have a suggestion for a new class you’d like us to offer, please send an email to Joanne at ecole@afnwct.org.
How you react to this appeal for help will determine the future of your organization. Please volunteer today!
OPEN VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
President /Co-President: Provide strategic leadership and tactical plans around our two main poles: teaching and offering educational programs to further promote the French cultural heritage.
Treasurer: Maintain general ledger, reconcile accounts monthly and provide quarterly reports and analysis to the Board on the financial health of the organization.
Membership: Welcome and introduce new members to the calendar of events, activity groups & committees; understand why they joined and communicate those reasons to the Board to help ensure member satisfaction.
Publicity: Send press releases to local newspapers and on-line bulletins.
Webmaster: Maintain website, update events calendar & French School page. (If you have good computer skills, I can easily train you! MLG)
Social Media: Create postings for Twitter and Facebook, Meet-ups…
Hospitality: Plan event décor, purchase paper supplies and/or refreshments, set up room, arrange for clean up & room break down.
Fund Raising: Lead GiveLocal efforts; acknowledge Donations.
Will you share the load and volunteer to help run your organization?
Volunteer now as a Board member and/or committee member!
*AFNWCT By-laws Article IV Administration, Section 2:
In the case of resignation of a member of the Board, the Board of Directors, by Majority vote shall have the power to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the unexpired term.
