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Membership
Associate Membership
Affiliate Membership
Leadership
Support Services and Resources
Membership in NVOAD is open to organizations that are national in scope and purpose. Such organizations should have voluntary memberships and constituencies and a not-for-profit structure (as outlined in Internal Revenue Service regulation 501(c)(3)). They also must be active in disaster, that is, they must have a national disaster response program and policy for commitment of resources (for example, personnel, funds, and equipment) to meet the needs of people affected by disaster, without discrimination as to race, creed, gender, or age.
To become a NVOAD member, a qualified organization must take three additional steps:
- agree with the purpose of NVOAD and encourage members to participate in VOAD activities at all levels;
- make an annual financial contribution to the NVOAD budget; and send a representative to the annual NVOAD meeting.
Applying for membership (or renewing membership) is a simple process. The organization sends a letter to the chair of the NVOAD membership committee that details how the organization meets the qualifications for membership. A summary of the organization's program and policies for disaster service must be included. The membership committee, upon review of these materials, makes a recommendation on membership at the next board of directors meeting.
Membership in NVOAD may end in two ways: by the voluntary withdrawal of the organization by submission of a letter of separation, or by the organization's failure to meet the conditions of membership for two consecutive years.
After the annual membership meeting, the board of directors will notify each organization that has not met the conditions of membership in the past year and remind it of the two-year limit. If there is no contribution or other communication from the non-participating member organization by December 1 of the second year, a representative of the board of directors will make personal contact with the organization, alerting it to its need to meet the conditions by the annual membership meeting or face loss of membership. If the conditions are not met for the second consecutive year, the organization will be notified in writing that its membership has been terminated. If the only condition not met is representation at the annual meeting, and it can be shown to be the result of extenuating circumstances such as the weather, the organization may appeal to the board of directors for continued membership for one additional year.
Each member organization has one vote at NVOAD annual meetings; however, organizations are encouraged to have broader representation at annual meetings if possible. The annual meeting is usually held within the first three months of the year. The membership may meet up to three times each year at the call of the president, the board of directors, or two-thirds of the membership.
Associate (nonvoting) membership status is intended for chartered state VOADs. (Local VOADs are related to NVOAD by virtue of their membership in the state VOAD.) Candidates for associate membership will be admitted upon recommendation of the board's membership committee and approval of the board of directors. Associate membership is for a three-year period, renewable every three years by signing an agreement.
Affiliate (nonvoting) membership status is intended for any organization with disaster planning and operations responsibilities or capabilities that does not meet the requirements for full or associate membership. Candidates for affiliate membership will be admitted upon the recommendation of the board's membership committee and the approval of the board of directors.
NVOAD is led by a board of directors, which acts on behalf of the general membership. This board meets at least twice each year in addition to the annual meeting, and its meetings are open to all NVOAD members. The board consists of nine persons elected from and by the membership for three-year terms; one-third of the board is elected annually. Each board member may serve two consecutive three-year terms. The board of directors has the power to fill vacancies that occur between annual meetings.
The board elects a president, vice-president, and treasurer to serve itself and NVOAD. These officers may serve two consecutive one-year terms. The board appoints an executive secretary to keep and maintain minutes and to maintain organizational records.
The president presides at meetings, acts as spokesperson and representative, delegates tasks, convenes the annual meeting, and provides leadership.
The vice-president acts on behalf of the president in his or her absence and monitors relationships with member organizations for adherence to NVOAD's principles of membership.
The treasurer maintains financial accounts.
The executive secretary maintains organizational records and correspondence, and handles the day-to-day management of the organization.
Support services and resources
In conjunction with the executive secretary, member organizations provide key services. Member organizations from the outset have generously and voluntarily provided support services and resources. These range from writing the newsletter and covering printing and Xeroxing costs to video production and other uses of staff time. These contributions are sincerely appreciated and encouraged.