I hope that all of our members have had a wonderful summer. I know it seemed to go by too fast for my liking. I am reaching out to the membership to provide an update on the status of the APWA Board of Directors.

Due to a variety of reasons, we now have numerous vacancies that need to be filled in order for the Board to function at the normal level. Although the members that are in their current positions will do what they can to keep the organization going, I feel the membership needs to be aware that we will be limited in our capacity to maintain the standards set by a fully staffed Board, including event planning and fundraising, without additional help.

We desperately need additional members that are able to volunteer some of their time to fill at least a few of the positions below, if not all of them. Being a part of the Board is a great way to meet new ladies, enjoy social opportunities, learn more about the organization and help us keep it going. No previous experience on a Board is needed and we encourage even new members to join the Board as a great way to get involved.

Each role is currently less than a 1 year commitment, running now through May of 2022. The open positions have differing levels of time needed but most offer flexibility. There is a monthly Board Meeting that occurs the 1st Wednesday evening of each month and attendance is offered virtually or in person. The current open positions and a quick description are provided below:

Open Positions:
President - Provide leadership supporting the goals, interests and activities of the membership. Lead the monthly board meetings. (Time needed varies)
Secretary - Responsible for documenting the minutes from the monthly board meetings.  (3-5 hours a month)
Activities - Responsible for coordinating with the activity group leaders to provide updates as needed to the Board.  (4-8 hours a month)
External Affairs - Responsible for managing the public facebook page/instagram/twitter, posting announcements and information as needed.  (4-8 hours a month)
Special Projects - Responsible for planning fundraising opportunities for the non-profit partner.  (Time needed dependent on event(s) planning)
Volunteer Services - Responsible for planning volunteering opportunities for the membership with the non-profit partner, if possible, and other organizations.  (Time needed varies based on # of volunteering opportunities)
Welcome - Responsible for planning opportunities for reaching new members. (Time needed varies based on # of events)

Last year's Board and Activity Leaders did an amazing job ensuring the organization survived the roller coaster ride, adjusting on the fly, and doing our best to make sure our membership had opportunities to stay connected as much as they felt comfortable, both virtually and in person, when possible. As we continue through another year and adjust to the new normal, with ongoing concerns about the pandemic, we are encouraged by the continued interest of our membership to stay connected to the organization.

I hope that one, or many of you, may hear my plea and see if your schedules might allow the ability to volunteer a bit of your time each month and join the Board for this year. Even if you aren't able to commit to a Board role, I encourage you to send me any suggestions you may have on other ways for our membership to stay connected.

If you think there's any chance you might be interested in filling one of the roles above or would like more information, please let me know.

Thank you,

Amanda Dial
APWA Parliamentarian
[email protected]
907-382-0124

APWA has been an important part of my life since moving to Alaska almost four years ago - it's where I found a new book club, looked to when I needed restaurant recommendations, and where to shop for things, and I have made many special friend that I hold dear in my heart.  Most importantly though, it’s been an avenue for me to serve my community, and each year I have been here I have learned to appreciate both APWA and Anchorage even more. Despite a pandemic, last year as President was very fulfilling for me, as the Board worked to fulfill our organization's mission: To Meet, Grow and Give, and I was excited to continue to adapt our organization to meet the needs of our membership in these difficult times.
 
And so it is with great sadness that I have had to make the difficult decision to step down as APWA President this year, due to continuing personal health reasons.
 
Although I am sad for myself, I do see this as an opportunity for growth for the organization and our members. There are many open seats on our Board right now and I hope everyone sees this as a chance for membership that may have previously enjoyed participating in our activities and events to Grow by taking on a new challenge and participating in the leadership. I have every confidence in the people we currently have on the Board - they are competent, bright, enthusiastic and capable people that have already demonstrated their commitment to community service - and know that if just a few people step up our organization can continue to grow and evolve. 
 
I would like to extend my profound gratitude to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting over the last three years, and hope to continue to see many of you and APWA events and activities in the near future.
 
Warm regards,
Kirsten Tschofen