Authority, Function and Reporting - COA committees/teams
1. Authority: Standing committees/teams are constituted to perform a continuing function.
2. Function: Standing committees/Teams exist to carry on essential activities and recommend specific actions, programs and activities to the board of trustees that support the strategic plan of the association. The board of trustees may charge a committee to accomplish specific tasks. Standing committees/teams are the working arm of the board of trustees.
3. Reports: The committee/team chair, staff or board liaison is responsible for keeping the board fully informed of committee/team activities that rise to a reportable level.
The purpose of the Membership Committee (teams) is to recruit and retain COA members and to provide quality membership benefits and services.
Membership is the lifeblood of any association. The committee's overarching goal is to keep COA's membership base strong by concerning ourselves with the needs of our members, now and in the future. Member recruitment should be a built-in and ongoing activity, not just a one-time campaign. Commmembers should work closely with COA societies and CA optometry schools to continuously provide updated information and encourage communication flow to promote member engagement and active participation.
COA also recognizes the investment that we must make in our student members. They are a valuable resource; they are our future. We strive to increase COA's visibility on-campus and continue to explore ways that will encourage the active participation of student members.
Our job doesn't and at new member recruitment - retention and engagement are equally as important. We need to bring new members into the fold, welcome them, introduce them, connect them and involve them in activities. We must encourage a sense of ownership. After all, the association represents “you,” and collectively your peers, in the profession of optometry.
To oversee COA membership development, retention, and member services
To develop and maintain working relationships with society membership leadership in the interest of building and retaining membership throughout the year
To work closely with student and faculty leaders to increase student membership and engagement
Participate in regular team meetings
Be available to participate in membership recruitment events, such as those annually held for the graduating optometry classes at the three schools in California
Serve as membership liaison to 3-4 local societies (or your school) and be available to answer membership-related questions and respond to membership requests
COA members are appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Trustees
Membership committee members should serve terms of at least, but not limited to, two years to ensure continuity of committee programs and transition between outgoing and incoming committee members