Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh
Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh
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PEP Organizational Proposal Joan Gundersen (with input from Lionel Deimel, Christopher Wilkins, Nancy Righter, Jacqui Ochs) Overall Structure: We are proposing a two-level organization for PEP with a set of committees (with defined duties) in order to facilitate our work. The two levels are an executive committee and the general membership. The Executive Committee is made up of officers elected by the general membership annually and the chairs of the standing committees. Committees have no set size and are open to all who wish to help on the tasks assigned to that committee. Committees report directly to the Executive Committee and chairs are elected by the committee membership. To facilitate communication and coordination of activities, there are two vice presidents. Each will serve as a voting member of several of the standing committees. Who are the elected officers and what do they do? President - The President presides at meetings of the membership and of the Executive Committee. The President's job is primarily administrative, assuring the smooth running of the organization. The President also represents and speaks for the organization. This latter job is not exclusive to this office, but, of course, a letter to the editor signed by the President carries more intrinsic weight than one signed by, say, the Publicity Chair, irrespective of who actually composed the letter. Vice President for Policy & Planning - The person holding this office will call and preside at meetings in the absence of the President. This person serves on the Strategy Committee and Development Committees and works closely with the chairs of the Ecclesiastical and Legal Committees to coordinate efforts. The Vice President for Policy & Planning may be designated by the Executive Committee as the official spokesperson for specific issues or occasions. Vice President for Operations - The person holding this office is third in line, if needed, to call and preside at meetings in the absence of the President and Vice President for Policy & Planning. This person serves on Publicity and Membership and works with the chair of Research Committee and the Secretary and Treasurer to coordinate activities. Secretary - The Secretary is responsible for taking and distributing minutes for meetings of the membership and Executive Committee. The Secretary manages routine correspondence for the organization and keeps a log and archive of general correspondence and materials distributed by the organization. Treasurer- The Treasurer is responsible for collecting and disbursing funds for the organization and for reporting on its financial status. The treasurer provides monthly and annual financial reports to the Executive Committee and membership. What is role of the Executive Committee? The Executive Committee acts as a steering committee for the membership and may meet more frequently. It provides overall coordination for PEP and receives reports from Standing Committees and Officers. It confirms membership of committees so that at all times we know who is a member of a committee. Volunteers should contact the appropriate standing committee chair or one of the elected officers to express interest in a specific committee. What are the Standing Committees and what do they do? All Committees select their own chairs. The Chairs sit on the Executive Committee. Chairs convene committees and coordinate their internal workings. At times the Chairs may be asked by Executive Committee to serve as direct spokespersons for the organization. Committees are comprised from volunteers of the general membership. Committee chairs shall provide the Executive Committee a list of the members of their committee. Strategy Committee - The VPPP is a member of the committee The Strategy Committee is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the organization that carry out the highest-level goals set by the membership at large. The Strategy Committee is responsible for both short-term and long-term planning and develops initiatives consistent with high-level goals set by the membership and the Executive Committee. Ecclesiastical Committee - The Ecclesiastical Committee provides specialized information and advice relating to church doctrine, polity, and tradition to the Strategy Committee. It is anticipated that many members of this committee will be members of the clergy or others with theological training. Legal Committee - The Legal Committee provides specialized information and advice relating to church and civil law to the Strategy Committee. It is anticipated that most members of this committee will be members of the legal community. Development Committee - The Development Committee provides advice to the Strategy Committee relating to fund-raising and carries out approved fund-raising activities. Publicity Committee - The committee is responsible for developing publicity campaigns, doing graphic production of materials, maintaining contacts with the press, arranging events and media interviews, and issuing press releases. It may also be responsible for maintaining a PEP Web site. Membership Committee - The Membership Committee is responsible for collecting annual membership dues, maintaining current information on all members, and for making that information available. The Membership Committee also assists the Executive Committee in identifying volunteers suitable for serving on committees and performing other tasks. Research & Communications Committee - The Research & Communications Committee scans the environment for information relevant to the organizational mission and makes it available to the membership. It also maintains contacts with like-minded people outside the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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