These guidelines describe the roles and expectations for Regional Representatives and provide some ideas about how they might fulfill these roles. However, it is recognized that these may differ to some extent in different parts of the world.

Responsibilities

Recruitment and retention of members:

Regional Representatives are expected to promote ISSBD, encourage new members to join, engage members in meaningful and productive ways, and encourage existing members to renew and maintain their membership.

The strategies for achieving these goals will vary across regions but might include:

• Working with national professional organizations to arrange joint subscriptions and/or joint activities;
• Liaising with existing members to encourage their students to become members via personal invitations; engaging current members by sharing information about ISSBD awards and fellowship programs; and encouraging submissions to biennial meetings;
• Taking opportunities to publicize ISSBD at regional and local meetings.

 

A brochure outlining the benefits of ISSBD for members can be found here.

Any other materials the Regional Representatives need to publicize ISSBD can be asked at comms@issbd.org or members@issbd.org

 

The Membership Manager will regularly inform each Regional Representative about membership status and fee payments for the relevant region or country.

 

Services to members:

Regional Representatives are expected to help members of the region reap the benefits of ISSBD membership.

This might be by:

• Organizing local networking meetings, webinars and seminars, or professional development events;
• Identifying early career scholars deserving of scholarships or support to attend ISSBD conferences and workshops and helping them apply for such opportunities;
• Encouraging the submission of applications to host ISSBD workshops;
• Helping regional members to develop networks and collaborations with members from other countries.

When proposed local/regional activities would cost money, Regional Representatives should submit a proposal to the ISSBD Membership Secretary. A small, specified budget allocation will be put aside to support such activities.

 

Collection of Membership Fees:

Some Regional Representatives will also assist in collecting membership dues. The responsibilities for collecting membership fees vary from region to region.

 

Reporting

Regional Representatives must submit a report to the President and Membership Secretary on an annual basis (due around March of each year) for tabling at the Executive Committee’s annual meeting.

The report should include information on the membership, strategies adopted to help retain and support members and expand membership, and a financial statement of income and expenditure if relevant. It is expected that membership will increase in areas supported by Regional Representatives. The report should include a discussion of reasons for changes in number of members.

A plan for the forthcoming year should also be included in the report.

 

Recognition and remuneration

The society highly values the work of Regional Representatives and will regularly acknowledge them, e.g., at the Biennial ISSBD General Meeting, on social media and the ISSBD website, and in publications such as the Bulletin. Regional Representatives will receive a formal letter/certificate from the President.

The Biennial Meeting registration fee for Regional Representatives will be waived, and they are strongly encouraged to attend the conference. They will also be invited to attend the Membership Meetings at the Biennial Meetings. Contact amongst Regional Representatives will be facilitated by the ISSBD Membership Secretary via Zoom (and other networking platforms) or the membership directory.

 

Selection and terms of office

Nominations (including self-nominations) for the position of Regional Representative are open.

A call for nominations (including self-nominations) for the Regional Representative position will be published in the Bulletin and on the ISSBD website. It should also be publicized on social media and via email. The President and Membership Secretary make the final decisions about successful candidates.

Regional Representatives should be appointed for a period of 2 years, with the option of being invited by the President and Membership Secretary to continue for up to 3 concurrent terms (6 years).