Volunteer Leadership Opportunities
The DCAT organization offers member company representatives volunteer leadership opportunities within the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and various committees and task forces.
The volunteer application process for the 2017-18 fiscal year has ended. On behalf of DCAT's Leadership Development Committee, we'd like to thank all of our applicants.
Applying for Committee and Task Force Positions
Representatives of DCAT member companies are encouraged to participate on DCAT volunteer committees and task forces. Before applying for any volunteer position, please review the standing committee descriptions here, as well as the information found in this section.
While every application is appreciated, committees often must limit their size in order to assure they can operate efficiently. As for task forces of a particular committee, please keep in mind that committees can reach out to volunteers at any time. Formation of task forces are based on projects and specific needs, and therefore, there isn’t any set schedule. If you apply to participate in a task force, please be patient. It’s terrific for a standing committee to know there are willing volunteers when they need them. If you are uncertain of your time commitment, you are always invited to be part of our Industry Volunteer Community as described below.
Standing Committees are charged with identifying needs of the members, managing initiatives, marketing, coordinating volunteers and other activities. Members of these committees undertake assignments on a long-term basis, which enables them to bring continuity to their projects. Responsibilities include a time commitment to committee meetings and/or conference calls usually 8-10 times per year as well as emails and specific assignments.
Task Forces are formed primarily to work on a highly focused task or provide a specific service to the organization within a specified period of time. Work is usually conducted by email and conference calls, with an optional opportunity to meet in person, if necessary. Members of task forces undertake assignments on a short-term basis. Their role is completed once the specific responsibilities delegated to them are achieved.
DCAT’s Industry Volunteer Community provides opportunities for member company representatives to use their unique experiences and professional interests to assess projects or other organizational initiatives and provide feedback. Work is conducted by email and/or conference calls. Volunteers are also needed to assist at meetings, hospitality and networking events, as well as to assist staff with small projects and provide feedback when needed. Minimal time is required for these activities and a committee or staff member would contact you when your expertise or assistance is needed.
Applying for the Board of Directors and Advisory Council
On our about March 1st of each year, the association’s Leadership Development Committee will send notices to its member contacts and post notices on this website announcing that applications for seats on the Board of Directors or Advisory Council are being accepted. These applications will be for the upcoming fiscal year which begins on November 1st.
The Leadership Development Committee is comprised of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and three members of the Advisory Council who have been selected by their peers. They begin their process of reviewing applications and interviewing candidates from April through mid-July. Applicants are notified about their applications prior to August of each year. Those selected will begin their term in November.
The Board of Directors is composed of four officers, five directors and two immediate past presidents. They have the authority and responsibility for the governance of the organization. The members serve as thought leaders who develop and guide the organization’s strategic plan, establish and implement policy, and manage financial matters in order to best serve the member companies. Responsibilities include monthly conference calls, in-person meetings, project management, and participation in organizational events. The member company of a member of DCAT’s Board of Directors must show support and commitment for attendance of association meetings, travel and sponsorship, and the volunteer time and effort towards furthering the goals of the association.
Each April a call for applications is made for the following positions on the Board of Directors:
Third Vice President of Volunteer Resources In addition to the duties as described above, the third vice president oversees the Membership Committee and other volunteer resources and acts as a liaison between the Board of Directors and committees. This position is one year and then ascends to second and first vice presidency and through to the presidency, which are all one-year terms. After that, the individual serves two years as a past president. This is a six-year volunteer commitment.
Director(s) In addition to the duties as prescribed above, a director also assures that programs and services are responsive to the needs of the membership in the various segments of the industry. This position is a one-year term and a director may be elected to no more than three consecutive terms.
Each April a call for applications is made for the following positions on the Advisory Council:
Advisory Council is composed of 18 members, six elected each year for a three-year term. It is made up of representatives of various segments of the industry to provide insights, guidance and expertise to the Board of Directors, committees, task forces and staff to best serve member companies. Responsibilities include conference calls, in-person meetings, project management, and participation in organizational events. The member company of a member of DCAT’s Advisory Council must show support and commitment for attendance of association meetings, travel and sponsorship, and the volunteer time and effort towards furthering the goals of the association.