GLR Elections Town Hall

An Introduction to the Process

November 18, 2024

Town Hall Goals

• Introduce Commission
• Review GLR Elected Positions
• Outline Elections Process
• Share Timeline
• Answer Questions

Strategic Planning

How did we get here?

Through reflection, feedback, and the GLR Strategic Planning process, the GLR recognizes the structure of the organization, including systems, policies, leadership that the organization’s, standards, and bylaws that uphold and promote systems of oppression and privilege.

Strategic Plan

Long Term Objective: Review all GLR policies and procedures to increase inclusivity within the GLR and to remove systems of oppression.

In order for the GLR to move forward as a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and in order to bring our new GLR Mission, Vision and Core Values to life, the following was written in the GLR Strategic Plan

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• The GLR Leadership will create an election ad hoc committee, chaired by the GLR Past President to identify and develop action steps towards creating inclusive, accessible, and non-oppressive election systems that will cultivate an increase in diversity of the GLR Leadership team by October 2023.

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• The Election ad hoc committee will present their recommendations to the GLR Executive Committee in January 2024 in preparation for the GLR 2024 Elections.

GLR Nominations and Elections Commission

CHARGE:

The Commission will facilitate the biennial elections for the GLR Executive Committee in even number years and the election of GLR Assembly of Delegates and Alternates in odd number years. They will serve a two year term beginning in January of the even years.

2024-2025 Commission Members

Melaine Pohlman, MT-BC, Commission Chair

Edie Hardin, M.Ed., MT-BC

Hannah Hunziker, MT-BC

Laura Kuper, MT Intern

Mark Richins, MM, MT-BC

GLR Nominations and Elections Commission Duties

• Develop/Update Call for Service with timelines and Job Descriptions
• Develop/Edit Google Nomination Forms with appropriate questions
• Facilitate Town Hall discussion at conference regarding elections
• Record and share with community
• Open Slate and share with community
• Receive Google Form responses
• Confirm anonymity of candidates

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GLR Nominations and Elections Commission Duties

• Recruit additional candidates to create a slate with 2 candidates for each office.
• Provide notice to voting members before closing the slate.
• Share anonymized candidate information via all GLR Communications channels with the GLR community for their consideration 4 weeks prior to the election.
• Facilitate electronic voting.
• Report Election results to GLR Community within 5 days.

Review of Elected Officers on Ballot

2-year term begins after the GLR 2025 Conference.

• President Elect (6-year term)
• Vice President Elect (4-year term)
• Recording Secretary (2 - year term)
• Treasurer (2 - year term)
• Treasurer Elect (4-year term)

2-year term ends after the GLR 2027 Conference.

Eligibility to Run for Office

Article V -

Section 2. Officers must hold Professional membership in the GLR and a professional music therapy credential.

Section 3. The elected officers of the GLR shall be President, President-Elect, Past President, Vice President, Vice President-Elect, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and Treasurer-elect. Elected officers have the right to vote at Executive Committee Meetings.

Section 5. No elected officer with the exception of the Recording Secretary and Treasurer shall hold the same office for more than one consecutive term.

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Elected Officer Job Descriptions

GLR Executive Committee Full Job Descriptions

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YOU are a superhero…

• You feel ACCOUNTABLE to maintain and advance the mission and vision of the GLR.
• You foster GROWTH by bringing the GLR Core Values to life through your actions and initiatives.
• You are committed to serving the music therapy COMMUNITY and profession.

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• You would like to help the GLR create a sense of BELONGING by striving to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment.
• You demonstrate INTEGRITY and ACCOUNTABILITY in your faithful commitment to fostering GROWTH and BELONGING by helping to build a supportive community for all GLR members, students, and stakeholders.

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YOU are a superhero…

• You are a professional member of AMTA.
• You are a board-certified Music Therapist.
• You are an advocate for the music therapy profession.
• You are comfortable in a leadership role and devoted to instilling HOPE and motivating change.
• You are innovative and adaptive.

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GLR Officer Time Commitments and Expectations

• Attend monthly GLR Executive Committee meetings.
• Respond in a reasonable time fashion to ongoing email questions, discussions, and voting between meetings.
• Coordinate with others for committee work related to your role.

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Estimated Time Commitments

President Elect 5-12 hours a week.

President 10.3-15 hours a week.

Past President 6-10 hours a week

Vice President Elect 5-8.6 hours a week.

Vice President 8-12.5 hours a week.

Treasurer 3-6 hours a week.

Secretary 1-3 hours a week.

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President Elect

• You are committed to serving the GLR for 6 years.
• You oversee and coordinate many volunteers, projects, and initiatives.
• You exemplify some of the following personality traits: You are inspiring, visionary, motivating, unifying, and courteous

GLR President Elect

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Article V - Section 8- Duties: b.

• Assist the President as requested;
• Study the duties of the President
• Assume all duties of the President when necessary
• Serve as a regional representative to the AMTA Disaster Response Committee.
• The President-Elect will chair the Awards Committee
• Oversee Special Project
• Oversee any Bylaw changes.

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Vice President Elect

• You are committed to serving the GLR for 4 years.
• You are well suited to coordinating an event with an extensive budget, various committees, volunteers, and deadlines.

Vice President Elect

Article V - Section 8 Duties: d.

• Assist the Vice President as requested
• Study the duties of the Vice President in anticipation of assuming the responsibilities of the Vice Presidency,
• Assume all duties of the Vice President in case of the resignation, disability, or absence of the Vice President.
• Serve 2 years as Vice President-Elect and 2 years as Vice President.

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Recording Secretary

• You are committed to serving the GLR for 2 years.
• You are organized, able to follow along and contribute to meeting discussions.
• You have clear and concise written communication skills

Recording Secretary

Article V - Section 8

• Keep the minutes of all general business and Executive Committee meetings and distribute
• Notify AMTA National Office of newly elected and appointed GLR officers;
• Assume other duties as may be assigned by the President.

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Treasurer

• You are committed to serving the GLR for 2 years.
• You have experience managing finances online, including budgets, ledgers, tax documents, etc.

Treasurer

Article V - Section 8 Duties: g. -

• Pay all bills authorized by the Executive Committee
• Keep an itemized account of members for their service
• Reimburse committee members for GLR-AMTA approved expenses
• Present a financial report at all GLR business meetings and at request of President.
• Send all requested financial information to the AMTA regarding taxes or otherwise.

Treasurer Elect

• You are committed to serving the GLR for 4 years.
• You have experience managing finances online, including budgets, ledgers, tax documents, etc.

Treasurer Elect

Article V - Section 8 Duties:

• Assist the Treasurer and study the duties of the Treasurer in anticipation of assuming the role
• Assume all duties of the Treasurer in case of the resignation, disability, or absence of the Treasurer.
• Serve as a member of the Financial Committee.
• Serve 2 years as Treasurer-Elect and 2 years as Treasurer.

The rippling and reaching waves of your service…

• Your employee will receive FREE continuing education for their service, which is required in order to maintain their status as a board certified music therapist…up to 50 hours!
• You can showcase and highlight how your employees give back, serve, and make a difference in publications and marketing materials.
• Your employee will engage with other leaders in the field, offering opportunities for networking, education, and outreach.
• Your business’s needs are heard on a regional and national level while your employee shares its MT program.

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The rippling and reaching waves of your service…

• Your employee’s engagement on the executive committee allows YOUR business to stay in touch with what is happening in the field, both regionally and nationally.
• Your employee will gain skills and life experiences that will benefit their work at YOUR business.
• Our Servant Leaders with the GLR are the BEST! We want your employee to learn from and with our experts!
• DEI is a crucial element in modern music therapy practices. Service with the GLR will increase their knowledge, understanding, awareness and ability to adopt meaningful changes in YOUR business.

The leadership journey is worth it…

• Your service will directly impact the GLR community, contributing to the creation of a more diverse, inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment. Your efforts will lead to meaningful changes and improved service, making you an important and empowered part of the GLR.
• By serving, you will not only contribute to the GLR community but also gain valuable skills and experiences. You will learn patience, flexibility, and empathy, and develop leadership skills while influencing a diverse group. This journey of personal growth and learning is both inspiring and motivating.

The leadership journey is worth it…

• Serving on the committee adds valuable experience to your resume, showcasing your commitment and skills.
• You'll have opportunities to learn and develop personally while making a meaningful impact within the GRL community.
• Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in the field, expanding your professional network.
• Gain experience in leadership roles and learn how to effectively influence and manage a diverse group.
• You will play a significant role in advancing music therapy practices and initiatives.
• Exposure to different ideas and approaches can enrich your understanding and appreciation of music therapy.

Election Process

Commission’s work moving forward

Upcoming Action Items

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• Share townhall recording and notify community the slate is open.
• Work to network with those in the GLR, including the state organizations and GLR Leadership to recruit, encourage and invite a diverse group of community members to seek office.
• Recruit additional candidates as needed to create slate with 2 candidates for each office.
• Notify GLR Community of the slate closing at four, two and one week dates prior to the slate closing on December 19th.

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Self Nomination Form

Self Nominations Form will include the following:

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• Due on or before December 19, 2024
• All answers must be 250 words or less
• Only Commission members will have access to submissions

Anonymized Slate of Candidates

• Candidates should refrain from sharing identifying information wherever possible in the application.
• Your anonymity cannot be guaranteed since music therapy is a small profession.
• Before the candidate information is shared, members of the Nominating Committee will review and may contact the candidate for clarification. However, somebody will only make edits will only be made to candidate statements with direct conversation and consent.

2024 Election Timeline

Important Dates

How will YOU engage in our season of change?

Elections@glr-amta.org

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Self Nomination Form

Questions and Discussion