| Further information on co-option process |
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Each year, following our AGM, the elected executive can add up to five additional members to our hardworking team of volunteers. This is called co-option. We've set out some useful information for the co-option process below based on questions commonly asked about the process:
Each member standing for co-option will speak for no more than 2 minutes, presenting their case to the newly elected committee members and in front of fellow co-option candidates. (See below if you are not able to make the meeting.) No handouts are allowed but you will have opportunity to answer 2-3 questions from the elected committee members after your pitch. At the end of all the presentations the committee will deliberate in private to decide the people who will be brought on to the team. Where consensus can not be reached, only committee members present on the day for all presentations will be able to vote. During your speech you may want to mention your previous experience and involvement with the Young Fabians or other organisations, but it is more important to focus on what you propose to do as a committee member over the coming 12 months. The general attributes we will be looking for are: enthusiasm, commitment, initiative, new ideas, organisational ability, political awareness, teamwork, and fundraising ideas. You don’t need to think of it as an interview nor tell us everything about yourself – just concentrate on what you can add to the organisation. Casual dress is fine. It is preferable, but not essential, for candidates for co-option to notify the Chair in advance of their intention to stand. Why not? More than ever, the centre-left needs a vibrant youth full of ideas and keen to participate actively. You’ve made the first step by joining the Young Fabians - if you’ve always felt you could do more, then this is your opportunity. We have good access to senior Labour politicians and proven influence. Our membership is growing at a tremendous rate and we achieve an incredible amount by working together. Most of all, it’s fun. Co-option is an excellent introduction to the Young Fabian Executive and co-opted members are often successful in subsequent elections. Do I have to be based in London to join the committee? No. Over the last year, we have had two committee members based elsewhere. We do our best to facilitate this – if you have any concerns please contact the Chair us who will answer any questions you have. What if I can’t make the meeting in London? If you cannot attend the meeting you may submit a written statement of no more than one A4 side which will be read out for consideration (with a time limit of 2 minutes). Or you can submit a short video statement/presentation. How do I know what the executive committee is focusing on? This year, the Chair is looking to build on our policy influence by building stronger links with the Labour leadership team and working with a range of organisations within the Labour movement. She is keen to encourage potential co-optees who feel they can make positive connections with other think tanks and opinion formers and run collaborative projects with other exec colleagues and Labour groups and societies. In particular, she is keen to encourage greater membership participation not only across a wider geographical spread but an increased interaction between the executive and the wider membership. What is the executive committee looking for? We particularly welcome interest from those who are from currently under-represented groups on the committee and/or in this year's elections. Successful candidates are usually those who identify gaps in the elected executive committee’s skills, experience, roles and plans, and make a presentation that focuses on what the individual candidate can add to the group, and what they can do for the organisation and for members. It may be useful to look at the roles the newly elected committee members will be undertaking. For 2011/12, the executive committee has identified the following as priorities to fill:
You can consider any of the stipulated roles or you may want to pitch something completely different. We welcome new ideas – you should not feel limited by this list. Successful new suggestions in the past include Nick Maxwell's Young Fabians Networks, and the founding of Young Fabian Women by Marie-Noelle Loewe. What is expected of committee members? You would take on responsibility for certain aspects of our work and will be supported by the Chair and other colleagues. Everyone is encouraged to get involved beyond their brief in whatever interests them or wherever they are capable of contributing. Committee members should also be:
What time commitments are involved? Everyone on the executive committee is a volunteer with different demands on their time. It is difficult to quantify a typical commitment other than to say that most members increase the time they put in year-on-year as they decide to stay involved and as they get to know more about how it works. The patterns of commitment are as variable as the number of hours can be. As an example, the editor of Anticipations has very intense periods of hours put in as an edition is being prepared for press. Others, e.g. the Secretary or Web Editor may have very regular – more than once a week – but ultimately shorter, demands on their time. So it depends on the role you have. Ultimately, we're all volunteers and do what we can - we understand when colleagues have other commitments, be they work, family or politics, that effect the time they can offer. What happens if I am successful? You will be informed within 24 hours to be offered a position on the committee. Please note, the executive committee may ask you to adapt your ideas or take on elements of another role if it suits the overall programme of work for the year. Once co-opted, you'll need to attend Executive committee meetings. In 2011/12, committee meetings will take place in London at the start of every month. The Chair will work with you to develop your exact responsibilities and the committee will help you achieve all you set out to do. What happens if I am unsuccessful? You will be informed within 24 hours. It will be possible to get feedback and we will be seeking to capitalise on the interest and enthusiasm of unsuccessful candidates by involving them in other ways should they wish to participate more. Who can I approach for advice? If you have any concerns or further questions please also feel free to contact any member of the executive committee. The following are just some of the current and past committee members with experience of succeeding at the co-option meeting.
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