Penn-Del AER is looking for chapter members interested in serving on these committees/subcommittees.
We are always looking for new and underused talent! Serving on a committee can provide valuable networking and growth opportunities that can be instrumental in preparing individuals for increased responsibility as they mature in their professions. If you are interested in serving on a committee of this award-winning chapter, please contact Penn-Del AER President.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee seeks to recognize the achievements of deserving professionals in the areas of both service and instruction. The committee oversees the solicitation and selection of the Penn-Del AER Richard L Welsh Service Award (Welsh) and the Elinor Long Educator of the Year Award (ELEY) recipients. Penn-Del AER also awards a student scholarship yearly. The recipient of the scholarship is to be a Pennsylvania or Delaware resident who is a Penn-Del AER Chapter Member, pursuing certification in the field of blindness and visual impairment. Awards are presented annually at the Penn-Del AER Conference.
Bylaws and Structure Committee
The committee is charged to: define and maintain committee policies and procedures; develop a summary and provide oversight to implement Robert’s Rules of Order to conduct Chapter meetings; and maintain the Bylaws Procedures Manual, which outlines the process to change and maintain the bylaws.
Parliamentarian Sub-Committee
The goal of the Parliamentarian Sub-Committee is to monitor and prepare Officers to implement Robert’s Rules of Order during all Board and Annual meetings as well as provide clarification regarding these processes as needed.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee’s overarching charge is to disseminate information to professionals serving adults and children with visual impairments. The Communications Committee serves as the primary vehicle for the flow of information, to-and-from the membership. Efforts to achieve this charge include maintaining email distribution lists for both Penn-Del AER members and former conference attendees to announce Chapter activity.
The Communications Committee maintains the Chapter’s website and Social Media platforms. The website serves as the conduit to connect Chapter professionals with resources, announcements, professional development opportunities, and Board communication. The committee provides periodic website reviews, to ensure up-to-date information is posted, as well as exploring innovative accessible means to disseminate Chapter information.
The Communications Committee maintains document storage and proper document preparation which includes ensuring that information is available and navigable for all persons, including those with visual impairments and blindness.
Legislation Committee
The goal of the Legislation Committee is to monitor and respond to current state and national legislative proposals. These efforts are completed by educating and supporting the general membership’s involvement with legislative activity, e.g.: writing letters to congressmen, advocating for professional concerns, etc.
Membership Committee
Penn-Del AER’s ability to support professionals in the field of visual impairment and serve children and adults with visual impairments properly is directly related to the strength and size of our membership. To be effective, Penn-Del AER Chapter needs members. This committee develops and implements an action plan to recruit, retain, recognize, and educate Penn-Del AER Chapter members.
Public Relations Sub-Committee
The goal of the Public Relations Sub-Committee is to promote AER and the professions it encompasses. This activity includes announcing Chapter activity to various publications and professional organizations, within the field, and disseminating timely information regarding AER professional activity to community and professional resources.
Nominating Committee
This committee develops an annual Slate of Nominations to serve as the newly elected Officers and Directors at Large. A call to the general membership is solicited, to maintain Board representation by both specialty area and regional impact. The Nominating Committee strives to seek and identify new leadership, to serve on the Board in order to support the goals and mission of the Chapter.
Professional Development Committee
The Professional Development Committee strives to provide multiple opportunities to provide learning and networking experiences to Chapter members. This committee consists of the following three Sub-committees: Penn-Del AER Conference, Leadership, and District Meetings.
Ad-Hoc Committees
The President may appoint Board liaisons/special committees to conduct studies or consider specific questions related to the work of the Penn-Del AER Chapter to bring that information back to the Board. Currently, the Ad-Hoc Archive Development Committee and Ad-Hoc Strategic Planning Committee are in existence.
Penn-Del AER Conference Sub-Committee
The goal of the Penn-Del AER Conference Sub-Committee is to plan, organize, and host an annual conference to support on-going professional development and networking. The Penn-Del AER Conference Sub-committee is chaired by the Past-President of the Penn-Del AER Chapter
Leadership Sub-Committee
The goal of the Leadership Sub-Committee is to cultivate and foster leadership opportunities for the Penn-Del AER Chapter membership. Examples of activities include encouraging the general membership to participate in Board committee and sub-committee events and projects as well as assigning new Board members to experienced Board members as mentors.
District Meetings Sub-Committee
The District Meetings Sub-Committee initiates, designs, and implements effective district meetings (West, Central, East, and Delaware) for members to informally gather locally for professional networking and topical conversations.