Dear Members,

The ODS board is accepting nominations for the two of our ODS director-at-large positions. Ballots to elect the new Directors will be sent in early October and the winners will be announced at the November board meeting.

In accordance with ODS by laws and the procedure manual, the board has already solicited nominees from individuals who are currently supporting ODS activities.  This email is an effort to be inclusive and encourage participation from other members who may have an interest in serving the organization.

Here are some brief facts regarding the position:

As well as being an advocate for the membership, you are expected to attend the quarterly board meetings and contribute to the effort of the board activities: shows, educational programs, publications, policy and procedure development, etc. The term is for three years.  There are incidental costs associated with being a board member.  Directors pay their own mileage and retreat costs unless a chapter has volunteered to sponsor them.  Meetings are in Portland, Springfield and other locations, sometimes in conjunction with other ODS activities.

Here is the exact job description as written in the most current ODS Handbook:

Director At Large:

• Serves a 3 year term
• Sensitive to the thoughts and wishes of the Society membership and represents the interest of all ODS members at Board Meetings.
• Attends ODS Board Meetings and votes on issues presented
• Discusses issues with ODS members and reports back to the Board or the appropriate committee.
• Shall serve as a state officer or board committee member
• Submits additions to the agenda to the ODS Office at least three weeks before the meeting.
• Obtains a working knowledge of the basics of parliamentary procedure so that board meetings are conducted efficiently.

If you desire to run for the position, the office will need a brief bio to include on the ballot.  Please respond to Corinne, at the office, with a bio of roughly 250 words that will help the ODS members get a sense of who you are.  Here are some main points, with examples, that you might include in your submission:

• Who you are: (where you live, what chapter you might belong to, how long you’ve been involved with ODS)
• What you do: (compete? manage shows? chapter officer? breeder? judge? instructor?)
• Do you have special interests within ODS? (Examples might be: youth dressage, league shows, chapter activities, fundraising etc.)
• Be sure to mention any special skills or experience from outside the horse world that would be of value to ODS.
• Please submit the bio to Corinne at the office with a brief message of your intent to stand as a candidate for the director-at-large position by 8:00 AM September 25th. Email submissions are encouraged.
• Via E-mail:   office@oregondressage.com
• Via Fax:  503-681-387
• Via Mail:   Director at Large Nomination, Oregon Dressage Society,  880 NE 25th Ave, Ste 2-173, Hillsboro OR 97124

Thank you!

For further information or to answer specific questions, please Marsha Willams at gotothebarn@bendbroadband.net.