The SSO has nearly 390 members serving on 32 active Committees, Subcommittees, Work Groups and Task Forces for the 2019 – 2020 year. The various groups of SSO volunteer leaders are critical to the accomplishment of the SSO Mission. Whether Standing or Appointed, these Committees, Subcommittees, Work Groups, and Task Forces are the functional entities that guide and often execute the work of the Society. They also provide an opportunity for member engagement and the development of future Society leaders. The question of how one participates in this capacity is a frequent question. While all members are able to access the Committee Handbook, the following is a brief summary of the various processes.
There are several steps in the process and depending on the type of Committee, the process may vary. All positions on Committees, Subcommittees, Work Groups, and Task Forces are appointed by the incoming President, typically in December, prior to the start of the new governance year beginning April 1. The appointment process, however, begins in the Fall with the Application for Engagement. Based on the positions available, Active, Active International and Emeritus members may apply. The exception to this is the Fellows and Young Attendings Subcommittee, which is comprised of members who are Fellows or are within two years of completion of a Fellowship program. Applicants, along with recommendations by the Committee Chairs and Vice-Chairs are then presented to the President Elect. Committee terms are for two years and appointment notifications are sent early in the year.
The Nominating Committee serves an important role in determining the members of the Executive Council. The Nominating Committee is a group of eight individuals, as specified in SSO’s bylaws. Three of the eight positions are elected positions. In late summer, Active, Active International and Emeritus members may nominate SSO members to serve. The list of candidates is presented to the Nominating Committee and the top three individuals are identified and presented back to eligible members to vote in January. Terms begin in April.
Finally, the SSO Executive Council is the highest level of leadership in the Society. Positions are both elected and appointed. A total of three Councilor-at-Large positions serve on the Executive Council. Candidates for these positions are solicited by the Nominating Committee from Executive Council members and Past Presidents. The list is narrowed by the Nominating Committee to two to three candidates. These individuals are then presented to eligible SSO members to vote. The Councilor-at-Large position is a three-year term, with a new position becoming available each year. Appointed positions on the Executive Council go through a two-step process. The first step is the development of a slate of candidates by current Executive Council member and Past Presidents. Then, the Nominating Committee appoints candidates to open positions.
If you have any questions about the paths to serve on SSO Committees, Subcommittees, Work Groups and Task Forces, please contact Andrea King, Manager, Governance and Member Engagement.