LEADERSHIP


 APC is a strong, viable and energized association because members freely volunteer time, energy and abilities to help accomplish the goals of our strategic plan. Almost 250 members throughout APC serve on committees, councils and commissions and provide vital leadership for the association. Each year, many new persons take office when leadership positions begin their terms of office in November.

The leadership section of our Web site will help you learn more about the current structure and leadership of APC and review position descriptions for leadership opportunities. In addition, you can learn who your state leaders are and get to know our APC Board of Directors and national staff. You are invited at any time to contact any leader, any member of the board or staff with questions or with your desire to serve. The commitment of our members will help APC maintain its commitment to growth and enhance the provision of membership benefits and dedication to the field of professional chaplaincy.



MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT STRENGTHENS ASSOCIATION

To strengthen APC for the future through needed leadership, we invite each and every member to accept the responsibility to assume leadership as each one's time and talents allow and to encourage their peers to do the same. Clearly, each person's personal and professional situation imposes certain limits on their ability to be involved. Nonetheless, almost everyone can do something - whether it is serving on a Certification Committee, writing an article for Chaplaincy Today, or encouraging another member who has leadership potential. When each member in each state thinks of themselves and their peers as potential APC leaders, we will have the best chance of benefiting from the leadership that will continue to move us forward as an organization.



HOW CAN I BECOME INVOLVED?

There are many ways to become active in the association:

• Actively participate in state meetings and/or educational opportunities
  
• Check the Local Leadership Directory for any vacant positions in your state and volunteer to accept a leadership position
  
• Get involved in planning an educational session at your local level
  
• Consider serving on a national committee
  
• Become an advocate for professional chaplaincy in your local area and assist in coordinating advocacy activities in your state or region
  
• Contact your state representative to learn about ways to be involved in your local area
  
• View our list of APC position descriptions to learn about leadership opportunities at both the local and national level in which you may be interested.
  

GUIDELINES BRING CLARITY AND STRENGTH TO LEADERSHIP

In response to the many changing demands for voluntary support, the board has completed important review and revisions to its leadership processes in recent years. Clearly written job descriptions are available for each position on the board and other nationally appointed positions and our election process encourages self declaration and clarification of the guidelines for terms of office. In addition, anyone who volunteers or is asked to serve as a leader can be assured their position has a clear purpose related to the strategic plan and there is a time limit on how long they will be asked to serve. Term limits will insure an influx of new leadership with new ideas and energy at both the state and national level.



NURTURING NEW LEADERS

While state leaders provide vital service to our members at the local level, they also receive training and experience in these positions that we hope will nurture them for national leadership. A wealth of opportunities and time for growth are experienced by members who participate in some form of leadership in APC.