Position Title: Advocacy Committee Chair
Reports to: Programs and Services Chair
Purpose: This committee is responsible to provide focused and strategic volunteer leadership to support federal and state legislation. Ensure collaboration with other Programs and Services subcommittees to ensure cohesive and effective local dissemination of Autism Speaks national programs and services initiatives. This committee shall be comprised of those with experience, expertise and interest in advocacy initiatives.
Primary Responsibilities:
· Recruit and lead members of Advocacy Committee
· Help to identify and recruit advocates, and engage them in local activities.
o Implement and manage local Autism Congress by recruiting volunteer advocates in partnership with government relations department.
o Develop grassroots network to activate quickly and effectively to legislative alerts.
· Develop and nurture relationships with elected officials throughout chapter territory, engaging them at the local level.
· Develop relationships with elected officials, and ensure their participation in local activities.
· Ensure implementation of Autism Speaks priority campaigns and initiatives.
o With guidance from Autism Speaks Advocacy staff, develop and implement local plan to maximize support and funding for autism research, surveillance, awareness and services.
o With guidance from Autism Speaks Advocacy staff, implement programs to address specific needs within chapter by providing guidance, support and action (answer “what’s next?” on the local level, i.e. working in state capitals, with state departments and/or other autism groups for autism insurance reform that maximizes coverage for evidence-based treatments including behavioral health treatments).
· Collaborate with Community Ambassador Chair to provide content and counsel for program implementation
· Collaborate with chapter staff partner(s) and Walk Now for Autism Speaks (WNFAS) committees to enhance the chapters’ WNFAS Advocacy Booth and outreach.
· Serve as an active member on the Chapter Board (on the Programs and Services Committee).
Position Requirements:
· Access to the local and state legislative community
· Demonstrates leadership and strong communication skills
· Knowledge, understanding and support of Autism Speaks mission and goals
· Collaborate with Autism Speaks departments as appropriate
Commitment Expectations (for board members):
· Participate in 100% board giving by making an annual financial donation to Autism Speaks
· Commit to ‘Give or Get’ minimum of $XXX by recruiting others to generate financial support for Autism Speaks
· Attend quarterly meetings of the board
· Attend Programs and Services Committee meetings
· Participate as a donor or participant in at least one chapter activity annually
· Agree in writing to exercise good faith in all transactions touching upon duties to the chapter (conflict of interest)
Time Commitment:
· Hours will vary depending on volunteer leadership needs for chapter
· Officers and committee chairs hold position for a term of two years
· Board members serve a three year term
May 2013