Volunteerism

The Engine That Powers NCMA

NCMA has a long and rich history of accomplishment for its members and the contracting profession at large. Volunteer members are essential to the successful operation of the association at all levels, from setting the direction of NCMA, to conducting chapter meetings. The importance of continued volunteer participation to the present and future success of NCMA cannot be overstated.

Changes in our society are affecting volunteer-based organizations dramatically in the new millennium. The demands of people's time are greater than ever, the surge of information exceeds organizations' and people's capacity to deal with it, and younger generations share a new set of values. These factors can challenge how volunteer-based associations continue to operate and success.

For these reasons, NCMA is implementing a major volunteer drive, to continue to feed the engine of NCMA. If you have never volunteered out of fear of over committing yourself, you should know there are ways for you to contribute without taking on overall ownership of a function or element. Or, if you are ready to develop or test your management and leadership skills, step up to a leadership position. Everyone is welcome. You can also contribute through new technology NCMA has implemented, from the convenience of your desk or home-you don't need to compromise your existing professional and personal obligations.

We want to emphasize that this is not a "one-way street"-being a volunteer isn't just for NCMA's benefit. It is a great way for you to develop new skills, network and meet the people that matter to your career, and achieve a sense of accomplishment in a job well done. People participate in volunteer organizations for sometimes practical and sometimes altruistic reasons. Whatever your motivation, won't you join us?

Visit each of the links below to take you to local, and national volunteer opportunities. We invite you to get involved in whichever area interests you. And, bring along a friend, we can always use the help.

Volunteer Locally

NCMA is comprised of 118 local chapters across the United States and internationally. Each chapter is led and operated by volunteer members. Chapters always need more volunteers, with roles ranging from chapter leadership to occasional helper at chapter events. Some common chapter positions include:

Program Committee: Plans and presents balanced and informative programs designed to assist chapter members in their professional development. This may include brief workshops, monthly meetings, or seminars and conferences.

Hospitality and Attendance Committee: Assures that each person attending a chapter activity is made to feel welcome and treated as a valued professional; tracks who attends meetings.

Membership Committee: Recruits prospective members, ensures the retention of current members, and helps the chapter achieve steady and healthy growth.

Newsletter Editor: Gathers information from other chapter members and NCMA, writes brief announcements and articles, produces and distributes newsletters either in print or electronically.

Speaker/Instructor: Speaks at dinner meetings, workshops, seminars or conferences on issues relevant to contracting and business management; requires subject matter expertise. Click here to register to be a volunteer speaker.

Chapter President, Vice President, Treasurer, or Secretary: Takes charge of a specific function of the chapter and uses leadership and managerial expertise to organize people, develop plans, and implement work to accomplish the objectives of the chapter.

These are just some of the volunteer opportunities available. To help your local chapter, contact your chapter president.

Volunteer Nationally

NCMA is organized and led by a cadre of volunteers at the national level. While chapter experience is helpful, participation on the national level is not required. The national organization roles range from national elected leadership to committee members and occasional helpers on specific tasks. The launch of new initiatives and technology has created many new volunteer opportunities, including service on several committees:

Governance Committee
The Governance Committee oversees the association's governance structures, policies, performance and practices. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. The chairperson shall be a board member, but not an officer or employee. The committee will be composed of at least five members from the Board of Directors or the general membership who possess experience and knowledge of NCMA's governance or not-for-profit or corporate governance.

Finance and Budget Committee
The Finance and Budget Committee oversees the association's financial planning, funds management, financial risk management, and recordkeeping. The Chairperson will be a member of the Board of Directors, who possesses expertise in reading and understanding financial statements, and who is not an employee of the association. The Committee will be composed of between two to four additional members from the Board of Directors or the general membership.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee engages and oversees the independent audit of the association's financial records. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. The Chairperson will be a member of the Board of Directors, who possesses expertise in reading and understanding financial statements, and who is not an officer or employee of the cssociation. The committee will be composed of between two to four additional members from the Board of Directors, the general membership, or outside of the membership. Association officers and employees may not serve on the committee. Members of the committee should have a demonstrated knowledge of accounting, financial management, and audit.

Asset Management Committee
The Asset Management Committee oversees the association's investments, including overseeing the independent investment manager, and recommending investment policy. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. Committee members will include the chair of the Finance & Budget Committee, and between one to three additional members from the Board of Directors or the general membership who possess financial, risk or investment expertise. The Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer shall serve as ex officio non-voting members of the committee.

Nominations and Elections Committee
The Nominations and Elections Committee oversees the identification, recruitment, development, election, and succession of the association's national leaders, including directors, officers, committee members, and other volunteer appointees. The Past President will be the committee chairperson. Committee members may be from the Board of Directors or the general membership.

Awards and Honors Committee
The Awards and Honors Committee oversees the association's awards and honors programs, including programs for volunteerism and for accomplishments within the contract management profession. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. The committee will be composed of between three and twelve individuals determined by the chairperson. Committee members may be from the Board of Directors or the general membership.

Committee on Professional Standards and Ethics
The committee is responsible for advising the board on the adoption and maintenance of professional standards for individuals and organizations that practice contract management. The committee will be chaired by a member of the Board of Directors appointed in accordance with association policy. The chair will appoint no fewer than 7 and no more than 11 additional members selected from the Board of Directors or the membership of the association who possess significant experience and knowledge of contract management.

Professionalism Advocacy Committee
The Professionalism Advocacy committee monitors, analyzes, and communicates developments and issues affecting the contract management profession. The committee chairperson will be a member of the Board of Directors, appointed in accordance with association policies. The committee will be composed of at least five additional members from the Board of Directors or the general membership who possess extensive knowledge of the contract management profession.

Contract Management Leadership Development Program Oversight Committee
The Contract Management Leadership Development Program Oversight Committee oversees the design and performance of the Contract Management Leadership Development Program including the approval of curriculum, review and selection of program applicants and mentors, and program assessment. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. Committee members may be from the Board of Directors or the general membership.

University Outreach and Relations Committee
The University Outreach and Relations Committee connects the association and the contract management profession to students, faculty, and administrators in the academic world. The committee chair is the Executive Director or his/her designee. Committee members will include additional members from the Board of Directors or the general membership as appointed by the Executive Director or his/her designee.

Chapter Development Committee
The Chapter Development Committee oversees chapter development and relations on behalf of the board. The committee is responsible for the development of standards that enable effective chapter operations and practices. When challenges develop the committee provides recommendations for solutions. The committee chairperson will be appointed in accordance with association policies. The committee will be composed of the number of individuals determined appropriate by the chairperson. Committee members may be from the Board of Directors or the general membership.

To volunteer, please send an e-mail listing the position(s) you are interested in to volunteer@ncmahq.org.