It is not too early to start thinking about serving MHVRP as an officer on the (2014-2015) Board.  Below is an overview of each role.  After the first of the year, I will mail out the official nominating form.  Please consider now how you can contribute to our dynamic organization by being a leader.  It is a wonderful opportunity to network with other board members and build your professional resume.

The deadline for all nominations is Friday, March 20. Email your recommendations to Linda Smith, Advisor, at lsmith26@hfhs.org.  

WE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NOMINEES FOR THESE OPEN OFFICES:

President-Elect (1 Open Position)

Serves as the President's "right hand."

Assumes all duties and responsibilities of the President in the absence or incapacity of the President.

Succeeds the office of President at the expiration of the President's elected term.

Term:  One year as President-Elect, followed by a one year term as President and a one year term as Advisor/Chair of Nominations Committee.

Treasurer (1 Open Position)

Receives all funds and deposits them into the MHVRP bank account.

Pays all bills as authorized by the budget.

Maintains a detailed accounting of receipts and expenditures.

Prepares annual budget.

Prepares and files proper paperwork with the IRS.

Term: one year.

Secretary (1 Open Position)

Takes attendance and records official minutes of all meetings.

Prepares and distribute minutes for board and general membership meetings at least three weeks prior to the meetings.

Archives files and minutes from meetings in on-line designated space on website.

Term: one year.

Nominating Committee (3 Open Positions)

Works with the Advisor to manage the annual election process.

Seeks and nominates members of MHVRP for office.

Prepares election slate in accordance with bylaws.

Announces results of the annual election.

Term: one year.

"Coffee Breaks" are annually scheduled meetings with all volunteers. Those who attend will join the Hospital Manager or Director of a specific service area, along with the Auxiliary Board President, Service Chair and Director of Volunteer Services.

This is a very informal meeting with coffee and donuts and a simple agenda that look like this:

• Review the volunteer service area job description 
• Discuss how everything is going
• Discuss how the volunteers are doing
• Ask whether there are any outstanding issues needing to be addressed

Lisa has found by hosting "Coffee Break" meetings she has built a rapport between hospital staff and service chairpersons, as well as provided the opportunity to address any issues that might otherwise not be communicated to staff or her.

At last year's "Coffee Breaks," Lisa found the phone system in the Surgical Lounge was not as efficient as what was needed. She added de-escalation techniques to the volunteer training and job descriptions, changed how patient mail is delivered, added a white board in the ER Waiting Room so the volunteer on duty can write their name on it so staff knows someone is on duty, and Lisa was also able to provide additional duties for the NICU greeters.

These meetings also provide hospital managers/directors the opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers and boast about what wonderful service volunteers provide in their area.