From Friday, March 2nd to Monday, March 5th, 2018, SSDP will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary at SSDP2018, this year’s International SSDP Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. In line with our values of democracy, transparency, and accountability, SSDP Congress convenes annually to give each chapter in the network the opportunity to elect new student members to the Board of Directors and to vote on resolutions for the organization.
Voting on Resolutions for SSDP
Resolutions are non-binding statements, submitted by chapters (or sometimes by the Board of Directors) and voted on during the annual Congress. Resolutions are considered by the Board and Staff, and help guide the growth and direction of SSDP. They are an opportunity for members to share their vision for SSDP or which items which they feel should be included in the organization’s agenda. A template and sample resolution can be found here.Electing Student Members to the Board of Directors
As a nonprofit organization, SSDP is governed by the Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for ensuring the financial stability of the organization, crafting and approving the organization’s strategy, and hiring and evaluating the Executive Director. It also represents SSDP’s chapters at the international level. The powers of the Board of Directors are outlined in SSDP’s Bylaws. SSDP is unique among nonprofit organizations because two-thirds of the Board are student directors that are elected annually by their peers. Being on the Board of Directors requires more than just passion for social change and an interest in public policy. We are seeking individuals with demonstrated enthusiasm and success throughout their involvement with SSDP, including having earned CAT points, having attended past SSDP conferences or regional gatherings, or having organized successful events, demonstrations, or communities. Being a Director requires both teamwork and independence, and we want to work with people who have demonstrated enthusiasm, participation, and leadership.- Student Directors must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to take on an administrative role.
- Student Directors are expected to devote a significant amount of time to Board tasks and assignments, to frequently check and respond to email, and to comply with deadlines for meetings.
- Student Directors serve on Board committees that have individual responsibilities.
- Student Directors must fundraise for SSDP; each Director is expected to raise at least $1000 each year by asking friends, family and colleagues for donations.
- Student Directors are also asked to attend SSDP’s annual Strategy Summit at their own expense, which typically takes place in June in either Washington, DC, Denver, CO or Oakland, CA.