FAQs for GMP TEA, Inc. Committees and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

“Why must I be an Active Member of GMP TEA, Inc. before I join a committee? Committees are an added benefit for our active members.  In order for committees to accomplish their charter goals, volunteers need to be committed to serving on the committees and accountable to each other.   Active status members already demonstrate interest in promoting GMP TEA, Inc. and desire to grow both their own development and the future state of the organization.

"I'm interested in committees, but I don't know what's involved. My time is limited".  This is a reasonable statement and We applaud all members who volunteer.  This is one of the reasons why the steering committee requests charters from committees.  Demands for your time will only increase as the committee moves along with its work-product. We ask that once your committee has the charter in place, you re-evaluate your commitment (time and availability).  It is okay if you resign from a committee due to work load and other pressures.  We would rather see that, than bog down the committee with unmet expectations. 

"Who runs the committee meetings?" A committee chair can be appointed, elected, or decided upon by skill strength.  They function as point of contact to keep emails and decisions contained, and updates organized.  The chair is to be decided among your committee.  If someone volunteers, that would be an excellent starting point.   Some chairs have been selected by default as they are stepping up and organizing the first series of meetings.  Chairs can be re-assigned when the committee has a need.  And some volunteers are only facilitating the first series of meetings to get launched.  This is perfectly acceptable.

"How many committees can I be on?"  It is recommended that you serve on NO MORE THAN 2 at one time.  Scheduling committee meetings around volunteers’ calendars can be challenging.  IF you are currently on more than 2, please evaluate your level of commitment and the impact of your current work responsibilities.   Pick a primary and one secondary committee and then removing yourself from active membership from the others or request ad-hoc status if your interest and time is limited.   

“What if I don’t see a committee that interests me?” Contact Vivian Bringslimark through gmptea@yahoo.com.  She is maintaining the current list and new committees are frequently forming.  She will also assist you in getting your committee launched. See below.

Getting a committee started.  Contact Vivian Bringslimark through gmptea@yahoo.com.  She will facilitate the committee during the charter approval stage and confirmation of the Committee chairperson(s). 

When to seek assistance from the steering committee -

            If your committee is stuck or gets stuck, contact either Vivian Bringslimark or Terry McGinn.

            If you wish to resign or remove yourself from a committee, contact Vivian Bringslimark. 

            If your committee needs re-direction, a charter revision, or a pep talk, contact Vivian or Terry.

“What is the maximum number of volunteers per committee?”  The ideal size is between 8 – 10 members.  Vivian starts to close membership when the committees have 8 active members participating and reserves space for two additional members upon special request.

Committees of One - We have a few committees with only one volunteer.   While it is recommended that a committee have more than one, you have some options:

            1) proceed alone and complete the charter with your idea/need/theme

2) advertise through the GMP TEA meetings and website that you are looking for volunteers to now help you move along with your charter

            3) postpone and wait until other volunteers are interested

“How do I recruit for more volunteers?”  First, ask committee volunteers to suggest “peers” to join.  Contact Steering Committee for Committees and they will actively recruit for new volunteers at the next Chapter event.  In addition, committee chairs are encouraged to communicate this request during the Open Forum portion of Chapter Event meetings.  Committees may also wish to advertise openings for their committees at Chapter Meetings and Biennial Conferences.