The election for AHCJ board has opened. Here’s why you should run, and what will happen if you win

The election season has started - for AHCJ, that is.

Professional members who'd like to have a role in AHCJ's future may declare their candidacy for the Board of Directors until May 23. This year we've scheduled it so that candidates can take advantage of the annual conference in Los Angeles to meet people and campaign for election.

The Board of Directors sets policies for AHCJ and, working with the staff, oversees the operations of the organization. As someone who has served on the board for 16 years, I can tell you it's rewarding, interesting, challenging and fun. I urge all members to consider stepping into this role.

Each board member holds this unpaid position for a two-year term, and every year, six seats - half the board - are up for grabs. Although several incumbents will seek reelection (not me - I am not running again), newcomers and incumbents compete on equal footing in the election process.

Here are answers to questions that may be on your mind.

Why should I join the board?

So many reasons!

How do I know if I'm qualified?

If you're a member in good standing in the professional category, you are eligible to run. Each board member brings a different perspective and skill set. But the main qualifications are a commitment to AHCJ's mission of elevating the quality of health journalism, and a willingness to learn and collaborate.

If elected, what exactly will I have to do?

Board members are expected to attend our twice-a-year, in-person meetings (with remote attendance possible in emergencies), as well as attending any Zoom meetings that occur in between (this happens infrequently). You will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses to the in-person meetings, including a hotel room for the duration of the annual conference.

Board members chair or serve on at least one of our committees.

Board members attend the entire annual conference, and schmooze with members at events such as the first-time attendee meetup, the receptions, and the annual membership meeting. Also at the conference, board members help the staff with registration and a few other behind-the-scenes tasks, and often moderate at least one panel.

Beyond that, how much you contribute is up to you. For example, if you serve on the Membership Committee, you might help recruit people for our regional chapters or organize a chapter event. If you volunteer for the Contest Committee, you may have little to do for many weeks and then get very busy as the contest gears up.

What will I have to give up?

As a board member, you won't be eligible to enter your work in the Awards for Excellence in Health Journalism contest. Board members also cannot act as judges in the contest or apply for any of our grants or fellowships.

I have a full-time job. How can I take on this responsibility?

All board members are full-time journalists or professors. We all have demanding day jobs to tend to. We're fortunate that AHCJ has a highly competent nine-person staff that handles the day-to-day operations, including fund-raising, managing our finances, and planning conferences and workshops.

Before you decide, it would be wise to check with your employer to make sure that you can take time to attend the semiannual meetings.

To a large extent, you decide how much time you want to give. It can vary a great deal, depending on your life and happenings at AHCJ. While board service does require a serious commitment, I have never found it to be burdensome, even as I took on leadership roles.

If I decide to run, what's the process?

1. Write a 400-word statement, a combination of a bio and candidate declaration, that tells members who you are and why you want to serve on the board.
2. Submit this statement and a headshot using this formbefore 5 p.m. CT on May 23.
3. Candidate statements will start being posted on healthjournalism.org on May 20.
4. The election will be held by email from June 16 to July 18, an extended period intended to make sure members have ample opportunity to vote. Encourage people you know to vote.
5. Winners will be announced July 30.
6. The newly elected board members will take office Sept. 2.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at felice@felicefreyer.com or write to info@healthjournalism.org.