NIEA Board of Directors Election Process

 
 
 

Eligibility Requirements

Following the 2024 NIEA Annual Convention elections and one board resignation, the NIEA Board of Directors has two vacancies which remain open. After exhausting the options outlined in the NIEA by-laws and constitution, we will now be conducting an absentee election to fill these positions.

There are two (2) vacancies remaining on the NIEA Board of Directors:

One (1) General Board Member representing the At-Large community, to fill the remaining one (1) year on a four (4) year term; and

One (1) Student Board Member representing the At-Large community, to fill a full two (2) year term.

In accordance with the NIEA by-laws and the current makeup of the NIEA Board of Directors, Qualified candidates must reside in either the Southeast Region (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA) or the Hawaii Region (HI).

All candidates must meet the following requirements to run as a NIEA Board member during the 2024 absentee election cycle:

  • Be a verified (by the organization) as a voting member of NIEA at the time of application submission;

  • Submit documented proof of Native enrollment, lineage, or descent;

  • Be willing to fulfill the required roles and responsibilities of a member of the Board of Directors;

  • Has not previously served more then three terms on the Board; and

  • (Student Board Member) Show proof of full time student enrollment, as defined by their institution, in a post-secondary institution of higher education at the time of the election and remain a full-time student for the duration of their term.

A record of service shall include, but not limited to, serving on Board committees or volunteering during organizational events.

Deadline for nominations has been extended until November 29, 2024 5:00pm EST. Voting will begin December 5th electronically and will remain open through December 9th at 5pm EST.

To find out more about our Election Process and Timeline to submit, see below.

Board of Directors Responsibilities

  • Board members are required to:

    • Participate in regularly scheduled monthly Board meetings.

    • Serve on at least 2 standing committees and attend monthly committee meetings.

    • Travel to attend special events or meetings, e.g. Hill Week, Annual Convention, as they are determined.

    • Make a financial contribution and seek out other ways to ensure the fiscal stability of the organization. Student Board Members are exempt from this requirement.

  • ◦ Active engagement in Board business, i.e. participate in all Board meetings and in committee work.

    ◦ Knowledge of the organization's mission, purpose, goals, policies, programs and services, strengths, and needs.

    ◦ Understand and uphold the policies and procedures of NIEA.

    ◦ Help communicate and positively promote NIEA's mission and programs to the community.

    ◦ Gain familiarity with NIEA finances, budget, and financial/resource needs.

    ◦ Meaningfully contribute to NIEA's fundraising efforts.

    ◦ Assist NIEA with creating sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

 

Election Procedures

Election of the open seats for the NIEA Board of Directors will be held virtually. Election procedures will be in accordance with election procedures established and published by the NIEA Board of Directors. Election of the Board of Directors will be by vote of eligible members of NIEA. Each voting member shall be entitled to one vote; proxy votes shall not be allowed.

  • Voting will begin December 2nd electronically and will remain open through December 9th at 5pm EST

  • There will be no on-site voting for this election. It will be completely virtual.

  • The process of tabulating the official votes for Board of Directors candidates will adhere to Article IV of the NIEA Constitution. All votes will be tabulated by a third party and validated by the NIEA Board Ombudsperson. The candidates with the highest number of votes will be offered a seat on the new of Board Directors.

    The results will be announced December 10, 2024.

  • If there is a challenge to the election results, it must be filed with the NIEA’s Ombudsman by 5:00 pm (EST) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. In the event of an election challenge, the NIEA Board of Directors will convene to address it.

Contact Julia Wakeford, NIEA Federal Policy Director, with any questions at jwakeford@niea.org.