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CHARTER DOCUMENTS FOR THE MICHIGAN SAF

The following charters were drafted in 1998 for the purpose of assisting with the continuity of services and functions within the various committees of the Michigan SAF.  These charters will help officers and members understand the roles of and responsibilities of the MSAF.  To view a charter in html format, scroll down this page. Otherwise, click on the link to a PDF document.  

1998 MEMBER/LEADER/ORIENTATION TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Contribute to the overall membership goal of having a more active, involved, diverse membership.

2.  Provide training opportunities for potential leaders within MSAF, SAF and the forestry community, in general.

3.  Provide a vehicle to ease the transition into MSAF for new and transfer
     members.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair as appointed by State Chair.

2.  Ex-Officio: Membership Coordinator

ACTIVITIES

1.  Develop a handbook for each appointee into a leadership position, containing: 

a.  A list of all teams and their activities as related to MSAF's strategic plan.

b.  Copy of the Code of Ethics.

c.  Community Involvement Guidebook

d.  Detailed list of the appointees responsibilities

e.  List of ach appointees term and length

f.  State and Chapter By-Laws

g.  National SAF organizational structure and methodology

2.  At each fall and spring meeting, have an orientation set up for any and all new appointees and new members. Specifically, such activities as:

a.  Pair off new appointee or member with a veteran SAF member for a social hour to introduce them to other key
     leaders/members.

b.  Have a 1-hour training session to discuss current events within MSAF, SAF and the profession and what their role will be.

c.  Recognize all new members since the last meeting (possibly waive registration fees)

3.  Make the individual's employer aware of their appointment and activity with SAF through: 

a.  A letter to the employer with a thank you for their willingness to allow their employees to contribute time to SAF.

b.  Present the employer with a certificate noting them as a "SAF Supporter".

c.  Work in conjunction with the Awards Team on this activity.

1998 RECRUITING/REINSTATEMENT TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Explore, identify and develop methods to attract, maintain and reinstate members.

2.  Involve as many members as possible in the team's activities.

ORGANIZATION

1.  2^ND Vice Chapters Chairs and others appointed by the State Chair.

2.  Ex-officio: Chapter Chairs and Membership Coordinator.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Develop and/or implement a program(s) for recruiting and reinstating members in conjunction with the Membership Coordinator.

2.  Maintain membership records for Chapter.

1998 MEMBERSHIP DIVERSITY TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Encourage members to consider the multi-faceted diversity within Michigan's SAF and the natural resource profession.

2.  Encourage diverse groups in society to enter the profession and the Society.

3.  Identify issues and promote MSAF, chapter, subchapter, and individual member involvement in natural resource and cultural diversity issues and programs.

4.  Involve as many members as possible in the team's activities.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair, appointed by State Chair

2.  Ex-Officio: Chapter Chairs

1998 ACTIVITIES

1.  Sponsor a photography contest to demonstrate the diversity of views of the forest.

a.  Use photos submitted for a display illustrating various "views of a forest". First contest deadline is November, 1998

b.  Develop a Web page lined to the MSAF page.  Done.

c.  Get ad and articles in the Michigan Forester.  Done.

d.  Target the National Meeting in 1998 (Traverse City), for a finished display board.

2.  Sponsor workshop(s) on barriers to membership diversity.

3.  Sponsor PLT workshop in diverse community.

4.  Explore ways to help membership understand and appreciate the global diversity in natural resource management.

1998 STUDENT AND MENTORING TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Provide opportunities for students to learn about and be active in SAF and to be exposed to practicing foresters, and for members to be active with students.

2.  Recruit students into SAF.

3.  To coordinate MSAF activities and offerings related to students.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Team Leader appointed by the MSAF Chair. - STILL NEEDED

2.  Student Chapter Chairs and faculty advisors.

3.  Chapter Mentoring Coordinators, appointed by the MSAF Chair.

4.  Ex-Officio: MSAF Membership Coordinator.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Communicate with student chapters on all below.

2.  Continue to involve and recognize students in active roles, including those attending meetings.

3.  Continue to provide special rates and financial assistance to students at MSAF and SAF meetings.

4.  Maintain mentoring programs at MSU and MTU.

1998 TARGETS

1.  Add Team Leader - appointed by the MSAF Chair.

2.  Document and provide consistency in student chapter benefit offerings.

3.  Review mentoring materials and procedures.

4.  Re-direct mentoring to summer opportunities.

1998 MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVE

Insure that MSAF continues to serve, benefit, and reflect all present and future members.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair as appointed by State Chair. (1998 - Bill Sterrett)

2.  Ex Officio: Membership Coordinator

3.  Task Force Study Team

UPDATE

1.  Some research has been conducted but no new actions have been taken.

2.  This has been a very active National Issue which seems to have come to some resolution.

1998 TARGET

1.  This team will study National's actions and report back at a later date.

1998 MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR/TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

To coordinate the nine membership teams to implement relevant portions of the MISAF Bylaws and Strategic Agenda, and to represent these teams to the Executive Team as needed to:

1.  Create a more active, involved, and diverse membership.

2.  Increase membership.

3.  Improve state and chapter membership services.

4.  Involve as many members as possible in active MSAF or chapter roles.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Membership Coordinator appointed by the MSAF Chair.

2.  Chairs/co-chairs of the nine membership teams, appointed by MSAF Chair.

3.  Ex-Officio: MSAF Chair.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Review, update, and coordinate membership team charters and activities.

2.  Periodically poll members for interests in activities and volunteering, and regarding member satisfaction.

3.  Maintain and share MSAF membership and other records with appropriate Chapter personnel and the SAF national office.

4.  Assist as needed in the activities of the membership teams.

1998 TARGETS - See individual membership team plans.

1.  Hold together membership teams and functions through the convention year.

2.  Prioritize most important tasks for continuity through the year.

3.  Strengthen and improve Membership Team design.

4.  ID key replacement/new-position slots and members.

5.  Begin transition to new Membership Coordinator in 1999.

MICHIGAN SAF TREASURER AND FINANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER 1998

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

1.  Maintain custody of all chapter funds.

2.  Disburse such funds as authorized by the Executive Committee or by vote of Chapter members.

3.  Keep an account of all monies received and paid out.

4.  Make financial reports for each executive meeting or when requested by the State Chair.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Finance Committee Chair (Treasurer) as appointed by State Chair.

2.  Committee members include Foresters' Fund chair as appointed by State Chair and Treasurers from MI UP & MI LP subchapters as appointed by respective Chapter Chairs.

1998 STATE EMPHASIS

1.  Formally make request for changes in MI SAF bylaws for flat $1.50/member back to subchapters on dues received from National.

2.  Assess additional means of generating funds.

MICHIGAN SAF FORESTERS' FUND CHARTER 1998

OBJECTIVES

1.  Secure MI SAF donations for the National SAF FORESTERS' FUND.

2.  Encourage Foresters' Fund proposals from MI SAF.

ORGANIZATION

Co-Chairs:  As appointed by State Chair

Subcommittees: organized on an "as-needed" basis. Volunteers solicit prizes and assist with raffles.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Organize and conduct "Foresters' Fund Raffles" at MI SAF sponsored conferences.

2.  Publicize to membership the "proposal process" to obtain Foresters' Fund project funding.

3.  Receive proposals from membership, present them to the Executive Committee for approval, and forward them to National SAF in a timely manner.

1998 STATE EMPHASIS

1.  Win "Pinchot's Prize" for MI SAF.

2.  Receive all possible funding for Ml SAF projects.

1998 SECRETARY'S TEAM CHARTER(2/98)

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

  1.  Record and maintain-notes of State Society business meetings.

  2.  Record and maintain notes of State Society Executive Team meetings.

  3.  Publish business and/or Executive Team meeting notes in the Michigan Forester and/or
       the MISAF Web page.

  4.  Mail minutes of State Society meetings to the Executive Vice President.

  5.  Participate as an officer on the State Society's Executive Core Team and Executive
       Team.

  6.  Mail ballots, count votes and record results for annual elections and referendums.

  7.  Audit state society finances annually, including the MISAF budget and the Michigan

       Forester.

  8.  Organize and store archives of the State Society.

  9.  Record and maintain history of the State Society.

10.  Conduct correspondence for the State Society.  Manage/order stationary, i.e. envelopes

       and letterhead paper.

11.  Announce meetings for the State Society.

12.  Provide an Annual Report at the Annual Meeting to the State Society membership.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair (Secretary) elected by membership or appointed by State Chair.

2.  Teller as appointed by State Chair.

3.  Auditor as appointed by State Chair.

4.  Historian, as appointed by State Chair.

5.  Archivist as appointed by State Chair.

6.  Team members appointed by Secretary.

Note: Length of terms for team members has traditionally been for a 3 year period.

1998 STATE EMPHASIS

1.  Establish an Historian position before the SAF centennial.

2.  Revise MISAF bylaws.

3.  Audit Michigan Forester

FINANCIAL AUDITING TEAM CHARTER (3/98)

OBJECTIVES

1.  Audit state society financial records at the end of the year. This does not include chapter records. The chapters do this.

2.  Certify to state chair that transactions and balances are appropriate/

3.  Audit Michigan Forester financial records at the end of the year.

4.  Certify to state chair that transactions and balances are appropriate.

ORGANIZATIONS

1.  Chair appointed by the state chair. Only needs to be one person.

2.  One other person as a backup to be picked by the chair committee.

ACTIVITIES

On or before January 1^st of each year, certify to incoming chair the financial records and transactions for both state society and Michigan Forester are accurate and appropriate.

TELLER'S COMMITTEE CHARTER

1.  Committee Chair appointed by State Chairman.

2.  Committee Chair appoints at least one S.A.F. member to assist in recording state election or referendum results.

3.  Committee receives ballots and records results.

4.  Committee Chair reports results of election or referendum to State Chairman.

5.  Ballots are held by Committee Chair for one year and shall be available for review by State Chair and/or Executive Team

1998 EDITORIAL BOARD CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Keep members informed of MISAF activities in a timely manner through the Michigan Forester newsletter.

2.  Recognize member achievement through the Michigan Forester.

3.  Involve as many members as possible.

ORGANIZATION (per 1 November 96 MISAF Bylaws)

1.  Editorial Board Chair, as appointed by the State Chair.

2.  Publisher, as appointed by the Board Chair.

3.  Publications Business Manager, as appointed by the Board Chair.

4.  Editor, as appointed by the Board Chair.

5.  UP Reporter (s), as appointed by the UP Chapter Chair.

6.  LP Reporter(s), as appointed by the LP Chapter Chair.

7.  Photographer(s), as appointed by the Board Chair.

8.  Board Members, as appointed by the Board Chair.  (Note: Publisher/Editor may operate as one)

ACTIVITIES

1.  Determine content, format and frequency of newsletter.

2.  Editor and others-review articles, write editorials, do layout.

3.  Reporters-write or solicit articles on MISAF activities in their area.

4.  Photographer(s) - acquire pictorial record of MISAF activities.

5.  Publications Business Manager - handle budget, solicit advertising, inform board.

6.  Publisher - facilitate labeling, sorting, mailing. (Editor/Publisher may function as one)

1998 EMPHASIS

1.  Generate advertising revenue.

2.  Identify and work with new board for 1999. (all positions are needed)

3.  Retain current general format.

4.  Research less expensive printing/mailing options.

5.  Publish at least 3 issues as scheduled (Feb., June., Nov.)

1998 POLICY/COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Coordinate activities of Policy Team and Communications Team

2.  Prevent conflict between teams by means of free flow of information and give necessary attention to setting priorities.

3.  Continue to review structure of communications and policy functions in MSAF.

ORGANIZATION

Coordinator appointed by State  Chair

ACTIVITIES

1.  Frequent contact with Chairs of Communications and Policy Teams.

2.  Assess policy issues and prioritizes them in conjunction with the two teams.

1998 EMPHASIS

1.  Implement new structure with the two teams and a coordinator.

2.  Prioritize issues.

3.  Coordinate distribution of "Michigan Forest Management Guidelines".

1998 POLICY TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Review proposed legislation and potential forestry issues.

2.  Inform members about proposed legislation and other policy issues.

3.  Recommend State Society positions.

4.  Coordinate dissemination of policy positions with Communications Team to ensure effective media coverage/use of MSAF policy positions.

5.  Involve as many members as possible in the Team's activities.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair(s) - As appointed by State Chair.

2.  Ex Officio: State Chair.

3.  Subteams as needed but appointed for each issue addressed.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Develop and conduct a summer policy workshop for members.

2.  Update "Voluntary Forest Management Guidelines for Michigan".

3.  Conduct team meeting at State meetings.

4.  Coordinate/monitor activities with other Natural Resource organizations (MUCC, Wildlife, Timberman Assoc., State Chamber, etc.)

5.  Identify policy issues of concern to members and address appropriate ones, in light of policy resources available to MSAF (volunteer time being most limited resource).

1998 STATE EMPHASIS

1.  Revise the Michigan SAF Handbook (yellow book)

2.  Revise the 10 year old "Forest Management Guidelines for Michigan".

1998 COMMUNICATION TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Involve membership in communication efforts.

2.  Provide appropriate internal communications.

3.  Develop program for public awareness.

4.  In conjunction with Policy Team, prepare appropriate communication plans for policy issues.

ORGANIZATION

1.  U.P. & L.P. Communication Chairs appointed by State Chair.

2.  Ex Officio: State Chair

3.  Members at Large (volunteer positions)

ACTIVITIES

1.  Meet in conjunction with state meetings.

2.  Prepare and seek appropriate news releases on MISAF policy positions in conjunction with Policy Team.

3.  Produce, maintain and enhance MISAF Member Handbook.

4.  Develop MISAF communications plan.

1998 STATE EMPHASIS

1.  Prepare and distribute news release on "Forest Management Guidelines".

2.  Distribute copies of "Forest Management Guidelines".

MFRA ROUNDTABLE LIAISON TO MSAF

OBJECTIVE

Coordinate and communicate media and educational opportunities with related forest community organizations and the MSAF.

ORGANIZATION

Chair appointed by State SAF Chair.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Serve on MFRA Board of Directors

2.  Work with related forest community organizations to coordinate MSAF activities with their activities and programs which pertain to media and forest resource education of the public.

1998 MUCC REPRESENTATIVE CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Continue our working relationship with MUCC.

2.  Improve our knowledge of MUCC activities/interests.

3.  Improve MUCC knowledge of SAF policy/opinions on subjects of mutual concern.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair appointed by the State Chair. Only needs to be one person.

2.  Two other members picked by the committee chair: forestry committee representative and district 20 meeting representative.

ACTIVITIES

1.  Represent SAF at 6 meetings.

2.  Attend MUCC annual convention.

3.  Attend MUCC forestry committee meetings. (meet quarterly)

4.  Attend district 20 meetings which includes all MUCC clubs with statewide membership (meet only once per year).

1998 AWARDS TEAM CHARTER

OBJECTIVES

1.  Maintain the existing awards/recognition program.

2.  Identify, review and recommend candidates for State and National Awards.

3.  Recommend types of awards for the State Society presentations.

4.  Involve as many members as possible in the team's activities.

ORGANIZATION

1.  Chair and others as appointed by the State Chair.

2.  Ex-Officio: Chapter Chairs and Membership Coordinator

ACTIVITIES

1.  Continue with member recognition, Golden Membership recognition, Fellow Award recognition, student recognition, and C.F. recognition. Maintain and update the history board display. Develop and implement the concept of a team award for group recognition. Prepare and set-up the history board display at the 1998 National Convention. Develop ideas for recognizing individuals involved in the planning, coordinating, and implementation of the 1998 SAF National Convention.

2.  Review of the State Awards nomination process. Make the membership aware of the Fellow nomination process.

3.  Continue to explore types and feasibility of awareness of awards among members and the public.

4.  In conjunction with the Communications Team, recognize award recipients through articles in the local papers, articles in the Michigan Forester magazine, employer notification, publication in the JOF, thank you letters to those making nominations and working in conjunction with the Michigan Forester staff to have cameras available at State and Chapter meetings.

Michigan SAF Home Page

This website is maintained by Bill Cook, Michigan State University Extension Forest in the Upper Peninsula.  Comments, questions, and suggestions are gratefully accepted. 

Last update of this page was 12 February, 2014

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