MEA executive

Our executive members meet about once a month to discuss the business of the association. If you're interested in volunteering on the executive, please let us know. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, and you'll learn a great deal about how to run a non-profit organization.

To make it easy to contact executive members, we have one e-mail address for everyone: meaworkshops@gmail.com. Your message will be forwarded to the appropriate person, who will answer as soon as possible.

2010–2011 Executive members

Read bios of executive members →

2010–2011 Events committee members

Read duties of Events committee members →

Roles and responsibilities

The following list is not exhaustive, and the items are not listed in any particular order. Each year, members of the executive may trade some duties depending on circumstances and abilities. The term of executive membership is two years, but you do not have to perform the same role in both years.

• Create executive meeting agendas; chair meetings
• Act as official rep / signatory
• Advertise AGM at least 21 days in advance
• Chair AGM and store AGM files
• Recognize volunteers
• Oversee handover meeting for next exec
• Store logo files (not logophiles)
• Keep record of assets, passwords (software, display board, e-mail list, etc.)
• Keep abreast of privacy laws as they relate to the MEA
• Store latest bylaws (include rev. date)

• Support the president (e.g., run meetings when president absent)
• Oversee volunteers (mentor coordinator, outreach program, etc.)
• Prepare to be next year's president

• Keep track of budget
• Handle banking
• Track other budgets (sub-committees, projects, etc.)
• Handle investments
• Refund expenses associated with other roles
• Maintain association registration each year

• Chair the Events Committee
• Oversee the schedule of events and plan committee meetings

• Store archives
• Record/store exec minutes
• Store committee reports with minutes if related
• Lead nominating committee

• Maintain membership kit and send to new members
• Send a personal welcome to new members
• Identify member needs and ensure they are met
• Send updates to membership directory to administrator

• Support executive members as required
• Prepare to take on a new role in the second year

Executive member bios

Amanda has been writing and editing for businesses and non-profit organizations for the past six years. Before she joined the ranks of the self-employed, she worked in the corporate world as a professional communicator. Today, she also teaches communication at Red River College. She’s happy to be involved with the MEA as an executive member and is looking forward to helping lead the organization into its second decade.

Cheri is a technical writer and editor who works for an electronics engineering company. She has been a member of the MEA since its inception and was a member of the board from 2000-2005. Cheri teaches workshops in document design, online editing, and HTML, is a member of the Events committee, and is a recovering volunteeraholic. Sort of.

Kirby recently graduated from the Technical Communications certificate program at Red River College. She provides part-time editing and technical writing for a structural engineering company. As a new member of the MEA, Kirby looks forward to her involvement in such a vibrant association.

(Bio to come.)

Karen’s background is diverse, with experience in the private, government, education, and not-for-profit sectors. She currently has her own consulting firm and is involved primarily in project development and management, but has contracts in many other areas as well. In addition to writing and editing a variety of books/booklets, technical and non-technical documents, and other materials, she has taught a Communications course at the university level. As a new MEA member, she is looking forward to participating on the Board and to meeting other MEA members.

Ellen Henry has been involved with legal editing and writing for over 20 years. After graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School and articling in Manitoba and British Columbia, she worked for Carswell Legal Publishers. There she was an editor as well as an author of a book on Motor Vehicle Legislation. Ellen has worked for the last 15 years as a legal editor and educator for the Law Society of Manitoba. In her spare time she enjoys reading, music, and cycling.

Events committee roles and responsibilities

The following list is not exhaustive, and the items are not listed in any particular order. Each year, members of the Events committee may trade some duties depending on circumstances and abilities. The term of executive membership is two years, but you are most welcome to stay longer!

• Chair the Events Committee
• Oversee the schedule of events and plan committee meetings
• Report to the executive at executive committee meetings

• Attend Events committee meetings (about once a month)
• Participate in the planning of topics for the year
• Participate in the setup of events
• Arrange an event or two (once you have experience and are comfortable)