Committees are the force that makes all of the YPK events and initiatives possible! In total, there are 11 committees, eight of which are chaired by members voted in by the general membership. Each committee plays a key role in providing quality events, experiences, and opportunities and relies on members to make it happen! Plus - accomplishments from committee service look GREAT on a resume!
Nomination Timelines and Process
Members are encouraged to nominate their peers or self-nominate by October 19. Should the nominee accept, a full application will be required by Saturday, October 26, 2024. Current YPK members will have the opportunity to vote for 2025 Committee Chairs between October 31 and our final GMM of the year. Committee Chairs will be expected to attend transition meetings with current leadership prior to serving a one-year term beginning on January 1, 2025, as well as a leadership retreat.
Below, we’ll explore the basic committee structure, each committee’s purpose and activities, and the qualifications for leaders and members.
Basic Committee Structure
Within each committee, there are at least four leadership roles, a Board Appointed Advisor, Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Many committees may choose to add or expand leadership roles and/or choose to recruit committee members. Within committee leadership, the only roles that can not be held by the same person are the Committee Chair and Board Appointed Advisor.
The Board Appointed Advisor is typically a Director or Vice President and serves as a member of the committee to be a resource and ensure activities align with strategic goals.
A Committee Chair is nominated and voted in by YPK members for a one-year term unless appointed by the board as outlined in the bylaws. This individual is willing and responsible for leading all committee activities to achieve strategic goals and plans. This includes planning, executing, and reporting on committee meetings, events, and other activities in a formalized manner.
A Committee Vice-Chair is decided at the end of Q1 by the committee members and leadership. The Committee Vice-Chair will be the second in command over committee actions and should be willing to assist in leading meetings and assigning/completing tasks as needed. This person would keep a roster of committee members and track attendance.
The Secretary can be any member of the committee, rotate based on who is in attendance, or be assigned to a volunteer. This person would be responsible for taking role and committee meeting minutes to be reported to the Chair. Other leadership duties may include tracking attendance, sending committee communications, preparing reports for the board, etc.
Committee Members are asked to attend at least 80% of committee meetings and contribute to the planning and workload each committee is responsible for. Should a committee present a need for a subcommittee (i.e. Community Outreach and Giving Brunch) the proceeding structure may be followed or new positions may be added to the committee leadership, as voted on by the committee members and confirmed by the board pursuant to our bylaws.
Committee Descriptions
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Purpose: Pursuant to our bylaws, the Executive Committee has the power and authority to act and make decisions on behalf of the full board. This power extends to speaking with sponsors, stakeholders, the media, and the general public. The Executive Committee works closely with the rest of the board to provide direction for the organization, steering YPK toward the most important issues, and helping to prioritize board meeting agendas. The Executive Committee evaluates the organization's progress toward strategic goals and initiatives and is responsible for ensuring good governance practices. The Executive Committee oversees board policies and ensures board members and committee chairs know their roles and take responsibility for following through.
Activities:
Serves in an advisory capacity to the board and membership at large
Acts as a steering committee for the organization
Ensures adherence to strategic plan
Provides oversight for the entire organization
Responsible for reviewing committees and initiatives are necessary and productive
Address high-level and/or serious issues
Lead board education and leadership development
Offer guidance on organizational policies and procedures
Who can be a member:
The Executive Committee members are appointed by position pursuant to our bylaws. The Committee consists of The President Emeritus, President, Vice President of Engagement, Vice President of Development, Treasurer, and Secretary.
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Purpose: The Finance Committee provides financial analysis, advice, and oversight of the
organization's budget. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for assisting the Executive Committee in the process of preparing an annual budget for approval by the Board and presentation to the membership. The Finance Committee is responsible for ensuring the organization is operating with the financial resources it needs to provide programs and services to the members. The Finance Committee will maintain an inventory of and take action necessary to preserve and protect YPK's assets.
Activities:
Ensure that accurate and complete financial records are maintained
Monitor income and expenditures against projections
Review and recommend financial policies to the board, including ensuring adequate internal controls and maintaining financial records in accordance with standard accounting practices
Ensure that accurate, timely, and meaningful financial statements are prepared and presented to the board
Propose for board approval a budget that reflects the organization’s goals and accurately reflects the needs, expenses, and revenue of the organization
Ensure that the organization has the proper risk-management provisions in place
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and other requirements related to the organization’s finances
Who can be a member:
There are four members appointed to the Finance Committee, pursuant to our bylaws, the Treasurer who presides as committee chair, Vice President of Development, President, and President Emeritus. Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Nominating Committee ensures YPK leadership roles are filled with qualified and willing candidates. The Nominating Committee leads the recruitment and identification of members for leadership roles. The Nominating Committee is part of our organization’s governance, as it evaluates the skills and characteristics required for leadership roles, including board and committee chair positions. The Nominating Committee may be asked to assist with special projects that identify outstanding members of YPK and the Knoxville Community. Generally, the nominating committee is organized 6-8 months prior to the transition of leadership.
Activities:
Identify YPK members with skills that meet leadership roles and responsibilities
Ensure leadership candidates are qualified and willing
Recommend the most qualified candidates for the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for current board and membership approval
Provide clear and concise reasoning for recommendations
Who can be a member:
It is recommended the President and Immediate Past President preside over the Nominating Committee. Committee membership is open to those who have formerly served in YPK leadership roles. Members in good standing may be added to the committee by special request and approval of the board or executive committee.
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Purpose: The Membership Committee is responsible for coordinating all membership activities of YPK, including maintaining member information, planning and executing member events and meetings, providing opportunities for members to engage and plugin, and reporting on such activities.
Activities:
Plan and execute four quarterly meetings of the general membership
Develop, implement, and execute a welcome series/period
Support the Director of Membership Experience in member renewal efforts to achieve strategic goals and report on progress
Create opportunities for members to build connections and engage with YPK
Expand mentorship opportunities for new members
Assist with YPK signature events, including but not limited to Summer Soiree, Impact Awards and the Holiday Party.
Assist with other member-focused events, activities, and initiatives
Work closely with the Recruitment and Social Committees
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Capture member stories and testimonials for promotions
Who can be a member: The Director of Member Experience is the board appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Engagement. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing. Additional leadership opportunities are recommended as followed:
Special Project Leads to plan and execute signature events, each with a four-month time commitment
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Purpose: The Recruitment Committee is responsible for identifying and pursuing strategies that attract new members to the organization. The Recruitment Committee is the primary force behind meeting the organization's strategic new member goals.
Activities:
Plan and execute two recruitment drives annually (i.e. YPK 101)
Coordinate all recruitment activities and initiatives
Host outreach events to raise awareness and educate community leaders, potential and current members, and others about YPK purpose, goals, and activities
Expand mentorship opportunities for new members
Organize “Friendly Faces” for events
Participate in community-led outreach, special events, and festivals
Work closely with the Membership and Social Committees
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Recruitment is the board-appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Engagement. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Social Committee is responsible for planning the social elements of programs and coordinating events that attract and retain members. The Social Committee plays an important role in assisting the Recruitment and Membership Committees in reaching YPK’s strategic membership goals. The Social Committee also assists with executing signature and special events.
Activities:
Plan regular opportunities for members and non-members to network and connect with each other
Provide recommendations for ways to increase opportunities for members to get acquainted with each other and YPK goals during member-only events.
Provide assistance in planning and executing signature and special events, including but not limited to the Summer Soiree, Impact Awards, and the Holiday Party.
Work closely with the Membership and Recruitment Committees
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Recruitment is the board-appointed advisor. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Marketing Committee creates visually appealing assets to assist in communicating YPK’s actions, events, programs and initiatives to members, the public, media and other stakeholders. The Marketing Committee is responsible for projecting a positive image of the organization through engaging graphic design, video and photography. Due to the importance of these responsibilities, membership fees may be negotiated for fulfilling certain roles and should be discussed with the Committee Chair or Director of Engagement.
Activities:
Photograph all major YPK events and upload photos to share drive
Create compelling video for social media and promotional campaigns
Develop graphic designs for social, print, digital and physical platforms
Organize all collaterale needs and orders
Work closely with the Communications Committee
Manage the YPK Job Board
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Marketing and Communications is the board appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Development. The Marketing and Communications Committees are made up of representatives from each of the other committees and have combined meetings. The Marketing Chair leadership role is open to all YPK members in good standing. Additional leadership opportunities are recommended as follows:
Official YPK Photographer
Official YPK Videographer
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Purpose: The Communications Committee is responsible for communicating YPK’s actions, events, and programs/initiatives to members, the public, media and other stakeholders. The Communications Committee manages digital communication channels, including but not limited to, email, social, and web, and inquiries from the media, members and public.
Activities:
Develop content for YPK blog, social accounts and e-newsletter
Manage YPK website, social media and communication platforms
Issue press releases and respond to inquiries from the media, members and public
Publish e-newsletter with accurate, timely and relevant information
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Marketing and Communications is the board-appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Development. The Marketing and Communications Committees are made up of representatives from each of the other committees and have combined meetings. The Communications Chair leadership role is open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Professional Development Committee is responsible for planning periodic workshops and seminars to assist members in becoming active in their communities and advancing their vocations in ways that are consistent with the vision and goals of YPK.
Activities:
Research and report on the skills members desire
Plan quarterly workshops and/or seminars that meet member needs
Assist in promoting and recruiting for the Leadership Certificate Program
Assist in identifying young professionals with outstanding professional accomplishments for special projects and initiatives
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Professional Development is the board-appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Engagement. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Community Outreach Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating YPK philanthropic activities, including but not limited to, the Annual Giving Brunch, donation drives, and volunteer initiatives.
Activities:
Coordinate two annual street clean-ups with Keep Knoxville Beautiful
Research and report on the causes and organizations members are passionate about
Plan and executive donation drives and volunteer opportunities
Research events and agencies that align with YPK and provide opportunities to partner
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: The Director of Community Partnerships is the board appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Development. The Committee membership and committee leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing. Additional leadership opportunities are recommended as follows:
Special Project Lead for Giving Brunch
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Purpose: The Strategic Partnerships Committee is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with businesses and organizations that align with YPK's mission and objectives. This committee is pivotal in securing financial support and in-kind contributions and oversees business and nonprofit opportunities, memberships, and relationships.
Activities:
Connect and network with business leaders in the Knoxville area through speaking opportunities, individual meetings, and other events as necessary
Assist with maintaining relationships with current sponsors, partners, and business/nonprofit members.
Identify and pursue sponsors and other funding sources
Promote and recruit business / nonprofit memberships
Work closely with the Recruitment, Social, and Membership Committees to ensure activities align with strategic partnership plans and relationships.
Track and maintain business/nonprofit member renewal efforts
Support the onboarding and offboarding of business/nonprofit members
Assist with Impact Awards and other signature events as requested
Who can be a member: TThe Director of Community Partnerships is the board appointed advisor and is assisted by the Vice President of Development and Treasurer. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.
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Purpose: The Leadership Certificate Planning Committee is responsible for planning and executing the annual Leadership Certificate program, including but not limited to, the recruitment and selection of participants, speakers/sessions, event logistics and other activities associated with the program. This committee requires a 6-9 month time commitment.
Activities:
Develop lesson plans, secure speakers and select locations for LC cohort meetings
Promote the leadership certificate program
Recruit participants
Report on such activities to the Board of Directors
Who can be a member: Pursuant to our bylaws, the Director of Professional Development presides as the Leadership Certificate Committee Chair and the Vice President of Development is the board appointed advisor. The Committee membership and leadership roles are open to all YPK members in good standing.