Region 9 Announces the Apprentice Program

 

The Region 9 Management Team is very pleased to announce a new program within our region. This program will bring Apprentices on the Regional Management Team (RMT) to teach them management skills and introduce them to regional positions. Please read the following “Questions and Answers” and it will cover most of the information about this new program.

 

When will the program begin?

The program will officially begin on May 1, 2005. A select group of applicants will be interviewed by the team at the June meeting.

 

What is the Apprentice Program?

It is a regional program designed to teach Apprentices about the Regional Management Team (RMT) and the various coordinator positions within the RMT.  It will allow the RMT to see what it is like to work with these individuals and whether they will make good leaders for the region. It allows the RMT to find out their talents before actually appointing them or having them run for a particular position.  It allows the Apprentices to determine if they truly want to be on the RMT and whether they are suitable for a position.

 

What is Shadowing?

Shadowing is when an Apprentice is training for one particular job. They would follow and assist the activities of one coordinator for at an appropriate amount of time. A perfect example is Financial Coordinator which requires certain skills.

 

What is expected of an Apprentice?

An Apprentice is expected to attend all RMT meetings, receive and read all e-mails, and accept various duties needed by the RMT. This could be a chair position for the region, or a one time only job. They are expected to attend each regional weekend and/or any regional training by Sweet Adelines International (SAI) that occurs within the region. Additionally, the Apprentice must have e-mail since this is the main communication tool of the RMT between meetings. If an Apprentice must miss a Regional Management Team meeting once, she must notify the team coordinator. If she must miss a second meeting within the fiscal year, her resignation is expected at the same time.

 

Is There Other Criteria for the Apprentice?

Yes, she must be a member in good standing with both SAI, the region and her chorus or CAL.

 

Is the Apprentice promised a position on the team?

We can’t make this promise to anyone, nor are the Apprentices obliged to take a position in the future.

 

How long is the “Term” of an Apprentice?

The term is one fiscal year. It will start on May 1st and end April 30th. They may re-apply or be appointed by the RMT for another year if both parties are agreeable. The term may be changed by consensus of the RMT or by resignation of the Apprentice.

 

How Many Apprentices can be on the RMT in a Given Year?

Two is the recommended number with a maximum of four. The amount will depend on circumstances year to year.

 

What Financial Benefits does the Apprentice receive?

The Apprentice will receive one nights lodging (double room), a travel day and one day’s per diem, and mileage to and from meetings. They will receive direct costs relating to any chair position or job that they assume i.e. long distance calls to team or supplies purchased to accomplish a task. This will increase if they are attending a RMT function that is longer than one day. The Apprentice does not receive free all-events, incentives to attend International Convention, or e-mail reimbursement.

 

Are Apprentices Included in E-mail between RMT members?

Yes, and they are welcome to participate in discussions, but are not a part of e-mail consensus.

 

What about Meetings?

Their point of view and perspective will be welcomed by the team, but are not a part of consensus or decision making until they are on the RMT. Also, they might be requested to leave the meeting if a sensitive subject is discussed.

 

How many times per year does the RMT meet?

The RMT meets a minimum of three times per year. This is generally in January and September before the scheduled regional weekend and once in May or June at a place and date picked by the team.

 

What Coordinator Positions exist on the Regional Management Team and are they elected or appointed?

The following coordinators are elected:

 

Team Coordinator                                         Elected by the Chapters

Chapter Coordinator                                     Elected by the Chapters

Directors Coordinator                                  Elected by the Directors

 

The following coordinators are appointed:

 

Education Coordinator                                 Appointed by SAI

Marketing & Membership Coordinator       Appointed by SAI

Communications/Technology                                   Appointed by SAI

Financial Coordinator                                   Appointed by the RMT

Events Coordinator                                       Appointed by the RMT

 

How long does a Coordinator for the RMT serve?

It is a 2 year term. She may be re-elected or re-appointed for an additional 2 terms. Thus she may be in a position for a total of 6 years.

 

How may I obtain a Job Description of each Coordinator Position?

Contact the Regional Team Coordinator, Joann Abrams, at the email address and phone number listed below. She will send you a copy of the Job Description of the coordinator position in which you are interested.

 

 Who will handle the implementation of this Program?

The Apprentice Program is handled by the Regional Team Coordinator.

If you are interested in becoming one of our first Apprentices, please contact Kim Elger-Griffin and she will answer any additional questions you might have and send you an application. She may be contacted at kimgriffin@bellsouth.net or 561-750-2191 in Boca Raton.