Cynthia Lettermann
Candidate for Director of Community Relations
1. Why do you want to be on the Board of Directors?
Being on the Board of Directors gives me an opportunity to back to a community that has given me so much in the past eleven years. My first convention was CONvergence (CVG) in 2000. Attending every year since then, I have now gained a family that I get to spend time with and share my geekiness on some level. I now have the abilities and time to serve this community.
2. What would you like to do as a Board member?
As a Board member, I would like to bring stability to the organization. We have seen sweeping changes, and I would like to continue building the infrastructure needed to move on to greater things. However, I feel that not only does the Board have a responsibility to build this infrastructure, but to involve our membership and their input. There should be open communication through all levels of our organization.
3. What excites you about being a Board member?
I am excited to have the chance to join the Board at thus time to have a voice in the structuring, and shaping the future of the organization.
4. What is your understanding of the duties for this position?
I see the duties of the Director of Community Relations to encompass different facets.
First and foremost, as Director of Community Relations it would be my responsibility to be accessible to our members and staff to voice their concerns, questions, and comments freely. These people ARE our community, and the board is here to serve and represent them. Being accessible will also crossover to our partners, and I will maintain open lines of communication.
Second, I see this position to develop, nurture, and evaluate partnerships with organizations with which our membership is involved with.
Third, no matter which Director position is held, a Director of Convergence Events is an ambassador to the outside world.
Fourth, I see being a Director as setting policy and procedure for the events under our banner. Directors give the Steering Committees the tools needed to run their events, and assistance when needed.
5. What, if anything, would you change about how the organization is run?
I would recommend changes to the current election processes. When the Board of Directors, were once the CVG Divisional Directors, holding elections in January made sense. The newly elected could shadow their counterpart as CVG ramped up for the year.
I propose changing the CVG Steering Committee Elections to January for this same purpose, and lessen the burden on the agenda at Post Mortem. Elections for the Board of Directors could be held in August, and be included in an annual meeting of the organization giving a big picture of what happened in the last year.
6. How do you propose addressing a key challenge facing the organization?
Create a process where the Board develops a few options to addressing a challenge, then announce it to the membership in a public forum. At this forum, the challenge would be defined, possible solutions would be given, and an open discussion would be held. Together, Board and membership are involved in the final solution(s).
7. How do you propose build upon a key strength of the organization?
In CVG Registration, I learned that just because a process has ‘always’ been done, that does not mean it should be set in stone. A process should be evaluated, and updated when needed. I am not afraid of change, and I am willing leave my comfort zone to try something new. However, the change should have a thought out plan, have all angles examined, and have input from those affected. I do not advocate change for change’s sake, but change when it is needed.
8. What skills/strengths do you have that make you well-suited for this position?
I have been a member of the Camden Lions since 2002. Since joining, I have been on the Board of Directors for 5 years, elected Vice President and President, and appointed a Co-Chair of the Tornado Relief Committee. I have served my community in many functions, and have worked with multiple organizations to fundraise, promote, and help local residents.
I have attended other regional conventions since 2000, and volunteered in various departments. I have observed other structures, and systems, along with sharing my personal experiences with those who are curious.
I have multiple experiences working in the community, and bringing folks together to form partnerships to work together. Ask me sometime about an Army base in El Salvador.
9. If you aren’t elected, what are your future plans? Are there any other divisional roles you might be interested in and why?
Whether elected or not, I will continue to work this cycle in the Volunteer’s Department as I am needed.
10. How do you handle disagreement, especially when you feel you are right?
I try get to the kernel of a disagreement, and see whether it has developed from a misunderstanding or just different points of view. If after explaining my rational of my viewpoint, and there is still a disagreement, then I will try to compromise.
11. A volunteer reporting to you has not been doing the job – how would you go about making a change in the staff?
I would first approach the volunteer and assess the situation to see why there is a lack of follow through. Could it be from a lack of definition of the role, communication needs to be improved, or an outside matter is interfering with their performance? Together with the volunteer, we decide on a plan of action to move forward with goals in mind, or look for other options. This volunteer came to us to share their time, and knowledge. I want them to be happy with what they are doing, even if finding another role for them is needed.
See also:
Christin “LeXi” Davies, Communications
Daniel “Stitch” Mohr, Activities
Michael Lee, Activities