Music United has been growing over the past several years as more musicians choose to volunteer with the organization and connect with each other. As a result, and after much reflection and discussion, the Music United Team (current Executive and Convenors) have evolved the governance structure to a model that is more efficient and better reflects the function and needs of the mission of Music United.
The new model will include a core administrative team and a broader pool of regional Convenors aligned with the new United Church regional structure. All positions are on a volunteer basis as in the previous model.
A new position on the administrative team is the Convenor Coordinator (see description for further details). This person will liaison on a regular basis between the Convenors and Administrative Team. This model gives Convenors more time to focus on their individual regions while still having input into the overall mission and direction of Music United.
The other position open for nomination this year is the Program Chair who will be primarily responsible for Music Matters (see description for further details).
The other positions on the Administrative Team, as per the previous governance model, are The Membership Coordinator, Communications Coordinator, Secretary-Treasurer, and Administrator (formerly Chair). These positions will open for nomination in subsequent years.
In this way, the Administrative Team will have the benefit of both seasoned mentorship as well as fresh faces and ideas around the table as the various positions roll over from year to year providing continuity and energy for the organization.
Positions eliminated from the previous governance model are Vice-Chair, Past Chair, and Members-at-Large.
Descriptions of the Two Positions Open for Nomination
Convenor Co-ordinator (new position): Open for nomination
Primarily responsible to ensure that the convenor team is running smoothly. Including:
- To gather Convenors together for regular meetings
- To communicate ideas and concerns between the Team of Conveners and the Administrative Team.
- To encourage Convenors in their roles & promote our annual Music Matters Conference.
- Assist with filling as many positions as possible / identify new potential Convenors
Persons interested in this position should enjoy working with others, and have good leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
The Convenor Coordinator position is a non-renewable 3-year term
Program Chair: Open for nomination
- Primarily responsible for overseeing the organization and execution of Music Matters including the development and oversight of the Music Matters subcommittee.
- Provide support for and oversight of webinars and other MU events as required.
- Help expand and keep a database for Music United resources in support of the Conveners and broader membership.
Persons interested in this position should be familiar with the Music Matters event and attendance at a previous event is an asset. They should have good leadership, organizational, and time-management skills, and work well with others.
The Program Coordinator position is a non-renewable 3-year term.
Nomination Process
- Nominations should be emailed to Jason Locke, Chair of Music United, by April 19th, 2021 at email address: Jason@islingtonunited.org
Please use the Nomination Form provided (download attachment).
- Nominations should include:
- The name of the person being nominated
- The name of the nominator and the seconder
- A short bio of the person being nominated including:
- Music United experience
- Music experiences that involved working with, networking with, and supporting others.
- Please include a photo that can be publicly posted with the bio (in jpeg or png format).
- Candidate’s names and bios will be posted to the Facebook Group and Website by April 21st, 2021.
- Voting will take place at the Music United Annual General Meeting (AGM), Saturday, April 24th, 2021.
The persons attending the AGM will be eligible to vote.
Administrative Team:
Membership: Josh Zentner-Barret (current)
Communications: Bruce Harding (current)
Secretary-Treasurer: Karen Segrave (current)
Administrator (Co-Administration for 1 year): Brenda McLay (1 year) and Debbie Fingas (for 3 years)
Ways to be Involved with Music United
There are several ways people can become involved in Music United:
- Volunteer for local and regional initiatives that support music ministry in your area.
- Volunteer to help out Regional Convenors
- Host your own events that support the Music United mission
- Volunteer at Music Matters (especially In-Person events)
- Offer to be a guest writer for Music United initiatives
- Offer to host relevant topics for workshops and webinars
For more information, please reach out to your Regional Convenor or a member of the Music United Team