Last Best Alums Council
The Montana Last Best Alums Council (LBAC) is the official Alumni group of Montana. The purpose of the LBAC is to advance and strengthen the core tenets of AmeriCorps service in Montana, providing a post-service voice for people who have served with AmeriCorps, via its various programs (NCCC, State/Nationa, Seniors, VISTA).
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The LBAC is comprised of five alumni council members, with representation from five distinct geographical regions within Montana. Council members must reside in Montana but may have served anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. Council members serve two-year terms, with the option of serving multiple terms if/when appropriate. Council member terms are staggered to ensure council stability and continuity. The LBAC is fiscally and administratively supported by the Montana Office of Community Service staff.
Council Responsibilities
The LBAC is charged with creating and driving a vision for the alumni and National Service community in Montana within the following five focus areas.
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Alumni Marketing & Outreach (website, social media, alumni stories)
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Alumni Mobilization (policy, advocacy, national networking)
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Member Experience Support (regional member tracking, mentoring, local member support)
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Commission Support (Symposium, service days, administration initiatives)
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Alumni Support (needs assessment, professional development, networking, leadership opportunities)
Each council member will assume leadership of a focus area and is responsible for driving a specific agenda, setting reasonable goals, and involving other alums in the focus area’s work and strategies. The council will convene bimonthly to share updates and provide guidance and support around deploying focus area activities within regions. In conjunction with the Montana Office of Community Service, the LBAC is responsible for documenting the council’s work and decisions, and for making recommendations for the council’s continued evolution and improvement.
Council Member
Responsibilities & Expectations
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Assume leadership and responsibility of one LBAC focus areas for the duration of their term.
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Goal-set and initiate meaningful work for their LBAC focus area.
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Deploy activities from other LBAC focus areas within their region.
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Attend six meetings annually (5 virtual, one in person during the annual Serve Symposium in March).
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Prepare for and participate in meetings by adding perspective, ideas, critique, and support.
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Document LBAC activities, suggestions, and challenges.
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Communicate in a proactive and timely manner with LBAC council members
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Communicate in a proactive and timely manner with the Montana Office of Community Service.
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Host an annual alumnus gathering (formal or informal) in their region.
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Promote continued service and civic engagement to alumnus within their region.
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Seek the support of alumni in their region to meet these objectives.
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Represent themselves, the National Service Community, and other stakeholders professionally and responsibly.
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Support the recruitment and replacement of their position at the conclusion of their term.
Council Member
Selection Criteria
Council member selection will be based upon regional location, focus area interest and competency, compositional diversity, and program affiliation.
Ideal candidates will also demonstrate the following:
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Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, National Service.
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Willingness and ability to be self-directed and self-motivated.
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Willingness and ability to work well independently and with a team.
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Willingness to listen to others and make space for diverse ideas and perspectives.