Monday, February 6, 2012

Women Religious: SOA Watch Needs You!

The School of the Americas Watch (SOAW) is looking for someone to represent women religious on their Council.

The Council makes major policy decisions for the SOA Watch organization, with input from the organization's regional groups, working groups, and staff. In addition, the Council provides administrative leadership to the SOA Watch organization, trying to include the voices of all those who have committed themselves to the goals of SOA Watch in its decisions and activities. The council functions somewhat like a board of directors, making policy and financial decisions, and the power to hire and fire.

Each council rep is expected to work on at least one sub-committee (such as finance, agenda, or personnel). The council and the staff make decisions using the Consensus Model.

The Council meets face to face twice a year (usually April and September), and via telephone conference call several times in-between, and also electronically via the council list-serve. Recently it has meant approximately one phone call a month, usually 60 to 90 minutes. Council does not meet formally at the November vigil.

There are regional reps, elected by members of their region and representatives representing special constituency group that have been important to the movement to close the SOA, such as Veterans for Peace, Torture Survivors, Immokalee Workers, and Women Religious. These representatives have full voting and participation rights. There is no specific term of office, but many reps have aimed for a 2 year term minimum. There are currently 14 filled seats, and 5 empty seats.

If you are interested in serving or learning more about the SOAW Council please contact Ken Crowley at Ken@witnessforpeace.org

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