|
|
| Home Certification Recertification Newsletters & Reports Handbooks & Forms About NCBTMB Media Links |
 |
Questions & Answers
for Potential Candidates for Election to the Board of Directors
Who should consider submitting an application for nomination for election to the NCBTMB Board of Directors?
These are very challenging, exciting and perhaps unique times for the profession of therapeutic massage and bodywork. Among other things, the definition, scope and regulation of the profession are evolving in the midst of changes in the shape and nature of healthcare and wellness, demographics, the economy and politics. Massage therapists and bodyworkers practice in a wide variety of settings with clients with a wide range of needs. Consumer recognition and demand for services is high. The need for and expectation of competence is increasing. The challenge and responsibility of providing a means of assuring the competence of practitioners in such a dynamic environment in a way that is credible, fair and responsive to the development of the profession have never been greater.
NCBTMB seeks highly qualified candidates who have the knowledge, skills and experience to be part of the leadership team that will guide the organization in these times. If you feel you are qualified, please consider requesting, completing and submitting your candidate's application for nomination.
How many people are on the Board of Directors and how many positions are up for election this year?
The NCBTMB Board of Directors is made up of nine (9) voting members who are elected to a four (4) year term. The terms are staggered in order to allow continuity on the Board.
Directors are allowed to serve two consecutive terms, so a Director who is completing a first term is eligible to apply for candidacy for a second term.
This year, two (2) positions are open for election.
What are the requirements for being a candidate for election?
The basic requirements are that any applicant for candidacy must be credentialed by NCBTMB for a minimum of three (3) years and have a minimum of five (5) years experience in the profession of therapeutic massage and/or bodywork, including practitioners, researchers, school owners or administrators, or employees of regulatory agencies or boards that regulate the practice of massage therapy or bodywork.
In addition, the Board of Directors also includes Public Members who represent the interests of the public. There are separate requirements for Public Members. No public member position is open for this year's election.
Any applicant must agree to abide by the NCBTMB Conflict of Interest Policy and the Code of Conduct for Volunteers. These agreements are part of the Candidate Application Packet.
Are there any limitations on service as a Director other than the term limits?
Yes, there is one limitation. The Bylaws state that: "No Director shall hold a national level office in another therapeutic massage and/or bodywork professional or trade organization.
What does it mean to be a Director?
The primary and overarching role of a Director is to serve as part of the leadership body for the organization and to be responsible and accountable for the well-being, functionality and relevancy of the NCBTMB. The role of the Board, therefore, is to establish and sustain a vision for the organization, identify the mission and goals, and create the means to accomplish them, such as the availability of necessary human (both staff and volunteer), financial and infrastructure resources as well as relevant and effective planning and evaluation.
The main responsibility of a Director is to participate effectively in the Board's responsibility to full supervision, control and direction of the affairs of the National Certification Program, its volunteer bodies and publications, and the National Certification Examinations. A Director has an obligation to support the decisions of the Board once properly made. A Director may also be asked to represent the NCBTMB at functions and venues and to serve as a liaison to committees and other bodies charged with carrying out various functions.
What would be the time commitment of a Director?
Fulfillment of these responsibilities requires time to prepare for, attend and participate in meetings, both face-to-face and by conference call, and to communicate by mail, email, report and phone. Besides the Annual Meeting, which takes place in the first quarter of the year, the Board usually meets face-to-face three other times each year, as well as by monthly conference calls. There may be special meetings as the need arises. Board liaisons to committees interact with committee chairs and may attend meetings of those committees. Board members may be asked to travel to venues or on other Board business. The Board also conducts a Leadership Retreat and an Orientation for all Directors.
Should a Director become an officer of the Board, an additional time commitment would be necessary.
Is there any compensation for being a Director?
Directors are eligible for modest stipends for participation in specified activities such as attendance at meetings or authorized attendance at venues on behalf of NCBTMB, subject to applicable policies. The amounts are set as part of the budget process each year. There are reimbursement policies for authorized travel and other expenses related to meetings and other business of NCBTMB. These policies are periodically reviewed and adjusted.
How do I get a Candidate Application Packet?
Click here to download a Candidate Application Packet or call the NCBTMB offices (630-652-0454). Completed Candidate Application Packets must be returned by fax or mailed and postmarked by September 2, 2008.
How will the slate of Candidates be chosen?
A Nominations Task Force has been appointed and the Call for Candidates has been mailed. Candidate Application Packets were made available May 15. The Nominations Task Force will begin deliberations on those applications that are complete and in order after September 2, 2008. The slate will be finalized by October 8, 2008.
The Nominations Task Force is charged with screening applicants for knowledge, skills and experience needed by NCBTMB, based on the information in their applications and through interviews. The Task Force will develop an evaluation process based on the experience from previous years’ processes and an assessment of the organization’s current circumstances and needs. Weight may be given to such factors as experience with not-for-profit organizations and Boards and professional practice settings; these considerations are used to assure a diversity of points of view on the Board. A candidate’s understanding of the role of a Board of Directors in an organization as well as the unique role of a certification board within the profession may also be considered. Every effort will be made to conduct a fair evaluation of each applicant. Please understand that submission of an application will not necessarily assure an interview.
Policies have been adopted by the Board that insulate the deliberations of the Task Force from outside influences as the process of receiving applications and forming the slate of candidates takes place.
How will the elections take place?
Election is by secret ballot, so any identifying information used to validate a cast ballot cannot be associated with the ballot when it is counted. Election Packets, including biographical information, photographs, Candidate Statements and ballots will be provided to each certificant who is eligible to vote. The Packets will be mailed by November 1, 2008 to certificants who are in good standing as of July 1, 2008. Plans are being made this year to introduce electronic voting, which will give voters the option of casting their ballot via a special website designed for secure, secret balloting. Certificants will have the option of voting electronically or by mail. Campaigning, defined as a series of organized, planned actions designed to achieve the particular outcome of being elected, is not allowed in NCBTMB elections.
Ballots returned by December 1, 2008 will be tallied. A company specializing in elections has been engaged to receive and count the ballots. The Supervisor of Elections will be on site during the examination and counting of the ballots to ensure the integrity of the process. The Directors are elected by a plurality vote, so the candidates with the highest number of votes will be elected.
Within 48 hours of the votes being counted, the Supervisor of Elections will deliver the results to the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer, who will inform the candidates of the results and announce the results. The new Board members take office at the Annual Meeting following their election. |
|
|
|
 |
|
| Opportunities at NCBTMB Contact Us Site Map |
| Inquiries or general information, call customer care at 1-800-296-0664 (M-F, 8am-5pm CT). |
© 2007 National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork All rights reserved.
1901 S. Meyers Rd., Ste. 240, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5243
|
|
