AAM/ICOM Board Member Position Description

AUTHORITY

The function and authority of the Board are set out in the AAM/ICOM Bylaws.

"The function of the Board shall be to consider policy and activity of AAM/ICOM as brought to its attention by members of the National Committee or by the Executive Committee as such policy and activity relate to the aims of AAM/ICOM, and to advise the National and Executive Committees and the AAM/ICOM office as to preferred policy and courses of action." (Chapter X, Section 9.)

ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY

The AAM/ICOM Board represents the international interests of AAM and of U.S. museums by advising and assisting the Association's participation in programs of worldwide concern and in actively formulating AAM/ICOM policy positions on regional and international issues relevant to the global museum community and to U.S. museums in their relationship to that museum community.

The Board also helps AAM represent museums in the United States within the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and is responsible for representing ICOM's interests within the United States. The Board cooperates in activities of the ICOM Secretariat and sets the AAM/ICOM goals in accordance with the ICOM Strategic Plan.

In addition, the AAM/ICOM Board sets policy and provides leadership for AAM/ICOM in broad categories that include the mission, goals, priorities, and general resource allocation for AAM/ICOM with the approval of the AAM Board. To understand the needs of the U.S. museum community, members act as conduits between the field and the Board, either informally, on an ad hoc basis, or formally, at museum meetings.

Members of the Board have the responsibility to participate in forming policy, to support Board decisions, and to act corporately.

OTHER SPECIFIC DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Make suggestions to staff and Nominating Committee for candidates for the Board who have displayed leadership skills, have proven interest and knowledge of international museum issues, have evidenced a commitment to the museum field and to AAM/ICOM, and who represent all types of diversity--for example, ethnic, geographic, gender, and museum type.

• Support efforts in their local institutions to incorporate topics and programs of international interest, including observing International Museum Day at their museum, when appropriate.

• Promote an international focus at AAM's Annual Meeting by attending AAM/ICOM-sponsored events and organizing, when possible, a session or an event.

• Become involved with an ICOM International Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS

To serve on the AAM/ICOM Board, a candidate must be a current individual member of AAM/ICOM.

A nominee needs to have the support of his or her institution. This includes making available the financial resources to pay all expenses associated with attending two Board meetings per year and to devote time to AAM/ICOM and international issues.

A successful candidate demonstrates leadership in the U.S. museum field in relationship to international matters. Such indicators include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding, through the candidate's own museum, of broad international museum issues.

• Participation in international projects, such as exchanges, exhibit development, conferences, or other activities with global implications.

• Prior involvement in an ICOM International Committee.

• Prior involvement in AAM, in regional associations, or in other museum associations.

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