Humanity in Action Senior Fellow Assembly Charter

The Senior Fellow Assembly is a pivotal initiative designed to not only preserve, but to advance Humanity in Action by virtue of their time and talent for the organization and the alumni community.

Do you know a Senior Fellow who would be an excellent candidate or are you interested in stepping into a leadership role? Submit your nominations today and thank you for helping us identify the leaders who will help guide our community forward!

Responsibilities & Structure

Serving on Humanity in Action’s Senior Fellow Assembly carries with it the opportunity and responsibility to serve as a thoughtful and committed steward for the organization and the alumni community. Assembly Members accept the obligation to not only preserve, but also to advance Humanity in Action by virtue of their time and talents. Senior Fellow Assembly members agree to:

  • Attend 4/6 Assembly meetings unless prohibited by an unavoidable conflict. Full Assembly meets twice annually, with quarterly committee meetings
  • Serve on at least one standing Assembly committee (see below)
  • Review supporting materials prior to all full assembly & committee meetings
  • Actively participate in and contribute to all full assembly and committee meetings
  • Support alumni-wide fundraising efforts and, when applicable and appropriate, support organization-level fundraising efforts with philanthropies and other partners
  • Promote Humanity in Action among friends, business associates, and colleagues
  • Adhere to Humanity in Action’s various policies and procedures
  • Work collegially with Humanity in Action staff and fellow Assembly members

To support the Assembly in its important role, Humanity in Action’s staff will:

  • Provide updates on programs and activities
  • Respond to Assembly Members’ questions and requests for additional information on matters relevant to the Assembly’s work
  • Provide opportunities for Assembly Members to speak with board members and staff

Anticipated Structure & Time Commitment:

  • Senior Fellow Assembly will consist of 10-12 diverse Senior Fellows, led by 2 co-chairs
    • Co-chairs will not be from the same country
    • Community Engagement Manager will oversee and work closely with Senior Fellow Assembly
  • Terms – Two-year terms, renewable once
    • Terms will be alternating (one class / year onboarded and offboarded) to facilitate Assembly Member mentorship
  • Meetings – Semi-annual Assembly meetings, quarterly committee meetings (both virtual)
    • Estimated time commitment – 1-2 hours per month

Committees

The Humanity In Action Senior Fellow Assembly will initially consist of three committees:

  • Programming: Advise Community Engagement Manager (Joanna) on programming for the Senior Fellow network and support our fellows budget
    • Input to the Community Engagement Manager will be given on an ad hoc basis as issues, questions, and needs arise
    • The Chair of the Committee will serve as a member of the HIA International Board Program & Senior Fellow Committee
  • Strategy: Advise Program & Senior Fellow Committee of the Board on fellowship programs, topics, & new ideas
    • The Chair of the Committee will serve as a member of the HIA International Board Program & Senior Fellow Committee
  • Fundraising: Support staff and Board Development Committee on fundraising efforts
    • The Fundraising Committee Chair will serve as a member of the HIA International Board Development Committee

Benefits

  • Ability to play a critical role in leading and shaping HIA’s alumni engagement strategy 
  • Ability to play a strategic role in supporting and developing current fellows in an alumni capacity
  • Opportunity to advise Humanity in Action on programs and other strategy initiatives, as appropriate
  • Training ground to serve on boards of other non-profits
  • Strong connection to international network of alumni

Nomination Process

The nominations process will consist of the following:

  • Nominations for two Assembly Co-Chairs, three Committee Chairs, and 10-12 Members will be accepted from 18 December, 2024, through January 13th, 2025
    • Nominations can be submitted anonymously. The form allows for the submission of one candidate at a time. There is no limit on the total number of nominations. Nominees will be invited to fill out a brief questionnaire outlining their interest and ideas, which is sent to the Community Engagement Manager, to be completed by January 31st, 2025
  • Those interested in Co-Chair or Committee Chair positions will have the opportunity to meet with Joanna Pottle, our Community Engagement Manager, and Arman Amini, HIA Inc. Board Member and Senior Fellow who played a key role in developing the Assembly Charter, in early February.
    • They will provide information about the Senior Fellow Assembly’s goals and discuss the candidate’s interest in serving on the Assembly
    • Starting in year 2, the co-chairs will lead the nominations process
  • Following these conversations, candidates will be asked to confirm their interest in serving on the Senior Fellow Assembly, and will run in an election voted on by Senior Fellows
    • Election will run for 2 weeks, and the top vote earners will serve on the Assembly
  • Assembly candidates will be announced to the Senior Fellow Network, with a two-week election taking place later in February, and results announced in March 2025
    • Following the inaugural year, potential Assembly elections will be run by the Community Engagement Manager and the Assembly Co-Chairs

Contact for Inquiries

For any questions, concerns, or inquiries, please reach out to Joanna, our Community Engagement Manager, at j.pottle@humanityinaction.org.