Member Advocates
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Member Advocates

Member Advocates

A bylaw amendment, for three Member Advocate positions, considered by the membership, was overwhelmingly approved in July of 2023. These advocates will serve as a resource to APA Virginia Chapter members who may be experiencing a difficulty with the APA Virginia Chapter or at a Chapter sponsored event.

Member Advocate Election

Members: VOTING has CLOSED. Please stay tuned for more information.

Requirements, Term Information, and Responsibilities:

General Requirements 

  • Members of the American Planning Association in good standing
  • Three individuals will be serve at a time
  • One must identify as a woman
  • One must identify as a person of color
  • Should have at least five years of professional experience
  • AICP members preferred

Term Information 

  • The top three candidates will be elected to serve terms of 1-3 years, provided the necessary qualifications are met.
  • Terms are to be staggered to ensure consistency year over year 
  • Initial elections shall be for terms of three, two and one year with the candidate receiving the most votes earning the longest term, the second most votes the two-year term and the third most votes the one year term, provided that the eligibility requirements of one candidate identifying as a woman and one as a person of color are met 

Key Roles & Responsibilities 

  • Advocates serve as a resource to APA Virginia Chapter members who may be experiencing a difficulty with the APA Virginia Chapter or at a Chapter sponsored event
  • Advocates do not adjudicate events
  • Protect anonymity of member
  • May request to present to President, Executive Committee or Chapter Board
  • Maintains independence from Chapter Board
  • Retains records of interactions with members for future Advocates

Learn more about these positions from the presentation slides presented prior to the vote at the Annual Conference in Roanoke. If you have any further questions regarding the positions or the application process, please contact Chapter President, Andrew Hopewell.