Leader Roles & Resources

In many ways, Audubon's Chapters are as dynamic as their current leaders and volunteers. Energy levels ebb and flow and some years will undoubtedly be more productive than others. It is the overall forward movement of the Chapter that is important. This applies to committees as well. In any given year, in a Chapter of any size, certain committees will be very active while others are less so.

The job descriptions in this section will assist Chapter officers and committee chairs in defining their activities. However, the diversity of Audubon Chapters is reflected in the variety of roles filled by officers and committee chairs. Therefore, the job descriptions are only suggested guidelines to be modified to suit your own Chapter’s special circumstances.

Leadership Training

While job descriptions may be helpful, training of new officers and committee chairs is also essential to ensuring continuity and effectiveness of new leaders. Each Chapter leader will have his or her own techniques for training their successor. Some may choose to work with the new person for a period of time before turning over the reins entirely. Others may keep a journal of all Chapter related business and activities during their time in office, and provide this as a manual for managing the particular office or committee. Regardless of the approach, it is critical to the success of the Chapter that some form of training be provided to new officers.

Be sure to join us for the free Chapter Leader Orientation webinar that is offered once every quarter. Registration and more information on this and other training available to Chapters at http://chapterservices.audubon.org/upcoming-webinars.

Avoiding Burnout

Audubon people tend to move into leadership positions of greater responsibility because they want to respond more actively to growing environmental challenges, and serve the Audubon mission. Overextending oneself and the resulting burnout is, perhaps, an Audubon leader’s greatest nemesis. The trick to maximizing your contribution, while avoiding burnout, is to have a healthy respect for your special talents and your limitations, and to focus those talents where they will have the most significant impact.