Mediators
I didn't realize being [Club] President … would bring so much extra responsibilities that I don't know and am a little afraid to handle. Thank goodness for this program. I need someone who can be objective to help me..." [Quote from a new club president]
GFWC Mediators, formerly known as Mentors, are experienced members with proven ability and passion for conflict-resolution and membership-related issues. GFWC Mediators help individuals, clubs, districts, and states deal with unique or difficult situations that can benefit from an objective perspective and extra measure of attention.
GFWC Mediators are selected from a pool of applicants who demonstrate their depth of experience and appreciation of the objectives of the GFWC Mediator program.
Make a Difference. Be a GFWC Mediator.
GFWC is now accepting applications for the Mediator Class of 2011. Six new GFWC Mediators will be chosen to serve for a three-year term and receive specialized training at GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., from March 17-19, 2011.
GFWC Mediators serve the Federation as a team of consultants available to individual GFWC members, clubs, districts, and states. Mediators are active and committed GFWC members with experience, proven ability, and passion for membership and conflict-resolution issues.
Mediators are GFWC’s eyes, ears, hands, and hearts in the field. With their personal experience and expertise as GFWC club members, combined with the specialized training they will receive in conflict resolution, problem-solving, parliamentary procedure, and organization building, Mediators will be prepared to advise and work with members at every level of Federation. Mediators may be asked to:
- Resolve a difficult personality conflict within a club.
- Use parliamentary guidance to solve a procedural issue.
- Assist in organizaing, promoting, and hosting a recruiting event.
- Help to build new GFWC clubs.
Mediators will be "on call" and available to work with GFWC members for as long as it takes to resolve a situation or achieve a mutually acceptable solution. They will participate in group meetings where they exchange information and problem-solving techniques, as well as support, encourage, and inspire each other.
Criteria for Applicants
Serious consideration will be given to GFWC Mediator applicants who meet most or all of the following criteria:
- Have served as a GFWC club president or have comparable experience in other organizations;
- Actively participated in GFWC membership, or leadership, related activities (i.e. served as club, district, state, or national chairman or committee member; organized a recruitment event; initiated positive change, etc.);
- Work or have worked in the the fields of law, education, social services, human resources, and parliamentary procedure
- Possess proficient computer skills with access to e-mail;
- Ability to and willingness to travel (when and if necessary);
- Ability to and willingness to participate in training at GFWC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., from March 17-19, 2011, as well as in annual refresher sessions;
- Ability to fulfill a minimum three-year term of service;
- Have strong organizational skills, including patience and persistence;
- Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills; and
- Are positive and passionate about GFWC.
Click here to download the 2011 GFWC Mediator Application.
Contact GFWC Executive Director Natasha Rankin at 202-347-3168 or NRankin@GFWC.org with any questions. The deadline to apply is January 1, 2011.
