2020 Board Election Details | How to apply, run, etc.
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Hello, Die Innenstadt!
It’s hard to believe (or maybe it isn’t?) that the 2019 season has ended and we’re already preparing for 2020. Once again, it’s time for the yearly DI officer campaigning and elections! We are now accepting applications, and like it was in 2018, the week-long voting will be open leading up to this year’s annual end-of-the-year party (December 13, 7PM at Mecklenburg), where we’ll be announcing the elected Die Innenstadt Board of Directors for the 2020 season.
As our organization has grown from a small collection of like-minded individuals and into the largest independent FC Cincinnati supporter’s group, quite a few things have changed. Recently, the current board undertook a motion to improve our organizational structure going forward. As we gear up for the next election and future seasons, we want to be prepared, efficient, and always looking to include new voices while improving our organization.
Are you interested in running?
Just want to learn more?
Have some feedback?
If so, please take the time to read through the following details. At any time, if you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
For 2019, we had a couple new faces on the board and we expect there to be more again in 2020. A few longtime board members will be stepping down (myself included) and we’re excited to gain some fresh perspectives, ideas, thoughts, and teamwork at the helm of this SG.
I’ve had the opportunity to serve on this board since the start (before there even was a “board,” really). It’s been a wonderful time and I can’t begin to express how much I love Die Innenstadt and its members. As our local soccer club grew, so did our supporters group. I cherish the fact that our core mission isn’t just drunkenly cheering for a sports team (although, that’s a fair use of our time), but supporting our city & region as a whole.
In an effort to keep growing, a new structure will take place with the DI Board for 2020, as voted on by the 2019 Board. If you wish to run for a seat on the board, you must:
Read through the below information.
Make a short, written statement summarizing why you desire to run, how you’d like to contribute, and how you plan to represent the diverse and large membership of Die Innenstadt.
Provide a brief letter of recommendation from a fellow DI member whose membership is current to the 2019 season.
Fill out the quick Google form below, outlining what positions you are running for and attaching the information from items #2 and #3.
For 2020, we have created a new structure and “positions” that will maintain responsibility of certain aspects of our organization. These are not jobs, rather, they are areas of focus. The Board has consistently (and will continue) to work as a team. In this case, we’re just looking to streamline responsibilities and create a “point person” for each role (each role carries the same voting power).
On the application, you can select your preferred positions (and summarize why you think it’d be your best fit), but ultimately the 2020 President and Vice President will determine who shoulders which responsibility.
The 2020 Board Positions are as follows:
President & Vice President - Solely in control of finances. Lead the board, coordinate with the Front Office when applicable, maintain relations with other supporters groups, and ensure that “areas of responsibility” and projects are on track.
External Communication - A board member who will provide Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram with regular updates (especially on match days). Moderates/organizes all DI social media platforms and handles all questions, responses, and inquiries that are coming in via social media.
Internal Communication - Creates a bi-weekly, short & sweet (~1 paragraph) email newsletter. Authors occasional blog posts that dive deeper into subjects (and give nonmembers who view the website a window into what we’re all about and how they can be involved). Posts board meeting recaps to Slack, Slack announcements, etc.
Matchday Organizer - Handles scheduling of the “info table” at home matches, ensures that someone from the board will be at each home or away event (or makes sure that things get communicated when a board member will not present at events to distribute merch, etc). Ensures matchday info is pushed to comms people.
Community Efforts Organizer - Oversees our group’s multiple charitable efforts, is the point person on partner organization emails/communication, keeps track of fundraising totals, weekly donation partners, events, etc.
Away Day Coordinator - TheBailey.info and away ticket ordering process may be taking a different shape next season, but no matter how it shakes out—this person would coordinate with other SGs (of FCC and other clubs) to establish/communicate where meetups, events, etc. will occur. Does some light research on local attractions, transit, and general info, etc. for folks who plan to travel. Ensures DI members always have an option to meet up when on the road (within reason).
Ambassador - The point person who makes a regular effort to visit around Meck/ Rhinehaus and introduce people. This role is not a recruiter, rather, just someone to say hello. They can answer questions or help sign people up if they’re interested, but this role is mainly geared towards welcoming in fellow fans and helping make introductions. We’ve received some feedback these past few seasons that it seems like “everyone knows each other already” and it can be intimidating to join in if you’re new. We’d like to change that! The ambassador would help break down those barriers, whether it’s just asking “what’s up” or connecting Slack names to faces.
Inventory - Keeps accurate track of how many “merch” items we have, where they’re physically located, and who’s bringing what items to which event. Coordinates new merch items, or re-orders of standard/popular items, with vendors. Charged with upkeep of the online store and methods to take care of online orders whether for shipping or pickup.
So, that’s our 2020 set up: President, Vice President, and 7 board positions. On the application, you can select whether you intend to run for President, Vice President, or one of the board seats.
If choosing a board seat, please indicate your top three choices for “area of responsibility,” but do keep in mind that the President and Vice President will ultimately assign these roles (and everyone works collaboratively, anyways).
Last thing I’ll add: Being on the board does take time and energy, but it’s not an overly demanding job. Ultimately, it’s a lot of fun. You’ll get to help create a memorable season for many people. I feel very, very fortunate to have served these last few years.
And maybe you want to be involved, but don’t want to run for a position or don’t have the time to dedicate. That’s totally fine, we’ve got lots of other ways to contribute!
Want to…
help out with the info table?
become a capo or drummer?
author blog posts?
submit other ideas?
…then send us an email!
If anyone has questions, I’m more than happy to help answer them and chat in person or online. Send me a message or hit me up on Slack.
Thanks for your time and consideration—thanks for being a Die Innenstadt member —and most importantly: thanks for supporting our city and ALL of its people.
Regards,
Ronny (Steve (Alan)) Salerno
Deadline to apply: Dec. 6, 2019
