These brief descriptions are intended to provide some information to help you choose a committee you might like to work with as a member of the Society. If you require more detailed descriptions before completing your survey, please contact Eve Craig at 951-699-9872. or click here to download & print our membership form.
Nominating Committee
- The Nominatiing committee is responsible for helping the Board fill any vacancies that arise during the year. The committee is typically most active around the time of the Annual Meeting (October - January) when the staggered terms of five (5) Directors normally expire and new Directors must be elected. At least one member of the presiding Board must be a member of this committee. A member of the committee must make verbal or written reports to the Board when required.
Budget & Finance Committee - This committee is responsible for all State and Federal tax filings. They are also required to make an Annual Report to the membership within 180 days following the Annual Meeting. The Treasurer and/or Assistant Treasurer must be a member of this committee. Members of this committee develop the annual budget for the Society and are ultimately responsible for collecting and dispersing all financial resources of the Society. Their function is to budget, record and report all money transactions. They assist all other committees of the Society.
Fundraising Committee- This committee may have several subcommittees each working on different income producing programs, projects or events. These income producing sources may include (but are not limited to), grants, gifts, sponsorships, or in-kind donations. At times, income may be derived from fees charged for programs or events. Each fundraising effort must be reported to and be approved by the Board. An estimated budget of income/expense will be required prior to approval.
Membership Committee- The Membership Committee recruits and welcomes new members, and coordinates member volunteer activites. One member could be the Historian and maintain a "memory book" of photos, news clippings, etc. A Corresponding Secretary would send invitations, thank you's, and maintain copies of the Society's written materials. From time to time, contact with the membership may be through an email tree or a phone tree. The committee may hold member (or prospective member) teas, or other events in their effort to recruit or retain members. At least monthly, reports to the Board Treasurer any changes in the membership roster.
Education Committee- Central to the mission of the Society, the Education Committee is responsible for tours, programs and presentations for the members and for the public. This committee will work with the Public Relations, Research & Preservation, and Membership Committees to coordinate activities and extend knowledge of local history.
Public Relations Committee - This committee functions as publicity and marketing directors for the Society, creating flyers for fundraising or social events, maintaining the website, writing and distributing the newsletter, videotaping programs and keeping the membership and the public informed. Writers, photographers, artists are encouraged, but Board retains right of review before publication. Committee interfaces with the Budget & Finance Committee, and reports to the Board and Executive Committee.
Research & Preservation- The heart of any historical society, researchers, archivists, archaeologists, craftsmen and other specialists in preservation or restoration work together to coordinate projects. The chair shall be a member of the Board. At times, projects may have differing timelines or funding requirements. This committee may interface with skilled or unskilled workers, collect bids, develop visual or conceptual materials on projects, and report progress to the Board and to the membership. A Librarian/Archivist stores and records materials relating to each project. This group interfaces with every member and every committee of the Society.
Bylaws Committee- Often a dispute resolution document, bylaws are a legal necessity for the continued existence of the Society. This committee needs to be detail-minded and ever ready to understand the will of the Society, to interpret the intent of the bylaws, and to make sure that these two are in agreement. Usually not a well-liked task, but essential for us to continue as an organization. A member of the Board and/or a Parliamentarian may serve on the committee.
