What sort of member / author can be nominated?
The Management Committee should be representative of the SoA membership. It’s important that the Committee reflects all types of writers, illustrators and literary translators, regardless of age and background.
How can I be nominated for election?
You can submit a nomination by completing the candidate form to explain what you hope to achieve as a member of the SoA board. You will need two other SoA members to nominate you in brief letters of support, along the lines of:
“I am nominating XX for the SoA’s Management Committee.” Once you have two letters of support, use the nomination form to upload these two letters as Word documents, along with a photograph of you. We will share your candidate Q&A, photograph and the names of your two nominators when the elections open in September.
What if I don’t know another member who can nominate me?
We know it’s not always easy to meet members, particularly when most activities are online. You can meet other members at one of our many special interest groups or networks, or a local group meeting near you. It’s a great way to meet, chat and stay in touch with fellow members with similar interests.
What time commitment can I expect?
The Committee meets six times a year on Thursday afternoons. In addition, Committee members would be expected to attend the Annual General Meeting in November. Optionally, Committee members are invited to join sub-committees and to attend other SoA and industry events, if their time allows.
I’m an Associate Member but I’m eligible for an upgrade – how can I stand?
We write to Associate members every year inviting them to upgrade to Full Membership if they are eligible and wish to stand or vote in our annual elections. The annual deadline to upgrade in time for the Management Committee elections is 15 April.
If you would like to upgrade to Full Membership ahead of our 2023 elections, get in touch with our Membership team ([email protected]).
I’m only just starting out – can I still stand?
Yes. You need to be a Full Member of the SoA for three months prior to nomination (by 15 April of the given year), but we invite members to stand at any stage of their careers. We actively seek a wide range of perspectives and experience that reflects our diverse membership.
I can’t travel to London – can I still stand?
Yes, you can. All Management Committee meetings are offered online as ‘hybrid’ meetings, which enables members to attend however they choose. Members who live outside of the UK are also welcome to stand.
I’ve never served on a board before – can I still stand?
Yes, you will be given induction training and you will be assigned to a more experienced member of the Committee who will act as your mentor/buddy.
If you have any further queries, please contact Catherine Fuller: [email protected].