STANDING COMMITTEE
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee
The Executive Committee consists of the President/CEO, Executive Vice President, Public Relations Officer, six Regional Vice Presidents, an Executive Secretary, a Treasurer, a Recording Secretary, and a Financial Secretary.
The Board of Directors
The Board of Directors consists of a Chairman, the Executive Officers, the Immediate Past President of the Association, and the designated representatives of each active member organization.
Public Relations Officer & Media Chair
The Public Relations Officer and Media Chair is a member of the Executive Committee and is tasked with promoting NAJASO in the United States, Bermuda, Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean. The PR Officer is responsible for maintaining communications with member organizations, other groups, and governmental and non-governmental bodies. Responsibilities also include preparing news releases, articles, and advertising materials as needed.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations shall appoint an Audit Committee which shall consist of a Chairperson and two other individuals who are not officers of NAJASO.
The committee shall perform such audit of the books of account and financial records of the Association as it deems appropriate and shall present its written report to the Board of Directors Annually.”
Review and report on accuracy/delinquent/financial status of NAJASO to the President and Board of Directors.
Review and recommend revisions to NAJASO Finances as necessary.
Chair Responsibilities
Attend Board of Directors meetings.
Coordinate all work of the committee and report to the President and Board of Directors.
Report to the President and Board of Directors on the status of all member organizations.
Communicate regularly with the NAJASO Treasurer and President regarding all committee matters.
Prepare an Annual Report for distribution at the Annual Convention.
Budget & Finance Committee
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) shall appoint a Budget and Finance Committee annually.
The committee shall consist of at least three (3) members, including its Chairperson. Committee recommendations are presented to the President and the Board of Directors for approval.
Committee Responsibilities
Oversee the financial reporting process.
Submit a review and recommendation of the Annual Operating Budget to the President and Board of Directors for approval.
Oversee all fundraising activities.
Fulfill other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the President.
Chair Responsibilities
Encourage active participation to accomplish committee goals.
Attend Board of Directors and Executive Committee meetings.
Communicate regularly with the President.
Act as a liaison between the President and the Board of Directors.
Prepare an annual report for the President and Board of Directors outlining any deficiencies in funding for the Association.
Education Committee
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) shall appoint an Education Committee annually.
Committee recommendations are presented to the President and the Board of Directors for approval.
Committee Responsibilities
Recommend topics for inclusion or removal in NAJASO programs.
Review and update topic outlines, materials, and visuals.
Secure instructors and backup instructors; establish standards for their selection and removal.
Assist NAJASO in developing and offering opportunities for education, self-development, and leadership in line with the Association’s mission.
Recommend timely and relevant topics for NAJASO’s educational efforts.
Provide guidance on addressing challenging or troublesome areas within NAJASO.
Encourage attendance and engagement in educational programs.
Recommend informational materials and resources to be maintained in NAJASO’s official files.
Develop recommendations for programs or services that advance the Association’s goals.
Include budget or cost estimates with program recommendations whenever possible.
Chair Responsibilities
Encourage active participation from interested members to help achieve committee goals.
Attend Board of Directors meetings.
Attend instructor seminars and monitor instructor presentations.
Communicate regularly with the President, to whom the committee reports.
Recommend an education program budget to the President or Board of Directors.
Prepare and submit a report for distribution at Board meetings.
Act as a liaison between the general membership and the President.
Recruit members to properly staff the committee and ensure sufficient participation to fulfill its responsibilities.
Health Committee
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) shall appoint a Health Committee annually.
Committee recommendations are presented to the President and the Board of Directors for approval.
Committee Responsibilities
Recommend topics for inclusion or removal in NAJASO’s health-related programs.
Review and update topic outlines, materials, and visuals.
Secure instructors and backup instructors; establish standards for their selection and removal.
Assist NAJASO in developing and providing opportunities for health education, self-development, and leadership aligned with the Association’s mission.
Recommend timely and relevant health topics for NAJASO.
Provide guidance on addressing problem areas within NAJASO’s health initiatives.
Encourage attendance at NAJASO health programs.
Recommend health-related information and materials to be maintained in NAJASO’s official files.
Develop recommendations for health programs and services that support the Association’s goals.
Provide budget or cost estimates when submitting recommendations, where possible.
Chair Responsibilities
Encourage active participation from interested members to help achieve committee goals.
Attend Board of Directors meetings.
Attend instructor seminars and monitor health program presentations.
Communicate regularly with the President, to whom the committee reports.
Recommend a health program budget to the President or Board of Directors.
Prepare reports for distribution at Board meetings.
Act as a liaison between the membership and the President.
Recruit members to properly staff the committee and ensure sufficient participation to fulfill responsibilities.
Membership Committee
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) shall appoint a Membership Committee annually.
Committee recommendations are presented to the President and the Board of Directors for approval.
Committee Responsibilities
Encourage and motivate current members to promote NAJASO membership to non-members.
Recommend and review membership promotional ideas and materials.
Collaborate with the President to enhance member services, including appropriate welcoming gestures, motivational letters, phone calls, and other outreach.
Advise NAJASO of potential new members.
Recommend information and materials to be maintained by NAJASO.
Develop recommendations for programs and services that advance NAJASO’s goals and objectives.
Identify members’ needs and concerns and bring them to the attention of the President.
Chair Responsibilities
Encourage active participation from interested members to help accomplish the committee’s goals.
Attend Board of Directors meetings.
Communicate regularly with the President, to whom the committee reports.
Act as a liaison between the President and the Board of Directors.
Hold a seat on the Nominating Committee for the NAJASO Annual Award Service.
Prepare reports for distribution at Board meetings.
Recruit members to properly staff the committee and ensure adequate participation to meet responsibilities.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
Program Ad Hoc Committee
Nature & Scope
The President of the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations (NAJASO) shall appoint an Ad Hoc Program Committee as deemed necessary.
Committee recommendations are presented to the President and the Board of Directors for approval.
Committee Responsibilities
Review and recommend methods for encouraging members to participate in NAJASO programs.
Review and recommend programs designed to motivate members.
Support and assist the President in effective program scheduling across the Association.
Identify and determine the elements of effective program notices and communications.
Monitor member attendance to ensure programs meet objectives and goals.
Attend regularly scheduled and emergency committee meetings.
Chair Responsibilities
Coordinate regularly scheduled committee meetings.
Attend Board of Directors meetings.
Communicate regularly with the President, to whom the committee reports.
Recommend a program budget to the President and the Board of Directors.
Prepare reports for distribution at Board meetings.
Act as a liaison between the President and the Board of Directors.
Develop committee members to serve as replacements as needed.
CONVENTION ADHOC COMMITTEE
The President, with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoints a National Convention Chair on an annual basis, along with a Convention Committee comprised of all the Officers of NAJASO. The National Convention Chair is responsible for working closely with the President and the Chairman of the Board to ensure a productive and financially viable convention.
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AD HOC COMMITTEE
The NAJASO Young Professionals committee was designed to ensure the longevity of NAJASO and the Diaspora movement growth in the United States, Jamaica and the Caribbean by engaging a strong group of Young Professional leaders aged 21 t 40 to contribute and assist in nation building in the regions NAJASO serves.
Programs of the Young Professionals Committee
NAJASO Young Professional Conference
The Young Professional program caters to a target group of young adults between the ages of 21 to 40. This annual gathering occurs every July in conjunction with the NAJASO annual convention and Awards gala. It is an opportunity for the NAJASO Young Professionals to socialize and discuss matters of importance to the United States, Jamaica, and the Caribbean region at large. It also serves as an opportunity for personal and professional growth and an occasion for community building and development to thrive.
For more information please click here to contact us.
Committee Chair: Cassandra Chase
GOODWILL AMBASSADOR AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoint a Goodwill Ambassador on an Annual basis as deemed necessary. The Primary focus of the Goodwill Ambassador is to act as Liaison with the Member Organizations, The Ambassador to the United States, The Consul General of Miami and New York as well as the Honorary Consuls in the United States to share Goodwill and promote NAJASO.
HISTORIAN AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoint a Historian on an annual basis as deemed necessary. The Historian is held responsible to capture the History of NAJASO since its inception to present.
PARLIAMENTARIAN AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoint a Parliamentarian on an Annual basis as deemed necessary. The Primary function of the Parliamentarian is to advise the Board on parliamentary procedures guided by Robert Rules of Order newly revised.
NATIONAL FUNDRAISING AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoint a National Fundraising Chair and a committee on an Annual basis as deemed necessary. The Primary focus of the committee is to raise funds for the organization.
AWARDS AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President with the approval of the Board of Directors, appoint a National Awards Chair and a Committee on an Annual basis. The Awards Committee shall, upon evaluating an award candidate, submit its choice as recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval.
NAJASO NATIONAL AWARDS NOMINATION INFORMATION
Background
Candidates will be considered for an award on the basis of extraordinary effort, leadership, professional skills, support, contributions, patriotic and economical development of Jamaica.
All nominations must be submitted as one complete package.
The Awards Committee, after evaluating nominees, submits its recommendations to the Board of Directors for final approval.
CRITERIA
Lignum Vitae Award
This award criteria is initiated by the National Association of Jamaican and Supportive Organizations, to honor Jamaican Nationals who have made distinguished contributions to the economic development of Jamaican, lifestyle and culture. The award derives its name from the inscription of the National Flower “Wood of Life”.
The Lignum Vitae Award is an annual award based on the following set of standards and qualifying factors.
The candidate:
May or may not be a member of NAJASO member organization
Must be a Jamaican National or nationalized citizen of the United States.
Must have served in a leadership role benefiting the economic development, lifestyle, and culture of Jamaica.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
This award shall be given to a bona fide member or a supporter and contributor of NAJASO who meets the qualification stated below. Candidate may be submitted from any active NAJASO member organization or officer for consideration for this award.
Only two Distinguished Service Awards may be given in any one year. All candidates must meet the following criteria:
Must have been an officer of NAJASO for a period of four years or more.
Must have held at least two committee chairs during a 5-year period.
Must have contributed time and effort over and beyond expectation of NAJASO through their contribution, an improved program, created a new activity, developed a better public relations image for the organization or increase membership or financial earnings and contribution for the organization.
DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN AWARD
This award shall be given to a candidate who meet the following criteria:
Must be a citizen of the United States by nationalization.
Must have contributed outstanding service to the community, within his/her professional field, with documented public recognition such as City Council, State Officials, hospitals staff, directional leader of corporation or organization.
OUTREACH SERVICE AWARD
This award shall be given to a candidate who meets the following criteria:
Must be of foreign birth, and or a nationalized citizen of the United States.
Must have contributed outstandingly to the community within their outreach area as well as to the United States for at least five years.
Organizations nominating candidate for this award must be a bona fide active member of NAJASO.
GROUP LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award shall be given to a candidate who meets the following criteria:
Candidate for this award must be bona fide group member of NAJASO and must have held membership for at least four years (officer, committee chair, special projects, etc.)
Must have initiated development projects affecting the advancement and esteem of cultural, educational or social group within their community.
Must have initiated development projects affecting the advancement and esteem of cultural, educational or social group within their community.
Must be an effective group leader.
CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
This certificate shall be given to a candidate who meets the following criteria:
Must serve in a meaningful volunteered capacity within the organization
Candidate may or may not be member of NAJASO.
Candidate must be a volunteer or supporter of NAJASO for at least two years.
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY AD HOC COMMITTEE
The President may from time to time with the approval of the Board of Directors, establish a Professional Advisory Committee to seek advisory opinions on relevant issues from individuals or corporations who may be members or non members of the Association.