SHIFT Advisory Council

SHIFT’s Advisory Council is a respected group of individuals who care about SHIFT and offer their experience and knowledge to support our mission: to unite natural allies around the common goal of championing our public lands, waters and wildlife.

This document outlines the purpose, duties, expectations, structure and core attributes of SHIFT’s Advisory Council.

PURPOSE

The SHIFT Advisory Council (SHIFTAC) is established to advise the staff and Board of Directors of The Center for Jackson Hole, SHIFT’s governing body. The purpose of SHIFTAC is to advance the mission and principles of SHIFT through advisory guidance, direction and support.

• Advance: To enable, move forward.
• The Mission: To unite natural allies around the common goal of championing our public lands, waters and wildlife.
• Principles: Includes the vision of success, beliefs and strategies from current planning documents.
• Advisory Guidance: Advisory input focusing on continuous improvement of SHIFT’s current and future strategic plans.
• Direction: Advisory input on specific issues, challenges and goals.
• Support: Serve as an ambassador for SHIFT, helping identify opportunities for increasing its value and effectiveness.

DUTIES and EXPECTATIONS

SHIFT’s Advisory Council will:

• Serve as a professional resource for board and staff in the areas of recreation, conservation, land management, youth engagement, and communication.
• Obtain familiarization with SHIFT’s projects, programs and fundraising needs.
• Advise the Executive Director and Board of Directors on programming, strategery and structure.
• Advise on policies that insure and enhance SHIFT’s value.
• Participate in strategic planning efforts.
• Engage in and champion strategic efforts.

PARAMETERS

• SHIFTAC is advisory rather than governmental.
• SHIFTAC is not legally responsible for the management of SHIFT.
• SHIFTAC recommendations flow to the Executive Director and/or The Center for Jackson Hole’s Board Chair.
• SHIFTAC members may not receive compensation or enter contracts for service or products, where there is any conflict of interest, except where the Board of Directors has been apprised of a potential conflict of interest and has determined, in writing, that the apparent conflict of interest is insubstantial and that payment to the Advisory Council member will avail SHIFT of specialized services not otherwise available.

STRUCTURE

• SHIFT’s Executive Director will appoint members to the Advisory Council at his discretion based on the needs of the organization.
• SHIFTAC members will serve a minimum 2-year term and are eligible for re-appointment.
• SHIFTAC members are invited and welcome to attend Board meetings, and support and participate in committees, but are mainly accessed on an as-needed basis for operational and programmatic advice in their area of expertise.
• SHIFTAC will have a minimum of twelve members.

ATTRIBUTES

• Affinity for and interest in the stewardship of our public lands and waters in the areas of recreation, conservation, land management, youth engagement, and communication.
• Experience or knowledge in a professional area that helps support SHIFT’s mission.
• Notable civic concern or previous or current community service involvement.
• Willingness to express opinions and share with others.
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for SHIFT and its mission with personal and professional contacts.

Advisory Council members are asked to sign the following Letter of Agreement:

As an Advisory Council member of SHIFT, I am fully committed to its mission and pledge to help carry it out. I understand that my duties and responsibilities include the following:

1. I will actively serve as an ambassador of SHIFT and its mission, and work to enhance its value and effectiveness.

2. I will stay informed about what’s going on in the organization. I will ask questions and request information.

3. I will participate in and take responsibility for making recommendations on policies related to the unification of natural allies around the common goal of championing our natural resources.
4. I will act in the best interests of the organization and excuse myself from discussions where I have a conflict of interest.

5. I will be available for phone consultations and encourage and support the Center’s staff and board.

6. I will allow SHIFT and the Center for Jackson Hole to acknowledge my role as an Advisory Council Member in printed materials, press releases and web media.

7. I acknowledge that I am invited and welcome to attend board meetings, committee meetings and special events.

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