ONA is pleased to call for nominations for the 2008 board of directors.

An ONA member who wants to be considered for a voting position on the board must be nominated by an ONA member. Both the nominee and the member making the nomination must be professional ONA members in good standing.

Board terms are for two years.

Criteria and Responsibilities

The nominee must meet one of two board qualification criteria and be prepared to carry out board responsibilities. The criteria are:

-Has demonstrated a commitment to ONA by having been active in ONA. Activities can include serving as an active member of a committee or initiative.
-Has demonstrated a commitment to online journalism by having been active within his or her place of employment, within the digital news business or within a related field.

The nominee, if elected, must be prepared to fulfill the responsibilities outlined in the ONA board member job description:

ONA requires an active and engaged board to continue its growth and success.

Board members are committed to editorial independence, journalistic excellence, freedom of expression and freedom of access in digital media.

Board members are committed to developing and supporting a new generation of online journalists through ONA's programs, particularly its annual conference, the Online Journalism Awards, regional events, publications and partnerships with other journalism organizations.

Board members are required to participate in a monthly conference call, attend two in-person board meetings (at their own expense) and serve on one standing committee.

Board members will be asked to lead and participate in various initiatives, including fund-raising and outreach.

Board members will be a representative/spokesperson for ONA at industry related events.

Board members will chair or serve on ad hoc committees; organize and/or host local events; or stand for election for one the four board officer positions (President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer).

Board members should be familiar with the association bylaws and the organization's history.

The Nomination Process:

For the 2008 board, there are six board seats up for election.

The Nominating Committee will screen candidates and present a slate of candidates to the current board for its approval. The membership will then elect six board members from the slate of candidates.

It is the responsibility of the Nominating Committee to present a slate that reflects a diversity of interests in the make-up of the board. These interests include:

-Types of online medium represented on the board.
-Sizes of institutions represented by the individual member.
-Type of experience in digital media.
-Representation that reflects the diverse communities that journalism serves.

(The Nominating Committee is made up of former and current board members. This year it is chaired by Bruce Koon and the committee members are Neil Chase, Ruth Gersh and Jeff Pelline.)

If you are interested in running for board director, have an ONA member nominate you by filling out this form. and email to Lori Schwab.

The Election Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 20: Nominations open.
Thursday, Sept. 27: Nominations close, 5 p.m. eastern time.
Wednesday, Oct. 3: Slate of candidates presented to board for approval.
Monday, Oct. 8: Candidates presented to membership for election.
Friday, Oct. 12: Voting begins.
Wednesday, Oct. 17: Voting ends, 5 p.m. eastern time.
Thursday, Oct. 18: New board members announced.

If you have questions, please contact ONA's executive director Lori Schwab.