As the 2018-19 Bar year begins, the Jacksonville Bar Association’s committees and sections will lead the effort to enhance services and value for members and potential members.
That’s part of this year’s plan adopted by the association’s board of governors.
“Most people realize the benefits of our association through the sections and committees,” said board President Katie Dearing.
“When people evaluate the Bar year, it’s based on the work done by the committees.”
On Thursday, Dearing conducted an orientation meeting for the new section presidents, committee chairs and co-chairs and outlined policies and procedures.
Section and committee meeting schedules, as well as CLE programs, philanthropic and social events, will be posted on the association’s website, jaxbar.org. Online listings will include an RSVP button to allow the association to track expected attendance and inform members which colleagues plan to attend.
An advantage to using the association as the clearinghouse for all committee schedules will be to ensure minimal conflicts, such as more than one committee choosing the same time and day to meet, said President-elect Elizabeth Ferguson.
Committees will submit their calendars to the association and JBA staff will post the content.
“Let’s get used to using the Bar’s website,” Dearing said.
Another element added this year is increased involvement in the committees by the board of governors. Each board member is the liaison to three committees and also will serve as a mentor.
“It’s a way for members to meet and get to know the board of governors. I want all of you to have a connection to the Bar leadership,” Dearing said.
The association’s monthly Bar Bulletin that’s published in the Jacksonville Daily Record also will have some changes.
Effective Sept. 6, it will be published on the first Thursday of each month instead of the first Monday.
Bar Bulletin Committee Chair Kelly Karstaedt said each committee will be responsible for submitting an article for the bulletin over the next year. Assigned topics will coincide with calendared events, such as Veterans Day and the annual holiday party programs for seniors and children in foster care.
“It’s an opportunity to be published, if you want. There is value in that,” Dearing said.
The enhancements are intended to maximize the level of service provided. The sections and committees are how members can connect with the association, Dearing said.
“This is hard work and it’s really valuable,” she said.