HE-379
Vice Presidential
Helps
by Ann Hancook, Extension Specialist, Program Organization
Vice president — second in command. Bylaws say something about “performing the duties of the president in his/her absence.” Sounds simple enough — but there is more. As vice president, you will be given many leadership opportunities. These opportunities will help develop leadership skills. Although the role of the vice president varies from organization to organization, some responsibilities are common.
Know Your Organization
It is essential for you, as vice president, to know about the organization. Begin by studying the club’s constitution, bylaws, or standing rules. Know them so well that, when an issue arises, you are aware of whether or not that item is covered in the organization’s rules. Carry a copy of these rules with you to all organizational meetings.
Study the history of your organization. When was it formed? What was its purpose? What were some of the issues in which its members became involved? There are several ways to study your history:
■	Read minutes of past meetings.
■	Look at scrapbooks and historians’ books.
■	Visit with charter members or long-term members.
■	Visit with past presidents and other officers.
If you choose to visit with others about your organization’s history, remember to listen actively. Listening is not a passive activity. Listen for feelings, needs, and ideas. Listen to learn and to understand, not to evaluate. Remember, you are there to hear other thoughts, not to offer your own ideas.
General Duties
The vice president supports the president. One of your first duties will be to consult with the president to determine how he/she wants you to function. Keep in
mind that the president is in charge. You should assist in any way you can, but only with the president’s knowledge and permission. In your zest to do a good job, don’t take over the president’s role. If the president’s job is one you want, you’ll probably get an opportunity to put your name on the ballot in the next election.
Specific Duties
The president should be able to provide a list of your duties. Also, duties of officers can be found in standing rules and board of directors’ manuals. Some of the typical duties of vice presidents include:
■	Preside at general membership meetings in the absence of the president.
■	Assist the president upon request.
■	Attend all board of directors’ meetings and general membership meetings.
■	Serve as chairman of the program planning committee.
■	Represent the club at county program planning meetings.
■	Be aware of members’ interests and needs for future programs.
■	Represent the organization at other community functions upon request.
Making Decisions
Most of the work of any organization takes place in meetings. Decisions are made on every issue, from where to hold the Christmas party, what community projects to support, to what programs to request for next year. When making those decisions, don’t be so concerned about the correct use of Parliamentary law that you waste 30 minutes determining the proper procedure for tabling a motion. Remember that the people are more important than the process.
Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana