Operational Alignment: Outline areas of the organization’s yearly conference (in-person or virtual) where volunteers can assist the APDT Board and Staff in planning, executing, and evaluating the annual event.

Mission: To ensure that individuals attending the APDT annual conference leave the event with a first-rate experience of inclusiveness, networking and social interactions.

Purpose (Role):

1. To brainstorm ideas maximizing the conference attendee experience, including celebrating the past accomplishments, current projects, and future endeavors of the APDT.
2. To manage the solicitation, coordination, and management of the Border Collies before, during, and after the conference. Only APDT members can attend conference committee meetings, while non-members may volunteer to be a Border Collie at conference.
3. To ensure that all volunteers receive the necessary training, communication, and orientation for their roles at conference. This training must be completed before conference.
4. To volunteer at conference in areas to be determined by the committee (i.e. registration desk, Border Collie registration, exhibit hall, tote-bag stuffing, and receptions or to welcome guests to the conference).
5. Differentiate the APDT conference from other industry conferences.

Deliverables: Report ideas on improving the conference attendee experience and areas where individuals need to volunteer. Board Liaison is responsible for providing a written report each month to be included in the APDT Board consent agenda document, regardless of if a meeting was conducted.

Prerequisite Experience: Experience as a volunteer at other industry conferences (in-person or virtual) is desired, but not necessary.

Resources: The committee will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director, Event Manager. Communications will be via email and on-line community, with one (1) conference call every month. Committee members are expected to register and attend the 2023 APDT conference in Cincinnati, OH to participate as on-site volunteers.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the committee are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 6-10 Members + Board Liaison + Executive Director + Event Manager

Co-Chairs: Charity Knight and Jamie Hulan

Board Liaison: Ben Bennink

Method of Committee Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair (or Co-Chairs) to the committee. The members of the committee will be selected from a call for volunteers from the general membership. Members of the committee are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair (or Co-Chairs) and committee members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held on a monthly basis and may become more frequent when the Chair (or Co-Chairs) deems necessary. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months
Community Group: 2023 Conference Committee

Operational Alignment: Identifying areas that require improvement to become a welcoming organization to individuals of all ethnicities, backgrounds, cultures, etc.

Mission: To ensure that APDT is a diverse and inclusive organization for all individuals to equally participate, be valued and respected.

Purpose (Role):

1. To survey the membership on their personal experiences regarding diversity and inclusion in the dog training industry.
2. To develop programs to actively recruit trainers of diverse backgrounds into membership, along with volunteer, leadership and speaking opportunities.
3. To create awareness that APDT is an open and welcoming organization to trainers of all backgrounds.
4. To investigate training opportunities for APDT leadership and staff to learn about issues of diversity and inclusion.
5. To educate the APDT membership on initiatives and opportunities of addressing diversity and inclusion.
6. To investigate opportunities to partner with strategic alliances to expand APDT’s efforts on diversity and inclusion.

Deliverables: Reporting to the Board any recommendations of actions that would support the mission of the team.

Prerequisite Experience: Background in addressing issues involving discrimination and exclusion. In addition, finding practical ways and programs to bring people of various backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures and beliefs together in a welcoming and respectful environment.

Resources: The team will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director. Communications will be via email and online community, with conferences via phone or Zoom as needed.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the team are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 4-6 Members + Board Liaison + Executive Director

Co-Chairs: Dresden Graff & Melinda Trueblod-Stimpson

Board Liaison: Heather Mishefske

Method of Task Force Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair to the team and will work with the Chair to appoint the at-large members to the team. Members of the team are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Co-Chairs and team members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held typically on a monthly basis and may become more frequent per the direction of the chair. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 Months
Community Group: 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Task Force

Operational Alignment: Develop and evaluate educational opportunities that are included in the APDT strategic plan.

Mission: To ensure that the association’s educational programs meet the expectations of the membership and public.

Purpose (Role):

1. To serve as industry experts in the development of educational programs.
2. To provide speaker and/or topic ideas.
3. To create educational materials to promote LIMA.
4. To assist in updating the C.L.A.S.S. program and promoting it to members.
5. To develop a career path roadmap for professional dog trainers of all levels.
6. To monitor APDT Community and promote in-house resources.

Deliverables: Reporting on new educational opportunities, status of multi-week courses and webinars, and metrics to determine their success. Board Liason is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the Board consent agenda.

Prerequisite Experience: Experience with educational program development. Previous experience as a speaker or education provider is preferred, but not necessary.

Resources: The committee will work with the following staff: APDT Director of Education. Communications will be via email, with one (1) conference call every month. Committee members should plan to attend the 2023 APDT conference in Covington, KY to participate in an in-person committee meeting.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the committee are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 4-6 Members + Board Liaison + Director of Education

Co-Chairs: Cathy Painter, Kris Hale

Board Liaison: Erica Marshall

Method of Committee Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair to the committee. The members of the committee will be selected from a call for volunteers from the general membership. Members of the committee are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair and committee members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held on a bi-monthly basis and may become more frequent when the chair deems necessary. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months
Community Group: 2023 Education Committee

Operational Alignment: Evaluate substantiated complaints against members that violate the Professional Code of Ethics, including substantiated complaints involving failure to adhere to LIMA for Professional and Premium Professional members who have certified that they adhere to LIMA.

Mission: To ensure that the association’s members are being held to the high standards of conduct and professionalism in the dog training industry.

Purpose (Role):

1. To evaluate complaints and examine evidence to support the complaint against a member.
2. To continue to monitor and adjust (when necessary) the procedures to address complaints against members.
3. To make recommendations to the APDT Board on the results of completed complaints.
4. To look for ways to help educate the membership on the standards set by the Board, including coordinating with the Education Committee on ways to educate the membership on APDT’s position on LIMA.

Deliverables: Reporting on complaints reviewed by the committee to the APDT Board in addition to any recommendations for action with the member(s) in question. Chair is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the Board consent agenda.

Prerequisite Experience: Experience with conflict resolution, mediation and reviewing evidence. Ability to keep all communications and files confidential.

Resources: The committee will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director. Communications will be via email, with one (1) conference call every month or as needed.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the committee are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 3-4 Members + Board Liaison + Executive Director

Chair: Jeremy Cohen

Board Liaison: Sandy Modell

Method of Committee Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair to the committee along with each member of the committee. Members of the committee are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair and committee members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held on a monthly basis and may become more frequent when the chair deems necessary. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months
Community Group: 2023 Ethics Committee

Operational Alignment: To review and analyze financial data, investment performance and the annual budgeting process.

Mission: To ensure that the association’s financial viability, investment performance in relation to the investment policy and budget metrics are meeting performance expectations.

Purpose (Role):

1. To review monthly financial statements.
2. To review quarterly investment statements and related benchmarks.
3. To work with the CFO and Executive Director on preparing the annual budget for approval by the board of directors and to report the financial status of the organization to the board to enable the board to effectively discharge their fiduciary duties.

Deliverables: Reporting on quarterly financial statements, investment performance and budget metrics to the board of directors. Board Liason is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the Board consent agenda.

Prerequisite Experience: Experience with financial statements, investment report analysis and developing budgets.

Resources: The committee will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director and CFO. Communications will be via email, with one (1) conference call per quarter.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the committee are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: Secretary/Treasurer + Executive Director + CFO + other APDT staff and/or members with finance experience as appropriate

Chair/Board Liaison: Curtis Kelley, Secretary/Treasurer

Method of Task Force Member Selection: The Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors shall serve as the Chair to the committee. If it is appropriate to add other APDT members to the committee, the Committee Chair will work with the Board Chair and the Board to appoint other members to the committee. Members of the committee are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair and committee members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held on a quarterly basis and may become more frequent leading up the preparation of the annual budget or at other times throughout the year when the chair deems necessary. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months
Community Group: 2023 Finance Committee

Operational Alignment: Coordinating with the CCPDT-APDT Coalition in legislative efforts for licensing.Reviewing documents and positions/opinions of the organization to position the APDT as the go-to organization for consumers, trainers, behaviorists, legislators, media, etc.

Mission: To use licensing, legislation, and advocacy to educate and engage the membership and to professionalize the dog training industry.

Purpose (Role):
1. Coordinate with the CCPDT-APDT Coalition on legislative strategy, including identifying and approaching promising state legislatures with our proposed legislation.
2. Help the CCPDT-APDT Coalition with grassroot activities and member communication regarding licensing legislation.
3. Serve as a sounding board when appropriate as changes to the CCPDT-APDT Coalition sample legislation inevitably goes through revisions and amendments during the legislative process.
4. Review organization position statements and make recommendations of any changes or additions to the Board.
5. Assist in establishing a PAC and identifying other organizations like AVMA who have PACS and/or lobby to create alliances for legislative efforts.

Deliverables: Reporting to the Board updates on legislative matters and any recommendations to update the position statements. Board Liaison is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the Board consent agenda.

Prerequisite Experience: Background in drafting or reviewing position statements, familiarity with the legislative process and/or advocacy efforts.

Resources: The task force will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director. Communications will be via email and online community, with conferences via phone or Zoom as needed.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the task force are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national, or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 4-6 Members + Board Liaison + Executive Director

Chair & Board Liaison: Heidi Meizner

Method of Task Force Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair to the task force. The members of the committee will be selected from a call for volunteers from the general membership. Members of the task force are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair and task force members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held typically on a monthly basis and may become more frequent per the direction of the chair. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 Months
Community Group: 2023 Legislative Task Force

Operational Alignment: Develop and evaluate marketing and communications opportunities that are included in the APDT strategic plan and the initiatives on membership and revenue growth outlined by the Board in 2022.

Mission: To ensure that the association’s marketing efforts and communications effectively and accurately represent the mission of the organization. The committee will implement resources that will educate, advocate and help our membership grow in their knowledge of the professional dog training industry.

Purpose (Role):
1. To promote the mission, vision and values of APDT.
2. To establish best practices for style and content that is used in all communications.
3. To provide guidance on APDT representation at industry events to create brand awareness.
4. To assist in content strategy and consistent messaging for all communication platforms, including but not limited to, the APDT website, The Chronicle of the Dog (COTD), SPEAK!, and social media channels.
5. To provide content ideas and articles for COTD.
6. To oversee current and future work on the APDT brand in relation to LIMA and the Body of Knowledge (BOK).

Deliverables: Reporting on new marketing opportunities, effectiveness of marketing campaigns, and metrics to determine their success. Board Liaison is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the board consent agenda.
Prerequisite Experience: Experience with marketing principles and experience with effective communications. Previous experience in a marketing, editing or communications role preferred, but not necessary.

Resources: The committee will work with the following staff: APDT Marketing and Communications Director. Communications will be primarily via email/FB group (as needed), with eleven (11) monthly online meetings per year. Committee members should plan to attend the 2023 APDT conference in Covington, KY to participate in an in-person committee meeting. Committee members shall actively share, like and positively comment on posts created by APDT staff that will appear on various social media sites (i.e., APDT Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram).

Authority/Limitations: Members of the committee are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national, or international level without the prior written permission from the board.

Number of Members: 4-6 members + Board Liaison + Marketing and Communications Director

Co-Chairs: Sarah Bond and Jayne Barnstead

Board Liaison: Ines McNeil

Method of Committee Member Selection: The board of directors shall appoint the chair to the committee. The members of the committee will be selected from a call for volunteers from the general membership. Members of the committee are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The chair and committee members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.
Frequency of Meetings: Online meetings will be held monthly (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, November, December) with an in-person meeting in October. Meetings may become more frequent when the chair deems necessary. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 months
Community Group: 2023 Marketing Committee

Operational Alignment: Pursue opportunities to learn more about the reasons and factors why trainers join and/or leave the association.

Mission: To work towards improving membership growth, membership retention and the return on investment for current and prospective members.

Purpose (Role):

1. To pursue membership benefits from the supporting members, exhibitors and sponsors to promote to the membership.
2. To discuss and implement membership retention strategies.
3. To achieve the initiatives created by the Board to grow membership and revenue, including goals and objectives outlined in the APDT strategic plan, including:
   – Research and Implement (three)creative ways to help our members earn money during and after the pandemic, including wholesale opportunities with vendors and sponsors, etc.
   -Create a company membership model to submit to the Board for approval.
   -Conduct research on how many trainers there are in the industry and who are the largest organizations with trainers.
   -Analyze the needs and desires of Generation Z trainers and focus on attracting them to our organization.
   -Explore strategies to attract a more diverse membership base
   -Create strategies for member engagement.
4.  Create and review surveys for the membership on topics relevant to the association’s strategic plan and/or directed by the Board.

– Research creative ways to help our members earn money during and after the pandemic, including wholesale opportunities with vendors and sponsors, etc.

– Create a company membership model to submit to the Board for approval.

– Conduct research on how many trainers there are in the industry and who are the largest organizations with trainers.

– Analyze the needs and desires of the Next Gen and focus on attracting them to our organization.

– Create strategies for member engagement.

4. Create and review surveys for the membership on topics relevant to the association’s strategic plan and/or directed by the Board.

Deliverables:

-Creating and communicating new and vibrant membership benefits to the membership. Develop statistical information and metrics to determine how to better retain members. Chair is responsible to provide a written report each month to be included in the Board consent agenda.

-Grow membership renewal rates by 10% December 31st, 2023

-Grow membership new registrations by 10% by December 31st, 2023

Prerequisite Experience: Background in evaluating membership growth and retention strategies, and surveying. Must attend at least 8 monthly meetings in the year (no more than 4 missed meetings). Understand the time commitment is 3-5 hours of work a month including the hour-long meeting. Willing to participate in discussions and complete given tasks in a timely manner.

Resources: The task force will work with the following staff: APDT Executive Director. Communications will be via email and online community, with one (1) conference/video call per month on the 3rd Monday at 3:00 pm EST.

Authority/Limitations: Members of the task force are not official representatives of the APDT and cannot represent the APDT on a local, national or international level without the prior written permission from the Board.

Number of Members: 4-6 Members + Board Liaison + Staff

Chair: Evelia Rivera

Board Liaison: Erica Marshall

Method of Task Force Member Selection: The Board of Directors shall appoint the Chair to the task force and will work with the Chair to appoint the at-large members to the task force. Members of the task force are required to sign the APDT confidentiality and conflict of interest forms.

Accountability: The Chair and task force members are responsible to the Executive Director and the board of directors.

Frequency of Meetings: Conference calls will be held on a monthly basis (3rd Monday of the month at 3:00 pm EST) and may become more frequent per the direction of the chair. Other work will be communicated electronically via email or through the online community.

Proposed Date: ASAP
Effective Date: January 1, 2023
Duration: 12 Months
Community Group: 2023 Membership Task Force