In light of ‘good practice’ in other similar specialist groups – such as
the Elections, Public Opinion and Parties (EPOP) specialist group of the
PSA, and the ECPR Standing Group on Gender – we feel that the Women and
Politics Specialist Group of the PSA should become more professional in
its organization. To this end, we feel that the Convenors of the group,
hitherto distinguished as a Convenor and a Treasurer should be
reconfigured as either a) joint convenors or b) lead and deputy convenor
for a fixed period of office. FYI, the ECPR standing group on Gender takes
the former approach for a period of two years whilst EPOP takes the latter
approach, with the deputy ‘shadowing’ the convenor and then taking over
office.
We would like therefore to initiate a consultation with our members
1. Should W&P establish a formal co-convenor organization or a
lead/deputy model, or remain with a convenor and treasurer?
2. Should the period of office be 2 years or 3 years?
We will presume support for an outcome that establishes fixed term
offices, though we do not presume the outcome vis a vis different
organization of offices.
Accordingly, we are announcing our intention to stand down as Convenor and
Treasurer at the February 2008 W &P Annual Conference, being held at the
University of Surrey; it is our intention, again following the practice of
ECPR standing group, to hold an ‘on line’ election, if necessary, to
identify the next convenors of the group.
Timescale for this consultation:
Initial response by members to questions 1 & 2 above, by 16th of November
Outcome will be circulated by email, the following week
Call for nominations for new convenors to be received by 30th of November –
nominations should include a ‘mini-manifesto’
Elections to be held via email 1st-14 of December.
Results announced 21st of December.
Handover to take place at W&P Annual Conference, February 2008.
We've had a great time being convenors and would thoroughly recommend it.
yours
Sarah and Rosie
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