MEMBERSHIP

Any individual, business, or organization can be a member of the Maine Climate Table.   Members are asked to consent to the basic principles guiding the Maine Climate Table outlined on our web site.  Membership can be requested in writing by contacting the Chair of the Maine Climate Table through email (John Hagan, [email protected]), or through the membership page on the Maine Climate Table web site.

At present, Membership in the Maine Climate Table is free of charge, although financial and/or in-kind support is welcome.  Members receive regular mailings and discounts to Climate Table convenings and events.  Members are asked to provide annual feedback and advice on the priorities of the Maine Climate Table.

STAFFING

At present, the Maine Climate Table is staffed by a Chair and any other staff determined necessary by the Chair and the Steering Committee.  Staffing needs are outlined in the Annual Workplan presented to the Steering Committee in the quarter immediately preceding the start date of a fiscal year (January 1).

GOVERNANCE

The work of the Maine Climate Table is directed by a 12-seat Steering Committee.  Steering Committee members are elected for two-year terms and may serve for three consecutive terms.  The Steering Committee is comprised of individuals from the nonprofit and business sectors, as well as individuals who represent civil society.  Any member of the Steering Committee may nominate new members to the Steering Committee.  New members are elected through a simple majority vote by the existing Steering Committee.  Steering Committee members can be nominated and elected at any regularly scheduled Steering Committee meeting.  The Steering Committee nominates and elects the Chair of the Maine Climate Table every two years in the third quarter of the fiscal year (at present, the same as the calendar year).  The Chair is a voting member of the Steering Committee but may not vote on his/her election as Chair.

The programmatic and administrative work of the Maine Climate Table is led by the Chair but Steering Committee members and/or Climate Table members actively support the Chair. An Annual Workplan and Annual Budget must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Steering Committee at a meeting at which a quorum is present.  A quorum is defined as at least 50% of current Steering Committee members.  Voting can be conducted by email or in-person.

The Annual Workplan and Annual Budget must be approved by the Steering Committee in the quarter preceding the start of the fiscal year.  Any material modifications to the Budget or Workplan during the year will be presented to the Steering Committee by the Chair at the next regularly scheduled meeting, or, if urgent, via email or conference call between regular meetings.  Such modifications must be approved by a two-thirds majority of the Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee will meet at least quarterly, although it may meet more frequently if desired.

From time to time, the Steering Committee or Chair may form Working Groups necessary for advancing a project, or the interests, of the Maine Climate Table.  Working Groups may be comprised of Steering Committee members and/or external individuals who might help complete an activity or project of the Maine Climate Table.

The Chair bears primary responsibility for executing the Annual Workplan and for raising necessary funds to carry out the plan. It is expected that Steering Committee members, as well as relevant external individuals, will help execute the Workplan, where appropriate.

The responsibilities of the Steering Committee are:

1. To be ambassadors of the Maine Climate Table whenever and wherever possible.
2. To approve the Annual Workplan and Annual Budget for the Maine Climate Table.
3. To conduct an annual evaluation of the Maine Climate Table.
4. To the extent possible, support the Maine Climate Table financially.
5. To serve as a sounding board for issues brought to the Steering Committee by the Chair.
6. To make key introductions that could advance the interests and mission of the Maine Climate Table.
7. To work with the Chair individually or in groups to advance the interests and mission of the Climate Table, including assistance with fundraising efforts.
8. To raise the profile of the Climate Table within Maine, and to maintain a relationship with relevant state officials and government activities, such as the Maine Climate Council.
9. To nominate new members to the Steering Committee as needed, and to steward effective and proper governance of the Maine Climate Table.

The responsibilities of the Chair are:

1. To provide day-to-day leadership for advancing the goals of the Maine Climate Table—to engage more people on the climate issue by bridging political, cultural, sectoral, and socioeconomic boundaries.
2. To produce an Annual Workplan and Budget for the Climate Table for Steering Committee approval.
3. To make sure all elements of the Annual Workplan are completed within budget.
4. To recommend to the Steering Committee the hiring of any staff or subcontractors necessary to carry out the Annual Workplan.
5. To lead fundraising efforts to raise necessary funds to carry out the Annual Workplan, and to complete reporting to all funders.
6. To raise the profile of the Climate Table within Maine, and to maintain a relationship with relevant state officials and government activities, such as the Maine Climate Council. (same as Steering Committee)
7. To grow the membership of the Maine Climate Table.
8. To maintain a Steering Committee with diverse viewpoints.
9. To ensure the Steering Committee is kept apprised of the progress of the Maine Climate Table throughout the year.
10. To set the agenda and organize informative, regular, Steering Committee meetings according to the Maine Climate Table governance and guiding principles.
11. To facilitate the evaluation of the Maine Climate Table’s effectiveness at the end of each year, including feedback from the membership.