Area Chairs
Summary of role
The three area chairs for Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington are an important part of the devolved structure of Warwick District Green Party. Their role is to ensure that: the area group works well as a team; potential gaps are covered; area level decisions are decided and activities completed in a timely manner. They also act as a point of contact for enquiries and between the committee and the local group. Whereas the ward campaign managers focus on ward specific target-to-win election related tasks and team building, the area chair will take a broader view linking people and campaigns where necessary.
Why is this role important?
The area chair is not there to do things or make key decisions by themselves, but to ensure that the area group works effectively. An area without a chair might be OK for a while but is likely to lose its effectiveness and direction and is more likely to be susceptible to communication or relational breakdowns.
Time Commitment
4 hours per month plus dealing with urgent issues (perhaps taking 5 hours once every 6 months).
Tasks included in role
- Ensure area level activities are planned and communicated well in advance and completed. This includes Green Drinks, other socials or policy events, member ring rounds & delivery of annual gathering letters and area wide action days. It may also include activities in the Campaign manager role description if they are done on an area basis not a target ward basis.
- Ensure that members and supporters stay connected with Green Party councillors and have an opportunity to shape policy direction.
- Ensure that strategic decisions are taken in advance with the appropriate people involved. For example, deciding on target wards and campaign strategy should be done in conjunction with the Election Strategy lead, the West Midlands Field Organisers and approved by WDGP committee.
- Liaise with the West Midlands Field Organiser and Campaign managers to ensure that target-to-win activities are happening on schedule.
- Represent the area group on the Warwick District Green Party Committee and feedback actions and decisions of the Committee to the area group.
- Provide informal encouragement and support to activists in the area, particularly campaign managers.
- Promote a welcoming, inclusive, healthy culture in the local area and help resolve conflict in the area in line with Green party values.
- Identify existing or upcoming gaps in roles and foster training and development of activists in the area. Ensure that new people are looked after at events.
- Deal with enquiries from the public e.g. that come via the info@warwickdistrict.greenparty.org.uk email address.
Skills needed
- Organisation: ability to proactively plan, think ahead and ensure tasks are completed on time.
- Relational: ability to encourage, be sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and resolve conflict.
- Problem solving: ability to promote solutions to problems as they arise, involving the right people at the right time.
- Cultural: An understanding of and ability to promote Green Party values and principles.
What help will I receive?
The Chair of the Warwick District Party, the West Midlands Field Organiser and WDGP committee are available for support.
Responsible to
The area’s regular activists, Green Party members and Warwick District Green Party Committee. The area chair is chosen by the area members and supporters in whatever way they wish.
Succession
The role of area chair could be taken on as a job share where someone with less experience could be trained up to take on the role