Advisory Council
Advisory Council
Applications are now closed for the Advisory Council.
GUIDELINES FOR ALLIANCE OF INDIANA RURAL WATER
ASSOCIATE MEMBER ADVISORY COUNCIL
Council Name
The official name is AIRW Associate Member Advisory Council.
- Council Composition
The Council shall consist of nine members total: seven elected Associate Members and two current Associate Board Members, who will serve as Chair and Vice Chair.
All individuals must be employees of an Associate Member company in good standing with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (AIRW).
- Nomination and Election Process
Prior to the Fall Conference, AIRW staff will solicit nominations from the AIRW Associate Membership.
Candidates must have support from their employer and commit to the responsibilities of Council service.
Voting will occur at the Fall Conference or virtually in conjunction with the Fall Conference, where each Associate Member company in good standing will receive one vote.
If an individual is elected to both the Associate Board and the Council, the next highest vote-getter will be appointed to the Council.
- Term Length and Re-Election
Council Members shall serve three-year terms, beginning January 1 and ending December 31 of the third year, following the election that typically takes place during the Annual Fall Conference.
Members may be re-elected after sitting out for one year, unless no other candidates have applied.
If a position is not filled during the annual election, it will be filled by a vote of the Council present.
- Vacancies and Resignations
In the event of a vacancy due to resignation, removal, or ineligibility, the present Council will vote to appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term.
- Removal from Council
A member may be removed for failing to meet attendance requirements, voluntary resignation, no longer being employed by an AIRW Associate Member, or other just cause as determined by a majority vote of the full Council.
- Attendance and Participation Requirements
The Council will meet periodically throughout the year. Two of the meetings will be held prior to the Spring and Fall Conferences to assist with vendor booth assignments and related planning.
Council Members are required to attend at least 60% of scheduled Council meetings annually, with a minimum of two being in person.
Most Council meetings are held in person, and members are strongly encouraged to attend onsite to foster engagement, collaboration, and connection. Virtual attendance is permitted for meetings designated as remote but should be used only when in-person attendance is not feasible.
Council Members must also attend at least one AIRW Conference per calendar year.
- Council Leadership and AIRW Liaison
The Chair and Vice Chair of the Council shall be the current Associate Board Members.
The President of AIRW, or a designated representative, shall attend at least one Council meeting per year.
The Executive Director, or an appointed staff member, will attend all Council meetings and provide pertinent updates and reports such as event outcomes, Associate Member communications, and financial overviews.
- Council Member Expectations & Responsibilities
Council Members are expected to actively contribute to the mission of the Associate Member Advisory Council and the broader goals of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. Responsibilities include serving as a liaison between AIRW and the broader Associate Membership, offering feedback, sharing updates, and supporting initiatives that enhance member engagement.
Members are expected to participate meaningfully in meetings and discussions, including preparing by reviewing agendas and relevant materials in advance.
They assist with key planning efforts, including vendor booth assignments and engagement activities tied to AIRW initiatives such as events and trainings.
They promote open communication and collaboration among Associate Members and AIRW staff, maintain professional conduct, and represent AIRW positively within the industry.
Members should communicate their commitment and responsibilities to their employer prior to election, ensuring organizational support for their participation.
Updated July 2025