Description of National Board Positions

(ALL members eligible to apply. New officers appointed each Spring in Washington, D.C. by the BOT)
(For more information on applying, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Clinical Clerkships Director. The Clinical Clerkships Director shall:

• Establish, maintain, and continually update the national clerkship database of osteopathic elective rotations for SOMA members.
• Continually advertise the clerkship database and its benefits to both SOMA members and DO physicians so that the database may be fully utilized and allowed to expand in size each year.
• Update Clinical Clerkships webpage on www.studentdo.com.
• Provide resources to help with preparation for rotations, board exams, residency applications, interviews, and the match process via the Clinical Clerkships webpage and workshop activities at annual SOMA conventions.
• Address and represent the highly specific needs of 3rd and 4th year medical students during their clerkship years.

Convention Coordinator. The Convention Coordinator shall:

• Work closely with the SOMA President, Vice President, Administrator, any Board of Trustee Officer or National Board Officer scheduling a special meeting to address all their needs as far as equipment, materials, and special guests are concerned.
• Communicate with SOMA President and Vice President in terms of planning convention agenda, specifically for coordinating workshops.
• Communicate with the Region Trustees and chapter officers through letters, emails, and phone calls.
• Establish and distribute all registration information (location, dates, fee, deadlines, etc.) to all chapters, National Officers and other potential attendees at least two months prior to the convention.
• Investigate the convention cities and potential hotels, transportation, area dining, and entertainment with respect to cost, availability, access, etc.
• Create a Convention Booklet for each convention. Booklets should be electronic and provided for all conventions attendees. This booklet should include, but is not limited to:
  • Chapter Reports;
  • BOT/NB Reports;
  • Convention Agenda;
  • Advertisements;
  • LOI/CV of applicants for BOT if applicable;
  • Local Area Information specific to convention location.
• Promote the convention through the various SOMA publications.
• Assist in all convention activities including but not limited to:
  • Convention hall set-up;
  • SOMA delegate/alternate/attendee registration and check-in;
  • Distribution of nametags and other convention documents;
  • Coordinating workshops;
  • Promoting social events;
  • Advertising other projects.
• Plan social events for each night of the convention. Contact appropriate vendors and work out discounts and deals. Plan group dinner and event for BOT/NB (summer onl.

Foundation Associate Liaison. The Foundation Associate Liaison is a member of the SOMA Foundation and shall:

• Serve for two years to facilitate the term of their seat on the American Osteopathic Foundation’s Board of Directors.
• Represent SOMA to the AOF.
• Attend four semi-annual AOF Board of Directors meetings.
• Serve on one or more AOF committees.
• Submit a report to the SOMA Board of Trustees following each AOF board meeting.
• Help with fundraising for various SOMA scholarships and projects, including writing letters to donors and eliciting donations.
• Organize donors in the appropriate categories as follows: Corporate Members; Institutional Members (Diamond Club, Ruby Club, Emerald Clu; Individual Members (Platinum Club, Silver Club, Bronze Club, Well Wisher Clu. Submit this information biannually to the SOMA Board of Trustees for appropriate publication.
• Maintain a list of old NB/BOT records to help facilitate donor solicitations.
• Send Foundation membership recruitment packets biannually to SOMA alumni, osteopathic state associations, osteopathic schools and practice and non-practice affiliates.
• Devise innovative and creative tactics for Foundation membership recruitment.
• Maintain extensive correspondence with Foundation members by letter, phone and email.

Foundation Associate Director of Financial Affairs. The Foundation Associate Director of Financial Affairs is a member of the SOMA Foundation.

• To be Updated.

Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants. The Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants is a member of the SOMA Foundation and shall:

• Act as a procurer of new funding sources for the Foundation and as a liaison to recruit potential benefactors.
• Coordinate SOMA scholarships:
  • Confirm funding for all scholarships with scholarship donors;
  • Compile a complete list of scholarships and distribute scholarship information and deadlines to SOMA members;
  • Establish a Selection Committee for each scholarship and provide them with a description of the scholarship point system and confidential copies of scholarship applications for scoring;
  • Work with SOMA Administrator and Treasurer to disperse scholarship funds;
  • Conduct the presentation of scholarship awards at the Foundation Reception and distribute award letters notifying the recipients where to send thank you letters;
  • Publish scholarship award winners via appropriate SOMA publication (ie. letter, email, website, convention booklet, etc.)
• Work as the sole individual in the SOMA National Board to request grant funding:
  • Provide a template grant proposal for SOMA program directors/chairpersons to complete for funding;
  • Send proposals to various corporations for approval;
  • Work closely with the SOMA Administrator and Treasurer to inform SOMA program directors/chairpersons when the Administrator has received grant funding from corporations;
  • Send thank you letters to all scholarship and grant donors.
• Attend all SOMA Foundation meetings and receive all SOMA Foundation information.
• Work closely with the Chairman and Director on reviewing and preparing proposals for developing and funding educational and philanthropic programs.
• Assist the Chairperson and Director in the development of new scholarship programs and the improvement and execution of existing scholarship programs.
• Work closely with Unity Campaign Director to ensure funding for the Project.
• Carry out additional projects assigned by the Chairperson or Director.
• Keep a log of all donors and scholarship winners to aid in transition of the position.

International Health Programs Director. The International Health Programs Director shall:

• Prepare a presentation for each National Convention summarizing and promoting your program. Conduct all International Health Program (IHP) meetings.
• Continue to research, update and promote the SOMA International Health Guide database including information on externship opportunities in foreign countries.
• Interact closely with the SOMA Foundation, especially the Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants, to obtain funding for the International Health Guide database and other IHP programming.
• Submit articles and reports to the various SOMA publications.
• Work closely with other organizations interested in international health.
• Work closely with the Political Affairs Director in attempt to lobby for international practice rights for D.O.'s and for increased availability of international externship opportunities for osteopathic students.
• Develop, organize, promote, and carry out an annual World Health Day project for National SOMA at every local chapter.
• With the assistance of each Chapter President, appoint an IHP contact person for each chapter to distribute national IHP information to local SOMA members.

Minority Affairs Director. The Minority Affairs Director shall:

• Communicate with current minority SOMA members to assess the unique issues faced by minority populations and subsequently work with the rest of the national officer team to create programs and events that focus on such issues.
• Establish contacts and communicate with osteopathic schools, osteopathic professional organizations, and government agencies promoting rural and underserved medicine and represent SOMA to them.
• Supervise and modify the SOMA Rural and Underserved Medicine Preceptorship Program:
  • Establish and/or amend guidelines for preceptorship awards;
  • Establish current and additional funding with the Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants;
  • Assure distribution of program material to all chapters and SOMA members and enforce application deadlines;
  • Maintain a record of eligible rural and underserved sites and/or a list of qualifications that a potential site must meet to be approved.
• Continue to collect names and information about rural and underserved sites and add this information to the above described ( record.
• Work with the Director of Pre-SOMA to reach out to minority students interested in Osteopathic medicine, encourage them to apply to Osteopathic schools and assist them in the process.
• Research issues of health disparities among minority populations and bring such issues to light within SOMA by writing articles for the Newsletter and StudentDO.com, organizing workshops during national conventions and creating committees dedicated to such issues as necessary.
• Become aware of any loan repayment or other incentives available for those interested in training/practicing in rural or underserved areas.

Osteopathic Principles & practice Director. The Osteopathic Principles & practice Director shall:

• Prepare an OMT workshop for each SOMA Convention which will host a prominent and skilled D.O. mentor who operates a practice with OMT emphasis.
• Work closely with the Convention Coordinator to advertise the workshop, secure a meeting room for the workshop, and ensure that OMT tables are available during the convention.
• Work closely with the Treasurer and Foundation to assure that money is available for the workshop physician’s travel and hotel costs.
• Maintain and advertise the AT Still Memorial Scholarship.
• Work closely with the UAAO National President to collaborate efforts on osteopathic education and community projects; and if possible, attend the UAAO Convocation.
• Communicate regularly with OP&P departments at each school and the AOA to update them on or receive information for the OP&P program.
• Contact each Chapter President to determine the name of a local OP&P contact person. If there is no OP&P contact person at a chapter, you will receive information from and distribute information to the Chapter President.
• Communicate regularly with the SOMA Research and Development Task Force Director in order to generate ideas for possible osteopathic medical research.
• Update the OP&P page on SOMA's website and contribute OPP related information and articles to the various SOMA publications.
• Continue to develop and promote the Osteopathic Outreach Program.

Political Affairs Director. The Political Affairs Director shall:

• Follow national legislative developments which have the potential to impact SOMA members and the osteopathic medical community in general. Inform SOMA members about the proposed legislation’s procedural status and what action SOMA members might take to influence the proposed legislation.
• Take charge of any program in which SOMA is legislatively involved at the federal level. Draft position papers through National SOMA in support of or in opposition to relevant federal legislation. Contact local SOMA chapter presidents to increase support.
• Create a concise and informative “Washington Update” for each issue of the newsletter, website, or other SOMA publication.
• Maintain monthly bilateral discussions with the AOA to remain informed of osteopathically relevant political developments and update the AOA regarding SOMA’s activities promoting political involvement.
• Develop and maintain relationships with organizations (such as AACOM and the AOA) and individuals (such as the COSGP National Chairperso that could further SOMA’s political development goals.
• When possible, attend relevant conferences to remain informed, represent/promote SOMA, and represent/promote osteopathic medicine.
• Attend the AOA’s DO Day on the Hill (held each spring in Washington, DC).

Pre-SOMA Director. The Pre-SOMA Director shall:

• Remain in contact with all Pre-SOMA chapters across the nation.
• Offer guidance and support for all Pre-SOMA members.
• Receive from each Pre-SOMA chapter an annual list of officers, members, and an additional annual list of chapter activities.
• Disseminate information via local chapter leaders (SOMA & Pre-SOMA Chapter as well as the national Pre-SOMA listserv.
• Encourage constant growth and expansion of the program through establishment of new chapters.
• Strive to increase membership in all existing chapters.
• Remain in contact with AACOM and Pre-health advisors at undergraduate universities across the nation on a regular basis, ensuring that information about Pre-SOMA is made available to all pre-health students.
• Ensure that each Pre-SOMA chapter submits the required forms by the published deadlines throughout the year.
• Act as a mentor for all Pre-SOMA members by answering questions and referring students to other medical students, DOs, or associated professionals as appropriate.
• Update the Pre-SOMA guide each year, as well as, all other Pre-SOMA documents and the Pre-SOMA webpage.
• Advertise, collect applications for, and select winners for the annual DO Day on Capitol Hill scholarships.
• Encourage members to attend Fall and Spring conventions, and during convention, ensure that Pre-SOMA members have proper accommodations, are informed about what is happening, and introduce the students to other SOMA members.
• Hold as their primary goal, the assistance of all Pre-SOMA members in their endeavor to become successful osteopathic physicians.

Programs & Benefits Director. The Programs & Benefits Director shall:

• Work closely with National Board program directors to insure that they are communicating SOMA's programs and benefits correctly and effectively to chapters and Local Coordinators.
• Work with program directors to search for further incentives or rewards for all SOMA members related to the SOMA national committees.
• Assure distribution of program material to all appropriate SOMA members in ample time for applicants to meet deadlines or in time for chapter presidents to utilize this material for membership recruitment.
• Establish and carry out advertising and promotion of SOMA programs and benefits through frequent emails and phone calls to Chapter Presidents and communication with Region Trustees.
• Supervise the SOMA Insurance program, including Medical, Dental and Life.
• Help promote Loan Programs, SOMA Prescription Card Program, Geico Auto Insurance Program, AOA Credit Card Program and other SOMA rewards and incentives.
• Raise financial support for the general budget and for scholarships.
• Seek at least two new programs and benefits each year.
• Organize and award the Chapter of the Year and Officer of the year awards.
• Stay aware of any SOMA members' question or concerns and address them in a prompt and suitable manner.

Public Health Director. The Public Health Directors shall:

• Be in close contact with local chapter representatives regarding National SOMA Public Health projects.
• Help to create programs at the local level and coordinate projects based on prominent public health issues.
• Select at least two project ideas to convey to Local Coordinators:
  • AIDS Awareness;
  • Domestic Violence Awareness;
  • Minority Affairs;
  • Women’s health;
  • Prostate cancer prevention;
  • STD prevention and education;
  • Diabetic education;
  • Smoking cessation;
  • Youth Drug prevention;
  • Any other preventive medicine related concept.
• Plan the annual Fall convention and Spring convention Public Health Projects.
• Write articles for the various SOMA publications about SOMA Public Health Projects.
• Keep track of local chapters’ projects and inform chapters of National SOMA and local chapter projects throughout the year.
• Work with the National Board and Board-of-Trustees, especially the SOMA Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants, to secure funding for the Public Health Projects.

Public Relations Director. The Public Relations Director shall:

• Increase public awareness of SOMA and Osteopathic Medicine.
• Develop a working relationship between the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and SOMA.
• Help direct the strategies and tactics of any, and all, public endeavors.
• Work with the Board of Trustees, the National Board, and the Foundation to assist in their promotions or any projects/programs.
• Keep in touch with local SOMA chapters through their local PR coordinator:
  • Supply information on SOMA, Osteopathic Medicine, National Osteopathic Medicine (NOM) week, etc. to be used for local PR;
  • Give direction to Regional Trustees and local chapters for planning and implementing community projects on their campuses and in their communities to promote SOMA and Osteopathic Medicine;
  • Be aware of individual needs and modes of promotion available to each chapter;
  • Encourage the local PR coordinators to contact the SOMA Foundation Associate Director of Scholarships & Grants to seek funding for projects;
  • Encourage local PR coordinators communicate with the PR departments at local colleges, hospitals, and media outlets to aid chapters in promotion of osteopathic medicine.
• Contribute on behalf of SOMA the following:
  • Spotlight on SOMA article in The D.O.
  • Letters to Deans/Presidents of all Osteopathic schools
  • Invitations to appropriate parties for conventions and receptions
  • Thank you letters to appropriate parties
• Develop a strong working relationship and communicate with the AOA PR department to inform/update them on projects of both national and local SOMA and to get new ideas or assistance from them for SOMA projects.
• Submit articles/information regularly to AOA publications (JAOA and The D.O.) on SOMA news, projects and successes. Implement a "Student Focus" in AOA publications.
• Communicate with other SOMA Affiliated Societies and other professional medical or lobbying organizations to assist in promotion of their projects and organization.
• Develop new and innovative ways to promote SOMA and osteopathic medicine.

Research & Development Director. The Research & Development Director shall:

• Organize the SOMA National Research Symposium for students to participate in at the Fall Convention.
• Promote the SOMA Summer Research Fellowship Award offered to students during the summer. Organize application processes as necessary. Organize timelines for award recipients to fulfill necessary deadlines for fellowship completion.
• Work in conjunction with the coordinator of the AOA Division of Research Development on special projects.
• Complete website updates periodically to inform students of research events and programs offered.

Unity Campaign Director. The Unity Campaign Director shall:

• Promote unity among all SOMA members through national service projects.
• Organize the annual SOMA Unity Project( during winter break each year including:
  • Finding a location( for the project to take place;
  • Developing volunteer schedules;
  • Arranging hotel and transportation accommodations;
  • Working with organizations to receive funding for the project through grants.
  • Write articles for publication in The DO Magazine, the AOA Daily Report, and any other SOMA publication.

Website Director. The Website Director shall:

• Maintain the SOMA website.
• Have the following pre-requisites:
  • an understanding of web functionality in the Linux environment;
  • a background in programming any language;
  • comfortable working with a command-line interface at times or at least know where to find information to correctly execute commands;
  • be versed in the CIVICRM system and Joomla interface prior to taking full control of the website.
• Support the administrative functions of the organization by providing data for reports and interfaces for obtaining that information as well as ensure the integrity and privacy of the membership data.
• Assist in posting new content on the website through the Joomla administrative interface as requested by the various officers.

Description of Board of Trustee Positions

(Current BOT and NB members eligible for all positions except president which requires at least one year service on BOT)
(Chapter Presidents/NLO's eligible to apply for Region Trustee positions
(New BOT elected at each Fall meeting of the House of Delegates)

National President. The National President needs to be a true leader in every sense of the word. He/She must lead, support, motivate, and be there for all of his/her peers whom he/she was chosen to represent. He/She must create a sense of unity built on a strong foundation of what the Association's main goals and principles are in order to create a sincere enthusiasm and dedication for them. He/She must be determined and confident in this position and how it fits into his/her personal osteopathic medical career as it requires daily time and effort in order to run the Association efficiently and successfully. The Specific Roles of the SOMA National President shall include:

• Leadership and Guidance.
  • Lead general SOMA members according to the Constitution and Bylaws and must be well versed in this regard (Please refer to the Constitution and Bylaws for Presidential Duties as wel;
  • Provide guidance in terms of the National Association and follow through on regional and local levels as well;
  • Must be in attendance representing National SOMA at osteopathic medical or health care association meetings and give presentations on SOMA's behalf. If he/she cannot attend some functions, the National Vice President or a suitable national officer replacement shall be chosen with a briefing from the President.
• SOMA Foundation.
  • Act as a current member of the SOMA Foundation and also later as the Past-President of National SOMA;
  • Must perform all Foundation responsibilities determined by the Chairman and the other Directors;
  • Act as the communication link between National SOMA programming and the Foundation at all meetings of both boards.
• Fundraising.
  • Must be actively involved with the pharmaceutical and corporate sponsors of SOMA in order to gain funding for the organization;
  • Establish new routes of fundraising and work closely with the Foundation and other national officers that participate in this area to secure means for SOMA programming, conventions, etc.
• Responsibilities.
  • Keep in close contact with the national officers to be the communication link and the ultimate resource for general members on any SOMA concerns or topics;
  • Review and oversee all of SOMA's undertakings by anyone within the Association and take responsibility for them;
  • Direct general members to appropriate contacts and officers when inquiries about SOMA are made;
  • Establish contacts at all meetings where he/she represents SOMA and refer them to the appropriate programming chairman.
• Miscellaneous.
  • Cover the duties and responsibilities of all of his/her officers and fill in upon failure of their efforts;
  • Must do this job daily and communicate with the National Office Administrator to coordinate daily activities.

National Vice President & Speaker of the House. The National Vice President & Speaker of the House shall:

• Perform all of the duties of Vice President & Speaker of the House, and in the absence of the National President, shall act as the Interim-President and assume the duties of the President, including the duty of Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
• Communicate regularly with the National President and assist the National President with any and all duties/tasks/programs he/she deems necessary.
• Prepare and amend the agenda for each National Convention with recommendations from the Board of Trustees, the Convention Coordinator, and the SOMA Foundation Chairman.
• Serve as Speaker of the House of Delegates.
  • Become very familiar with the Association's Constitution and Bylaws, and SOMA Process, as well as Robert's Rules of Order Revised;
  • Conduct the House of Delegates sessions according to the SOMA Process and Robert's Rules of Order Revised;
  • Establish the order of business (agend for the House of Delegates with recommendations from the Board of Trustees, the Convention Coordinator, and the SOMA Foundation;
  • Take roll call at each House of Delegates meeting to confirm the appropriate voting delegates, alternates, and/or proxies are represented from each chapter;
  • Designate a Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates, if necessary, to assist with the direction and control of the floor of the House of Delegates;
  • Assist the Nomination or Election Committee in conducting elections during the National Conventions and supervise all aspects of the election process;
  • Submit a report, within two weeks after the convention, that summarizes the results of the House of Delegates session; including all resolutions passed and defeated and all resolutions that amend the Association's Constitution and Bylaws and/or SOMA Process;
  • Update the Association's Constitution and Bylaws and/or SOMA Process within one month of each National Convention. Any major editorial changes or removals, excluding Policies passed in the House Of Delegates, shall be made known to the body of the House of Delegate in a report to be published in the convention packet. The Board of Trustees shall be responsible for vetting the report.
• Act as or appoint and oversee the Chairperson of the House of Delegates Reference Committee.
  • Educate the committee as to the resolution writing process and election guidelines, and if necessary refer them to the appropriate sections of the Association's Constitution and Bylaws and/or SOMA Process;
  • Ensure that the completed resolutions get typed and printed for the House of Delegates.
• Serve as a member of the SOMA Foundation.
  • Attend all Foundation meetings and functions;
  • Assist the Foundation Chairman with any and all activities he/she deems necessary.
• Serve as a voting member of the Board of Trustees (when not acting as Interim-Presiden.
• Serve as an Ex-Officio Member of all National SOMA committees and make every effort to attend, or send a representative to meetings that occur during the scheduled conventions.
• Attend the AOA House of Delegates meeting.
• Represent SOMA at national meetings of the AOA, Consortium of Medical Student Leaders, and any other meetings the National President deems necessary.
• Assist the National President with the development of, and communication with, any and all Affiliated Societies.
• Keep updated records of all task lists for each national position and update job descriptions/task lists as you deem necessary to be approved for revision by the Board of Trustees.

National Treasurer. The National Treasurer shall:

• Represent National SOMA's financial interests internally and externally.
• Work closely with the National President and the Foundation Chairman.
• Serve as a voting member of, and attend all meetings of, the Board of Trustees and SOMA Foundation.
• Formulate the National Budget for the Association and the SOMA Foundation and submit it for approval at the mid-year meeting of the Board of Trustees and SOMA Foundation Board of Directors.
• Oversee the financial actions of the Association by:
  • Monitoring and maintaining a record of all expenses and revenues;
  • Handling all check writing and reimbursements;
  • Enforcing all fines established by the Association;
  • Approving all expenditures, over $100 or over budget limits, along with two other members of the Board of Trustees;
  • Providing the financial statement for the Annual Report;
  • Choosing and working with a tax accountant, keeping SOMA IRS records, and maintaining SOMA's good tax record;
  • Keeping an accurate record of all contact and correspondence with the tax accountant in order to assist in a smooth transition;
• Oversee and monitor the financial well being of the SOMA Foundation by:
  • Serving as Treasurer of the SOMA Foundation;
  • Receiving and placing all funds into the SOMA Foundation Treasury;
  • Keeping and maintain accurate records of all funds deposited in, and disbursed from, the SOMA Foundation Treasury;
  • Working with the American Osteopathic Foundation to obtain advice and guidance on managing the funds of the SOMA Foundation.
• Work directly with the Corporate Advisory Board of the SOMA Foundation.
• Work directly with the various representatives of the pharmaceutical companies that work closely with SOMA.
• Chair the Finance Committee.
• Assist local Chapter Treasurers with their budgets and treasury issues.
• Provide advice to the SOMA Foundation and the SOMA Board of Trustees on the establishment and implementation of present and future educational and philanthropic programs.

Foundation Chairperson. The Foundation Chairperson shall:

• Uphold the objectives of the SOMA Foundation (Please refer specifically to the Bylaws of the SOMA Foundatio.
• Establish long and short-term goals that are aimed to accomplish the objectives of the SOMA Foundation and create a timeline from which to fulfill duties with the SOMA Foundation.
• Raise funds for the SOMA Foundation and SOMA’s affiliated programs. Contact all large donors (>$10 and establish a personal relationship each year.
• Develop, execute and evaluate all general SOMA Foundation meeting preparations such as agendas, invitations, facilities and informational materials at least one ( month prior to each meeting.
• Establish and maintain superior communication with:
  • SOMA Foundation members;
  • Potential members of the SOMA Foundation;
  • The SOMA National President, the SOMA Board of Trustees and the remainder of the SOMA National Board;
  • The SOMA National Administrator;
  • Other Foundation officers;
  • American Osteopathic Association;
  • American Osteopathic Foundation;
  • The executive officers of osteopathic foundations, associations, hospitals and affiliated societies;
  • Deans and Directors of Medical Education
  • Pharmaceutical companies;
  • Corporations and other potential benefactors.
• Oversee affiliated program proposal development and promotion.
• Oversee the establishment and continued activity of the Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) and to relate Foundation progress to these groups. Act as a meeting chairperson for the CAB and develop, execute and evaluate all SOMA Foundation CAB meetings including agendas, invitations, facilities and informational materials at least one ( month prior to each meeting.
• Act as a voting member of the SOMA Board of Trustees.
• Attend all SOMA meetings and receive all Foundation information.
• Organize foundation booths for Summer and Fall conventions.
• Act as official spokesperson and inspirational leader for the SOMA Foundation and take part in important monitoring and evaluation of organizational performance.
• Organize and manage the Northrop Educator of The Year award.
• Organize the Annual SOMA Foundation Reception with the help of the other Foundation leaders to find corporate sponsorship. Act as master of ceremonies and conduct presentation of honors and non-scholarship awards at the reception.
• Oversee all foundation positions. Receive minutes of AOF meetings from Foundation Associate Liaison.
• Develop, edit and distribute the SOMA Foundation newsletter (printed biannuall to the General Membership and the SOMA National Board on a timely basis.
• Ascertain or develop, carry out, and evaluate a sales and marketing plan to promote the SOMA Foundation’s program increase funding. Sales and marketing plans will be evaluated at each meeting by the Board of Trustees.
• Pass down a complete list of supporters and potential supporters to the incoming Chair and Director.

Foundation Director. The Foundation Director shall:

• Help the Chairperson develop and implement marketing plans.
• Help the Chairperson develop agenda for the following meetings: Corporate Advisory Board (CAB) and the Board of Trustees.
• Help develop and produce SOMA Foundation brochures and promotional material.
• Help the Chairperson review proposals for educational and philanthropic programs.
• Help the Chairperson contact larger non-healthcare corporations and foundations for donations.
• Act as Foundation liaison in recruiting potential benefactors. \
• Attend all SOMA Foundation meetings and receive all SOMA Foundation information.
• Oversee the finances of the SOMA Foundation in conjunction with the American Osteopathic Foundation.
• Work closely with the SOMA Administrator and Foundation Treasurer to regulate the Foundation budget, prepare yearly tax statements, prepare the Annual Report of the SOMA Foundation, and maintain financial records, including donor lists.
• Send billing and thank you letters to Foundation members for annual dues and keep a log of all SOMA contributors to submit to the Associate Director of Membership.
• Send thank you letters to all previous supporters, COMs, State/Specialty organizations thanking them for past participation and encouraging their continued support.
• Send holiday cards to large donors.
• Receive and submit logs of grant donors, scholarship contributors and scholarship winners, with special attention to the Medical Education Scholarship recipients.
• Allocate 25% of the annual dues of each Foundation member to be invested in the SOMA Capital Campaign.
• Mail The Chronicle as necessary.
• Carry out all additional projects assigned by the Chairperson.

Membership Coordinator. The Membership Coordinator shall:

• Conduct an efficient and effective SOMA membership drive nationally and at the local chapters.
• Ensure that all local chapters are fully informed, equipped, and prepared to execute a successful membership program.
• Prepare and distribute membership packets to each chapter president by July 1sy of each year. Work closely with the Programs & Benefits Director in doing this to include information about attractive SOMA membership privileges and other recruitment ideas. Stay aware of any SOMA programs implemented by other National Board officers so that these ideas may be added to the membership packet.
• Obtain a schedule of each school's membership drive and dues amount.
• Keep a current list of membership recruitment activities/programs conducted at each chapter and share this information regularly with all chapters in order to improve membership stats at other schools.
• Set local membership goals for each chapter based on membership percentages. New membership goals should be set and distributed at each spring convention.
• Update the HOD on membership statistics and pertinent issues during each National convention. Include membership statistics in convention reports.
• Communicate regularly with each chapter to ensure their members are remaining active. Assist them in any way possible to help their chapters thrive. Maintain effective communication through:
  • Phone calls to Chapter Presidents;
  • Phone calls to Region Trustees to update stats and to call attention to chapters who are experiencing challenges with membership recruitment;
  • Reports in various SOMA publications.
• Work with chapters individually during their critical times of membership recruitment (e.g., call chapter presidents one week before club da.
• Answer questions from SOMA members throughout the year and reach out to members to help them make the most of their SOMA membership.
• Maintain the National SOMA List Serve and utilize this tool as a means by which to keep all SOMA members informed on the National level. Update as necessary.

Region Trustee. Each Region Trustee represents the designated Chapters in his/her Region as a member of the Board of Trustees and serves as the coordinator among those schools, according to Article XIII, Section 5 of the Association’s Constitution and Bylaws. Region Trustees shall:

• Communicate regularly with every Chapter in their Region.
  • Call and get to know all Chapter Presidents and National Liaison Officers in your Region;
  • Provide guidance, information, and transitional support for the new officers;
  • Create a Regional Newsletter informing Chapters of national events as well as local events at individual schools in order to share ideas and possibly allow students to attend events at other nearby schools;
  • Collect a quarterly report from each Chapter, written or verbally;
  • Prepare the format of, deliver, and confirm receipt of quarterly membership reports from each chapter;
  • Submit a Regional Update to be included in National SOMA publications.
• Be aware of the individual needs of each Chapter in your Region, i.e., in regard to small town vs. big city; small membership vs. large membership; acceptance of SOMA on campus; administrative requirements for an organizations at each campus; etc. Work closely with those Chapters that may need added attention towards improving membership, fundraising and programming.
• Assist Chapters with fundraising. Provide successful fundraising ideas and implementation guidelines and a forum for exchanging such ideas with each Chapter.
• Aid Chapters in implementing National programs and policy as well as in setting up local Boards (emulating the National Boar.
• Facilitate elections of local officers at each school in your Region. Be sure they are on time and in accordance with the Association's Constitution and Bylaws and/or SOMA Process.
• Relay important information regarding conventions or other national events to the local Chapters.
• Remind Chapters of any national deadlines.
  • Be sure Chapters submit membership lists, dues, and any officer or membership name and/or address changes to the National Office;
  • Be sure each of your Chapters is represented at National Conventions;
  • Be sure Chapters submit President/NLO reports, room registrations, and convention registration forms to the appropriate officers and on a timely basis.
• Communicate any needs of any Chapter in your Region to the appropriate Board of Trustee or National Board member as soon as possible. Work with the Board of Trustees and the President's Advisory Cabinet to assist in communication with your local Chapters.
• Act as a voting member of the SOMA Board of Trustees. Represent constituents at all voting of the Board of Trustees.
• Attend all Board of Trustee meetings, specifically at the National Conventions and at interim teleconferences. Coordinate and chair the Regional Conclaves at the National Conventions.
• Manage funds appropriated by National SOMA for your Regional Conclave.
• Be responsible for recording the proceedings of the Board of Trustees and the National Board and, if necessary, for the House of Delegates.
• When possible, organize Regional educational or social events in order to facilitate relationship with and maintain SOMA spirit among the local Chapters.

Member-At-Large. The Member-At-Large represents the members of the SOMA National Board to SOMA Board of Trustees and the SOMA Foundation Board of Directors. The Member-At-Large shall:

• Act as liaison between the SOMA National Board and the SOMA Board of Trustees by providing advice to both bodies on present and future ideas and programs.
• Provide advice to the SOMA Foundation Board of Directors on the establishment and implementation of present and future educational and philanthropic programs.
• Act as voting member of the SOMA Board of Trustees and, if selected, as a voting member of the SOMA Foundation Board of Directors.
• Act as a liaison to recruit potential benefactors.

AOA Board of Trustees Position

(ALL members eligible to apply. Appointed each Spring in Washington, D.C. by the BOT)

AOA Board of Trustees, Student Trustee. The American Osteopathic Association, Student Trustee represents all Osteopathic medical students. It is an appointment by the AOA (nominated by SOMA) that is shared on alternating years between SOMA and COSGP. The premise of its creation in 2000 was for there to be a student voice on the AOA Board of Trustees, with all rights, privileges and responsibilities of that board. The student trustee shall actively communicate and work with national student association leaders, and fulfill all AOA responsibilities. The American Osteopathic Association, Student Trustee shall:

• Attend all meetings and conference calls of the AOA Board of Trustees.
• Maintain confidentiality and the standards of business of the AOA Board of Trustees.
• Fulfill all appointments to AOA Bureaus, Councils and Committees.
• Actively communicate with student leaders, at all levels, in order to have a proper gauge on student topics and better represent the osteopathic medical student body as a whole.
• Actively engage AOA BOT physicians on behalf of all Osteopathic medical students.
• Constantly work to address the concerns, questions or ideas of specific students and medical schools, as the situation demands.
• Encourage SOMA and COSGP to work together at the local and national levels. The AOA student trustee shall also foster a forum for national student leaders other than just COSGP and SOMA.