FAQs: Volunteer Appointment Process

Committee involvement is a great way to become engaged with the Society. Committee opportunities are announced twice a year, in the winter and the spring. Additionally, ad hoc opportunities (e.g., working groups, task forces, microvolunteering assignments) may become available at any time for those interested in becoming involved as a volunteer. A variety of considerations are given to assigning members to the Contributor Track, including the needs of the position, diversity, expertise, conflicts of interest, and the competencies and skills being sought. In addition, the following information is maintained in the membership database and reviewed for those individuals being considered for volunteer assignments:

• The Volunteer Interest Form, which can be updated throughout the year

• Call for Volunteers Form (for interest specific to committee assignments – available in the winter and the spring)

• Feedback from leadership and staff (for those with HRS volunteer experience)

• Recommendations from members and staff

• Past and present involvement within the Society and other non-HRS organizations

While some members may prefer to remain in the Contributor Track, others may wish to progress to the Leadership Track by becoming a Chair or a Board member. The skills and behaviors expected for these roles are included in each job description and are defined within the Volunteer Competency Framework. Not all skills and behaviors are expected or required upon entering the leadership track, but should be developed as one serves in these leadership positions. Other factors are also considered in making assignments to the leadership track, including succession planning, performance, expertise, and diversity.

While Board and committee positions are assigned at designated times, ad hoc volunteer assignments, such as working groups, task forces or microvolunteering opportunities, may arise throughout the year.

There will be two separate Calls for Volunteers: one in the winter for limited committee positions with terms beginning in May, and a second in the spring for the majority of committees with terms beginning in October. Additionally, the Volunteer Interest Form on your member profile allows you to update your interests at any time.

While preference is given to HRS members, experience or expertise outside of the membership may be beneficial to certain assignments. In such cases, non-member volunteers will be considered.

The committee appointment process takes about five months, beginning with the Call for Volunteers: one in the winter for a limited number of committees with terms beginning in May, and a second for most committees in the spring, for committees with terms beginning in October. Other volunteer activities have a much quicker assignment process.

The President (or President-Elect, depending on the timing of the selection process) is granted the authority by the Board to make committee appointments, with consultation from the Immediate Past President, Chief Executive Officer, sitting and incoming Chairs, and Staff Liaisons.

Certain ad hoc assignments may be made by the President, Board, or a committee with the President’s approval. Board members and officers are voted in by the voting members, after Board approval of the Nominations Subcommittee’s recommendations. Microvolunteering opportunities are assigned as they develop.

Careful consideration is given to the selection process, taking into account a number of contributing factors. Committee and subcommittee appointments are distributed as equitably as possible, to ensure a manageable workload for individuals, and that opportunities for volunteer engagement and development are maximized. Multiple committee positions are typically not assigned unless a committee charge requires members in certain positions or with specific expertise.

Appointments are made based primarily on the needs of the position, along with the member’s expertise, competencies and skills, performance, and prior involvement in the Society and other non-HRS organizations. Wherever possible, appointments reflect a diverse mix of backgrounds, occupations, demographics (i.e., geography, ethnicity, gender), and interpersonal communication and problem solving styles.

Yes, committee preferences will be retained, yet members will have the opportunity to update their preferences each year. In addition, general, non-committee-specific interests are maintained on the Volunteer Interest Form of each member’s HRS profile and can be updated at any time.

While ad hoc positions will vary in term length, most committee terms last for one year with eligibility for appointment for two additional consecutive one-year terms. Reappointment is not automatic, as the committee make up is carefully reviewed annually to ensure the needs of the committee continue to be met.

The Finance, Health Policy & Regulatory Affairs and Heart Rhythm Program committee terms run May to May.

All other committee terms begin October 1 and end September 30.

All committee members are expected to:

• Abide by the Volunteer Code of Conduct

• Complete a disclosure form and update as necessary

• Fulfill the expectations of the committee’s charge

• Abide by the requirements of their job description

• Be familiar with the Volunteer Competency Model

• Anticipate an assessment at the end of their term

• Maintain membership in the Society

While it is understood that it may not be possible to attend all committee meetings, if circumstances prevent one from contributing as expected, the member should discuss his/her personal situation with the Chair as appropriate.

The first committee meeting includes an orientation to the history, responsibilities, and expectations of the committee and includes anything unique about the committee and its operations. In addition, the Committee Chair, Staff Liaison and Staff Advisor are available for continued support. 

Ask a colleague who serves in a leadership position as they should be familiar with the process. All Committee members, including chairs, and Board members are listed on the HRS website. Or you are welcome to reach out to [email protected].