Leadership Elections

Nominees must be current members in good standing for at least one year by the time of the election deadline. Candidates may only submit nominations in the chapter with which they are affiliated (as reflected on their online member profile) at the time the call for nominations closes.

Please note the following requirements for chapter leaders:

• Attend and participate in chapter board meetings.
• Organize at least one local chapter event within the calendar year.
• Maintain current membership in the organization.
• Participate in chapter leadership calls organized by the National Office.
• Carry out Strategic Goals expectations related to chapters.
• Chapter presidents are encouraged to attend at least one national board meeting annually.
• Chapter leaders are encouraged to attend the Chapter Leadership Meeting held during the National Convention.
• Chapter board members will need to be available to the staff.

Nominees for NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists chapter leadership positions – both new candidates and those planning to run for re-election – shall be required to submit a nomination form detailing, among other things, their journalism and media experience, current employment status and a statement explaining why they are seeking office. The NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists elections chair and national staff shall use the information to confirm the nominee’s membership status and eligibility for office. Upon request, non-confidential information in the application shall be made available to the membership.

In the event of a contested election, online polling for chapter leadership will be made available to members in good standing. According to NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists bylaws, chapter election polls are advisory, but, to date, the board has never failed to follow the election results.

Nominees must be current members in good standing for at least one year by the time of the election deadline. Candidates may only submit nominations in the chapter with which they are affiliated (as reflected on their online member profile) at the time the call for nominations closes.

All candidates must fill out their own nomination form. Nominations must be submitted to Elections Chair David Steinberg at elections@nlgja.org by 5 p.m. ET on December 3, 2024. Candidates must provide a comprehensive 200-word biography and platform to be included in their nomination form. This will be distributed to the members of NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists during the elections process.

Download the nomination form here.

• Any campaigning and electioneering online, including social media and email communications, must come from a personal account. Candidates may not use any NLGJA-sanctioned national or chapter accounts, emails addresses, logos or other branding to promote their candidacy.
• NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists will distribute a listing of candidates and platforms/bios to current members. The association will not provide membership lists to any candidate for campaign purposes.
• Candidates may reach out to members directly through other means at their discretion, but should act responsibly and be respectful of members.
• While campaigning, candidates should urge all members in good standing to participate in the polls, and encourage lapsed members to renew their membership so they may participate in the elections.

Executive Committee members may serve two consecutive terms in each office and at-large national board directors may serve three consecutive terms. All national board of director terms are for two years.

All nominees must be members in good standing for at least one year by the time of the election. Those seeking an Executive Committee seat must also have served as an at-large board of directors member or chapter president for at least one year as of the election. Eligible members may nominate themselves.

All Board Members are required to:

• Attend and participate in board meetings: Board Members must attend at least one of the two in person meetings (mid-year, convention) and at least one of the twice-annual board calls.
• Maintain current membership in the organization.
• Participate actively in committee/task force work.
• Raise or give at least $1,500 for the organization each year.
• Board members will need to be available to staff.
• Be active in their local chapter.

No more than two board members may be elected from any one chapter.

All candidates must fill out their own nomination form. Candidates must provide a comprehensive 200-word biography and platform to be included in your nomination form. This will be distributed to the members by NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists during the elections process.

In the event of a contested election, online polling for the NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists National Board of Directors will be made available to members following the nominations period. According to NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists bylaws, board elections are advisory, but, to date, the board has never failed to follow the election results.

Election results will be ratified by the Board of Directors at the Fall board meeting, typically held during the National Convention. Nominees are encouraged to attend.

Campaign guidelines for those running for executive committee or board member positions:

• Any campaigning and electioneering online, including social media and email communications, must come from a personal account. Candidates may not use any NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists-sanctioned national or chapter accounts, emails addresses, logos or other branding to promote their candidacy.
• NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists will distribute a listing of candidates and platforms/bios to current members. NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists will not provide membership lists to any candidate for campaign purposes.
• Candidates may reach out to members directly through other means at their discretion, but should act responsibly and be respectful of voting members.
• While campaigning, candidates should urge all members in good standing to vote, and encourage lapsed members to renew their membership and vote.