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Volunteers & Committees

We need you.
There are all kinds of ways you can help.

Volunteering

Volunteering connects you to our community of families, saves your organization money, helps
you build a network of parents to share information, and helps increase public awareness.
DSALA exists to help support your family’s needs, please help us continue the support.

Volunteer Application    What's Your Talent?

  • Like talking to people? You’d probably be great at helping with our community efforts or staffing fund raising events that save us thousands of dollars.

  • Love parties? We’d love your help at one of our fundraisers. Or host a parent support group.

  • Got a special skill? We can always use writers, carpenters, marketers, etc.

  • Are you the quiet type? C’mon down and give us a hand in the office. Assist with mailings, answering phones, data entry, or preparing resource materials.

  • Have lots of friends? Help us organize a fundraiser. Start a support group. Head a team at the Buddy Walk.

Contact the DSALA Office at 818-786-0001 or info@dsala.org

 

Committees 

Overview of Committees

Note that the following list is not intended to suggest that all of these committees should exist within one organization; it is ultimately up to the organization to determine which committees should exist and what they should do for that organization. Committees and their assignments are often specified in the organization’s by-laws. The following information has been adapted from materials by BoardSource and the Free Management Library.   

For the current list of committees and its members, please download this PDF.

Contact the DSALA Office at 818-786-0001 or info@dsala.org for more information. 

 

Types of Committees 

•Board Committees - support the work of the board

•Program Committees - support specific programs or organizational activities 

•Standing Committees - ongoing committees which address major activities/functions

•Ad Hoc Committees - address short-term activities 

•Special Event Committees - manages/supports special events

 

The Role of Committees 

•A committee should be established when issues are too complex and/or numerous to be handled by entire board

•Committees sometimes recommend policy for approval by the entire board

•Committees should use of board members’ expertise & volunteer expertise 

•Committees do not supplant the responsibility the board

•Standing committees should set up a regular meeting schedule 

 

Developing Committees

•Define committee’s specific set of tasks to address, and ensure board members understand committee’s purpose

•Have at least one and no more than three board members on each committee

•Board members should serve on no more than three committees

•Clearly define who the committee reports back to – may be board or Executive Director

•Be clear on what type of support committees can expect from staff

•Board meeting should include committee reports 

•Include non-board volunteers and individuals who support the DSALA       

•Consider which committee will need a staff member to be assigned 

•Committee chairs are often appointed by the board   

•The president should serve as ex officio to standing board committees