Next steps: The change goes into effect immediately as the nominating committee is already deliberating for June’s new Board members. To be eligible for the YMG position, the member must be younger than 36 on June 1 of the election year. The change in the Board’s composition gives the YMG, which has more than 3,500 members, a collective voting voice.
She said it: “The Young Members Group is thrilled that the vote passed,” YMG Chair Catherine Prat told ANS News. “This reaffirms the message that the Society values diversity. Giving a seat at the table to a young member is an important step in making sure that the different groups within ANS each have representation.”
Thinking internationally: Although ANS has reduced the number of non-U.S. directors, the intention is not to reduce the Society’s international focus. Another element of the change plan is to incorporate international functions within the External Affairs Committee and to create a new ANS International Council that will advise the Board and the Executive Committee directly.