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2026 ONA Board Committee Overview and Interest Form

→ Review the committee descriptions below. Please note that additional committees may be developed later this year.

→ Rank your preferences below.

→ Board members are placed in committees based on preference, continuity and need. → If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please complete this form by Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Awards & Gala
Governance
Programming Impact & Outcomes
Development & Partnership

Awards & Gala Committee

The Awards & Gala Committee is responsible for highlighting innovation and excellence in journalism through our Online Journalism Awards and individual award recognition programs, including the Rich Jaroslovsky Founder Award and the James Foley Award. The committee oversees the entry and judging processes and rules governing the awards. In 2026, with the ONA calendar changes allowing the OJA event to become a stand-alone, this committee will support that effort.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee is responsible for ongoing review and recommendations to enhance the quality and future viability of the board of directors. The work of the committee revolves around the following five major areas: board roles and responsibilities, board composition, board knowledge, board effectiveness, and board leadership. The governance committee also oversees the annual elections.

Programming Impact & Outcomes

The Programming Impact & Outcomes Committee is responsible for strategically supporting the staff in planning for the annual conference and year-round programming. The committee will provide advice and support in service of aligning the programming with the ONA strategic plan.

Development & Partnership Committee

The Development & Partnership Committee supports the fundraising and sponsorship efforts of the organization. Additionally, the committee supports the relationships and opportunities with other journalism support organizations.

Executive and Financial Oversight Committee  (determined through Board elections process)

The executive committee is responsible for working in support of, or occasionally in place of, the full board. It also oversees the approval of the budget, monitors and reports on the financial status and activities of the organization, and ensures the financial policies and practices are followed. 

– 2026 Chair: ONA President

– Members: Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Immediate Past President

Board Committee Interest

Please indicate below which committee(s) you are interested in serving on.

Your full name

Your email address

Please rank the committees you are interested in serving on in order of preference, noting that we will do our best to take preferences into account while also balancing representation on committees.

Please rank the committees you are interested in serving on in order of preference, noting that we will do our best to take preferences into account while also balancing representation on committees.
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If you are a returning board member, have you been placed in your first or second choice of committees in either of the past two years?

If you are a returning board member, have you been placed in your first or second choice of committees in either of the past two years?
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Are you interested in taking a committee leadership role?

Are you interested in taking a committee leadership role?
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B
C

We like to match volunteers with committees that are the best time commitment fit. Approximately how many hours per week/month could you devote to committee work? Are there any major time commitments or busy periods we should be aware of? 

Share any additional comments here.