SBAND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NEW DEVELOPMENTS AT SBAND
TONY J . WEILER SBAND Executive Director
I try to use my space in each Gavel to give members an idea of what is happening at SBAND or what has been keeping us busy . A few new developments that I ’ d like to highlight are NDFreeLegalAnswers . org , our new communities feature for our section members , and our Investment Committee .
NDFreeLegalAnswers . org is a way for more members to get involved in pro bono work . Members of the public can ask a question and an attorney takes the question and provides an answer . It ’ s an easy and fast way to help someone who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer . Clients still need to income qualify , and once they do , they can pose a question . Lawyers can then take a question and email the answer to the client . No attorney client relationship is established unless the parties agree to do so , and there are protections in place to avoid and check conflicts . After you have answered the question , your work with that client is finished . We need more lawyers to sign up , but we really need you to take and answer a question . SBAND believes this is a great way for our members to help our citizens who need it most and get pro bono hours at the same time .
Keep in mind our Volunteer Lawyer Program also needs your help . We have many cases you can take on a pro bono basis or for a reduced fee . While most of the cases are in family law , that isn ’ t the only area of need . You can also do pro bono work on a limited scope basis , and we have forms that help you do that as well . And as a final bonus , you get CLE credit for doing pro bono work up to three hours per reporting period . The program ’ s motto is “ take one case at a time ,” and you may find it very rewarding to help someone who really needs the help .
We recently shared news of our new communities . In October , we launched Higher Logic Communities , an online platform for you to connect , engage , and learn with fellow SBAND section members . This feature is limited to section members , so if you have ever thought about joining a section , now may be the time .
The new features you can expect in Higher Logic Communities include :
• Discussions ! Now you ' ll have the ability to communicate and connect on important topics with fellow members .
• Resource sharing . All attachments posted to discussions are archived in a dedicated resource library . You can also add documents to share anything you want .
• Member directory search . You can find members by name , location , company , or area of interest .
Members will be subscribed to the Consolidated Daily Digest version of your section ( s ) community , meaning members will get an email each day containing all the previous day ' s posts . All the questions and answers will be archived and searchable for future reference . We believe this will add a lot of value to our sections , and we hope you will , too .
The SBAND Board of Governors created an Investment Committee in 2022 . Duties of the committee are to develop an investment policy ( IP ) to include an investment philosophy and investment strategy in line with our constitutional constraints , while recognizing the need to invest our members ’ money wisely . Due diligence procedures for selecting and monitoring investment options should be well-articulated and provided to members on a regular basis . The policy should include benchmarks for measuring plan performance , for selecting and evaluating investment managers , and evaluation criteria and procedures for replacing them . The IP should be reviewed annually to account for any inconsistencies in plan management .
Members include the secretary-treasurer of SBAND , the president-elect , which is elected in odd years , and three members of the association appointed by the board of governors . The committee is currently seeking an investment advisor to help with the goals and invest some of SBAND ’ s reserves in a diligent and secure manner .
Finally , the SBAND staff and I are busy working on the 2023 SBAND budget . The budget is compiled every fall and voted on by the board of governors at its November meeting . The budget is comprised of our best estimates ( using past budget figures ) for our revenue and expenditures . The board looks at each and every line item to make sure we are running under or on budget for the year . We strive to run a “ tight ship ,” while providing you with the best possible member service . If we can improve in that area at all , please do not hesitate to contact me .
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