Get involved
Committees
Our committees are where members of the WIC Association of New York State turn shared ideas into action. Volunteers from local agencies across the state help shape our advocacy, our partnership with the Department of Health, member engagement and our annual conference.
5
Committees
4
Open to all members
1 hour
Monthly on Zoom
Meeting schedule
When committees meet
Every committee meets on Zoom, so you can take part from anywhere in the state. All times are Eastern. When a date lands on a holiday, the meeting moves and committee members receive an updated calendar invitation with the Zoom link.
2nd
Monday
DOH Partnership and Collaboration
Monthly, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Open to all members
2nd
Thursday
Public Policy and Advocacy
Monthly, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Open to all members
3rd
Monday
Membership Engagement
Monthly, 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Open to all members
Last
Thursday
Finance
Monthly, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Board members only
Annual Conference Planning
Meeting dates are shared with committee members
Open to all members
Board of Directors: the full Board meets every other month on the second Tuesday, 1:00 to 2:30 PM. The Executive Committee, made up of the Board officers, meets the first Tuesday of each month, 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Our committees
Find where you fit
Each committee is led by members of our Board and does the hands-on work behind our priorities. Pick the one that matches your experience and interests.
DOH Partnership and Collaboration Committee
Co-chairs: Lisa Fermin-Rivera and Penny Bashford
Second Monday of each month, 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Zoom
What it does
Builds a strong working partnership with the New York State Department of Health so feedback moves both ways, statewide initiatives are represented consistently, and local agencies and the State stay aligned on shared WIC goals.
A good fit if you have
Knowledge of the WIC program, comfort connecting local, regional and state level work, interest in closing communication gaps, and discretion in sensitive discussions. Familiarity with DOH structures and policy processes helps but is not required.
Public Policy and Advocacy Committee
Co-chairs: Lauren Brand and Misha Marvel
Second Thursday of each month, 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Zoom
What it does
Advances our state and federal advocacy priorities, builds partnerships that extend our reach, and is developing training so agency representatives can take part in advocacy with confidence.
A good fit if you have
Advocacy experience, strong communication and networking skills, interest in legislative policy, and knowledge of WIC and WIC policy.
Membership Engagement Committee
Co-chairs: Kristin VanHouten and Michelle Figuerado
Third Monday of each month, 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Zoom
What it does
Builds connection and shared learning among local WIC agencies. This committee runs our Journal Club, works to make sure agencies actually receive association communications, and clarifies what members can expect from us.
A good fit if you have
Interest in engaging local agencies and facilitating discussion, experience with outreach or member relations, comfort designing and interpreting surveys, and an eye for good scientific articles for Journal Club. Jotform, Canva and Zoom experience is a plus. We can train you on arranging WIC and CDR credits.
Annual Conference Planning Committee
Chair: Gina DeVito
Meeting dates are shared with committee members
What it does
Guides the content and educational direction of our annual conference alongside our conference planning vendor. The vendor handles logistics; the committee makes sure the program reflects our mission, our members’ needs and our educational standards.
A good fit if you have
Interest or experience in WIC or public health, an eye for relevant session topics, careful review of materials, dependability with deadlines, and comfort giving respectful feedback in a group.
Finance Committee
Co-chairs: Andrea Byrne and Lauren Brand
Last Thursday of each month, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Zoom
What it does
Oversees the Association’s budget and finances. The committee reviews the annual budget before it goes to the Board, tracks income and spending through the year, and helps keep the Association on steady financial footing as it grows.
A good fit if you have
Accounting or bookkeeping experience, comfort with QuickBooks or similar software, the ability to read a budget and financial statements, attention to detail, and discretion with confidential financial information. Nonprofit finance experience helps but is not required.
Board members only. The Finance Committee is a committee of the Board of Directors, so only Board members can join. For Board members, it counts as one of your two committee choices.
Apply to join
Ready to lend your expertise?
We welcome volunteers from every local WIC agency. Applying does not guarantee a spot on a committee. Our team reviews every application and will follow up with you.