http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/districts/forms.html Version 03.16.16
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR SUPERVISOR NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT
A vacancy on a district board of supervisors presents a unique opportunity for that board. The board should
use this opportunity to nominate for appointment a supervisor candidate who can provide knowledge and
leadership to improve the district’s ability to address more of the natural resource needs for more of the
constituents of the district. The NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission approved the following guiding
principles to guide local soil and water conservation districts when evaluating candidates for appointment and
recommending supervisors for Reappointment. It is suggested that recommended supervisors satisfy at least 5
of the Guiding Principles.
1.
An e
ffective board of supervisors requires motivated members with strong leadership skills and divers
e
know
ledge of natural resource needs in the district. Will the appointment bring new leadership skills to the
board?
2.
A st
rong district is led by supervisors who are effective at approaching elected and appointed officials to
advocate for resources and policies needed to meet the conservation priorities in the district. Will the
appointment strengthen the political connection/influence of the district, especially at the county level?
3. Will the appointment provide representation from a portion of the county not currently represented by
a
sup
ervisor?
4. North Carolina agriculture is growing increasingly diverse. Often, non-traditional agricultural operations
require focused outreach from leaders they believe understand their unique needs. Will the appointment
provide a better opportunity to work with a segment of agriculture not currently being served?
5.
Many dist
ricts have built relationships with other organizations who share interest in natural reso
urce
co
nservation. Will the appointment improve opportunities to work with non-traditional partners (e.g., land trust,
forest landowners, grant making organizations, environmental advocacy groups)?
6.
Al
though most districts have traditionally focused assistance to agricultural land users, districts have authorit
y
and programs a
vailable to work with all land uses to address natural resource concerns. Will the appointment
improve the make-up of the board from an agriculture/nonagriculture perspective?
7.
Oft
en a district can improve its ability to reach traditionally underserved groups and its overall public support
by increasing the diversity of its board. Will the appointment improve the gender/ethnic/racial diversity of the
board?
8.
One key
to a successful district is the willingness of the district supervisors to study and le
arn from the
succ
esses of other districts and other organizations. It is often instructive to observe a supervisor candidate’s
involvement in other organizations (e.g., trade groups, civic clubs, church). Has the nominee shown past
involvement in an organization beyond the local level?
9.
The suc
cess of a district’s programs will often depend on its ability to gain sponsorship and support
from
pri
vate businesses and individuals. Will the appointment strengthen the District’s opportunity to raise funds?
10.
A
mong the most visible district activities are environmental education, marketing, and public outreach.
These programs are often key to achieving widespread public support for the district. Will the appointment
strengthen the District’s education, marketing, and outreach efforts?
