FYLPRO Elections 2024
As Vice President of FYLPRO, I would strategically be beneficial to the organization, as I will be based in Manila, Philippines later in 2019. This will allow me to meet with partners, maintain and cultivate new relations, and help oversee our immersion program on the ground. Additionally given my community work in D.C., I already have strong networks with the Philippine Embassy that can be utilized to help sustain and grow the program. I have a successful track record in managing Filipino-American organizations. As the president of the Filipino Young Professionals of Washington, D.C. from 2017 to 2018, I elevated the organization’s presence to a national level, gained recognition in the Philippines, managed a following 2000 members, and helped the organization become a 501(c)3, and found donors to fund our annual conference. Lastly, I truly believe in FYLPRO’s mission and organization goals. Through this organization and the immersion program I have been able re-affirm my desire to help and elevate Filipino-Americans in the United States and in the Philippines. This program has done so many things for me. Most recently through my FYLPRO connections I was the only young Filipino-American professional to attend the Balangiga bells ceremony in Manila last December 2018. It would truly be an honor to serve FYLPRO and the community. Thank you for your support.
I would be humbled and honored to serve as FYLPRO’s next Vice President. My vision is for FYLPRO to be internationally-recognized as the definitive program for emerging young Filipino-American leaders. As the owner of my own company, I have a flexible schedule and can readily commit to FYLPRO for the two years required for this position as well as travel to connect with FYLPRO alumni, fundraise, and engage with the Philippine Embassy in DC and regional Philippine Consulates. As a communications professional, I will ensure FYLPRO engages our audiences, stakeholders, and sponsors on a regular basis. I also plan to create more alumni interaction and collaboration between batches as well as more continuing engagement and programming opportunities for FYLPRO alumni, including planning the 2019 FYLPRO Summit and creating partnerships with Ivy League Universities such as the Harvard Kennedy School, Cornell, etc. for FYLPRO alumni to have exclusive access to their leadership certification programs.
U.S. Air Force Major Charlynne McGinnis has extensive experience with logistics coordination, especially in regards to international travel. Her military background will bring structure and an eagle eye for detail to the position of Secretary, and her high standards of reporting will also be a huge asset to organizing and cataloging FYLPRO's records.
After returning from the 2018 FYLPRO immersion trip, I am forever grateful to this organization and its partners for deepening my understanding of our shared Filipino heritage. Over the course of my medical career, I have been honored to serve as a delegate and committee member on the governing boards of multiple state medical societies of the American Medical Association. Through my work with the Massachusetts Medical Society and Illinois State Medical Society, I have learned a great deal about organizational leadership, health policy, and community building I was especially heartened by the enthusiasm and expertise from diverse fields represented by the FYLPRO organization. As a physician, we enter a profession rooted in service to benefit society. As a FYLPRO delegate running for the position of treasurer, I consider it our personal and professional duty to advocate for our communities at home and in diaspora. Working as treasurer and engaging alumni in the Chicago area and beyond, I hope to advocate the Filipino community through a position on FYLPRO Board of Directors.
Note from Elections Committee: The FYLPRO Elections process typically begin in November, with the General Membership Meeting also serving as the "Town Hall" opportunity for candidates to share their platform to the membership. In the interest of time this year, we are requesting candidates to send a video instead as an option.
Elections Timeline:
- Dec. 18: Election announcements
- Dec. 20 3pm HST, 9pm EST: Elections Info Session
- Dec. 25: Deadline for the public to become active FYLPRO members, and be able to run for office or vote in the elections.
- Dec. 18-29: Campaign period
- Dec. 30-31: Election Dates: Ballots may be cast beginning Dec. 30 at 8am EST, and shall close on Dec. 31 at 11:59pm EST via electionrunner.com
Elections Committee
Chachie Abara
Kit Z. Furukawa
Leezel Tanglao
Marc Calaguas
JP Ferrer
Email [email protected]
NOMINATION FORM
The 2024 Elections is the mid-term under JP Ferrer's leadership as President. The FYLPRO leadership is set-up so that some members on the Board continue serving, while others term out on a staggered schedule.
Members of the Executive Committee and Board that are completing their service term are:
- Mark Calaguas - Executive Vice President
- Chachie Abara - Secretary
- Sabrina Sayoc - Treasurer
- Constancio Paranal III, Director
- Dan Galeon, Director
- Agnes Lopez, Director
Thank you for serving FYLPRO! If any wish to continue serving, feel free to submit your name again for the ballot.
Review the FYLPRO Bylaws for position descriptions.
OPEN POSITIONS
Therefore, the open positions for the 2024 Elections are:
- Executive Vice President - 1, term ends Dec. 2026
- Secretary - 1, term ends Dec. 2026
- Treasurer - 1, term ends Dec. 2026
- Director - 4, term ends Dec. 2026
All active FYLPRO Members may nominate others, or self-nominate for any open position. Submitted entries will appear on this page.
Refer to past elections for sample bios and links:
NOMINATION FORM
SCHEDULE DETAILS
- Dec. 18: Election announcements
An Announcement promoting an updated fylpro.org/elections page shall be sent via email to FYLPRO’s membership and posted on social media.
- Dec. 18 - 28: Candidate filing period.
Active members are allowed to NOMINATE individuals to run for open positions, provided they have clear consent (written, email/text, or verbal is OK) from the candidate. Nominators will also serve as representatives of the candidate and will answer the questions on behalf of the candidate on the form. (Otherwise, it’s much easier if the candidate fills out the form directly).
Those interested in running for office - thank you! - can fill out this form to get in the ballot: https://forms.gle/FxrUvnqA6yypmvXT8
The Elections Committee will review the submissions as they come in. If the candidate is qualified and has submitted all the required documents, their name will be published on this page. The form will no longer accept responses on Dec. 28 midnight.
- Dec. 18 - 29: Campaign period
The campaign period is governed by the following guidelines:
- Voters this year may learn about the candidates through the official page at fylpro.org/elections.
- Official FYLPRO social media accounts, including the affiliated Groups on Facebook shall NOT be used as a campaign venue, therefore campaigning is not allowed from the candidates. Only official elections announcements shall be posted during the period.
- Candidates are allowed to utilize their own resources, such as personal social media accounts and websites to get creative for their campaign.
- Candidates must exercise responsible campaign methods, acquire contacts via ethical means, avoid “spam-like” multiple messaging or posting, and must avoid using FYLPRO resources for election purposes.
- Posting on FYLPRO Alumni FB Group is allowed, but note that the group is limited to alumni only.
- Candidates may invite voters to ask them questions directly.
- Candidates who currently own a fylpro.org email address must refrain from using their official email for campaign purposes.
- No monetary compensation or transactions must occur among the candidates and voters.
- All reports on violations shall be reviewed by the Elections Committee. The Committee shall determine the appropriate sanction for any violation or alternative action.
Best practice recommendations:
- The webpage can include campaign links from the candidates. Take advantage of this to possibly link to a Google slide or online-based presentation that you can update.
- The Elections Committee allows for “updates” on candidates’ online profile at fylpro.org/elections until December 28. Just email [email protected] or notify Kit at (808) 291-9407 for your revisions and we will strive to be timely in updating the page.
- The Elections Committee shall be referencing fylpro.org/elections in reminder membership emails leading to the Elections
- Dec. 20: Elections Info Session
This event via Zoom will invite current and past leadership to answer candidate questions. If you are unsure about running for office, best to attend this event. Zoom link and details will be sent to active members via email.
- Dec. 25: Deadline for FYLPRO membership
Anyone who has paid dues or has acquired active membership before Dec. 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST shall be considered “ACTIVE” members of the organization. Only active members can run for office or vote in the upcoming election.
- Dec. 30 - 31: FYLPRO Elections
Election Runner codes and links shall be emailed to voters on Dec. 29 as a final reminder. Ballots may be cast beginning Dec. 30 at 8 a.m. EST, and shall close on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. EST. via electionrunner.com. Voting takes less than 2 minutes electronically.
Candidates receiving a majority of the votes shall be declared the winner.
- Before Jan. 2: Unofficial announcement to candidates, Deadline for appeals if any.
After publishing the results on electionrunner.com, Candidates shall be contacted for the results and are given the opportunity to appeal no later than Jan. 2, if there are any disputes. If all goes well, then an official announcement is scheduled.
The Elections Committee submits a report to the FYLPRO board and adjourns.
- Jan. 5: Official FYLPRO Announcement
TIE
In the event of a tie, the Elections Committee shall convene the involved candidates to discuss and agree on a tie-breaker procedure. The three options are:
- Conduct special elections: This will be similar to a “recount” and the parties will rely on the voters changing their vote for a different outcome.
- Board Decision: The current sitting board will have a special meeting closed to the public (executive session) to decide on the result. If a candidate is a member of the board, they will be excused.
- Coin Toss or Draw sticks: If the candidates agree to making a quick and hard decision, the Elections Committee will leave it to fate to decide with a coin toss or draw sticks, or similar.
Expectations serving on the FYLPRO Board?
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will work with the FYLPRO Executive Committee led by the President in deciding and executing on the overall strategic direction, fiscal health (including Give-Get responsibilities) and future projects of the organization.
Purpose: The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, establishes policy, oversees the operations and financial performance of FYLPRO's and assesses the Board’s own effectiveness. Our Board Members will serve on several committees, including:
- Executive
- Finance & Audit
- Marketing & Communications
- Fundraising & Development
- Governance and Legal (ByLaws and Elections)
- Program & Events
- Technology
Expectations when attending a meeting:
- Be well informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings
- Contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate
- Listen respectfully to other points of view
- Participate in organizational decision-making
- Financially support the organization
- Assume leadership roles in all board activities, including fundraising
- Represent the organization to the public and private industry
- Educate yourself about the needs of the people served (general membership)
- Remain informed about the organization
- Know the organization’s history, mission and goals
Requirements and Qualifications:
- A minimum of 10 hours a month
- Board member individual Give-Get minimum: $1000 (50% in-kind is OK)
- Personal commitment to devote the time necessary to perform the responsibilities of a Board member
- Strong communication and collaborative skills
- Previous non-profit board experience is an asset
Compensation: Board Members work voluntarily without any compensation.
The organization’s guiding principles include:
- Integrity – Accountability, Preservation of History, Leadership, Pride in Being Filipino
- Innovation – Data-driven, Creativity
- Inclusivity – Compassion, Collaboration, Kapwa, Bayanihan
Our core purpose - reasons why we do what we do:
- Bridge connection between Filipinos and Fil-Am issues
- Representation in numbers and credibility
- To discover, design and define the Filipino brand
We aim to:
- Capture and magnify the voice of the Filipino youth community in the US (ages 40 & under)
- Preserve the Filipino culture, customs, and values
- Build empathy towards Filipino community both in the Philippines and the US
- Maintain grassroots and non-partisan approach of working locally in the fields of: arts/culture, business, design, education, engineering, finance, government, medicine, policy, and technology that will have an impact nationally and globally
- Continue and strengthen the dialogue with the highest officials and policymakers in the Philippines and US, leaders of industry, media, artists and cultural experts, and entrepreneurs.
Interested to know what candidates submitted in last year's elections?