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For 50 years, East Coast Migrant Head Start Project has provided critical early childhood care, education, and wraparound services to migrant and seasonal farmworker families. Family involvement and community collaboration have always been a key part of the way we operate and prioritize the well-being of our young children and their families. A key approach which people can advise, share their experiences, and help shape the organization is through the Policy Council.
As members of ECMHSP's Policy Council, volunteers can make a significant impact on the lives of farmworker families. The Policy Council plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the organization, from decision-making about funding to strategic planning and policy formulation.
Our CEO, Maria C. Garza invites parents and community representatives to step forward and be involved in this crucial development period of our farmworker children.
Maria and Policy Council YouTube Link (in English)
Maria and Policy Council YouTube Link (In Creole)
Here’s a closer look at what’s involved and how to be a part of this meaningful work:
The role and responsibilities
Policy Council members are involved in crucial discussions and decisions concerning our operations. This includes reviewing and approving budgets, setting policies, and contributing to strategic planning. The Policy Council’s work ensures that we remain effective in delivering high-quality services to farmworker families. This role involves:
Attending meetings: by participating in quarterly in-person meetings scheduled for January, April, July, and October. Additionally, virtual Policy Council Committee meetings are held quarterly.
Advocating for farmworker families: Bring the voice of the community to the table, ensuring that the needs and concerns of farmworker families are represented.
Collaborating with other members: Work alongside fellow parents and council members, engage in discussions, provide input, and help shape the future of our invaluable early childhood care and education operations.
Term length: Members serve for one year but may stand for re-election for a maximum of five years.
Expertise: Nominees with skills or experience in education, health, farming, and legal advocacy, or who are former parents of enrolled children are highly valued.
Work environment
Most of the Policy Council’s work is conducted during the committee meetings, which are primarily held in person at ECMHSP's Raleigh Corporate office. The Governance Manager oversees these activities, ensuring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and facilitating effective program oversight.
Current needs
ECMHSP is currently seeking to fill two vacant positions. Nominations are reviewed by the Policy Council Executive Committee, and elected members serve annually by majority vote.
Who can apply?
We operate in three several Service Delivery Areas, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, and Oklahoma. Each area should ideally have a representative on the Policy Council.
Community Representatives are drawn from the local areas where Migrant and Seasonal Head Start services are provided. Priority is given to individuals with experience or background in the following areas:
Business, Public, Civic, or Professional Fields: Individuals with knowledge of resources and services for migrant and seasonal farmworker families.
Current and former parents: Those who have previously served on a Subrecipient Agency Policy Committee or similar roles.
Linda Tapia, who is featured in our 2023 annual report, exemplifies the role of a Community Representative by actively advocating for farmworker families. She participates in both Policy Council Committee and Policy Council meetings, ensuring that the voices of those she represents are heard and considered in all decisions.
Linda Tapia Message, on YouTube in Spanish
Linda Tapia Message, on YouTube Link in English
By volunteering with ECMHSP’s Policy Council, you’ll contribute to an important cause and help shape the future of an organization dedicated to supporting farmworker families. If you have the skills, passion, and commitment to make a difference, consider applying for this impactful role today.
For more information or to apply, please visit the Nomination Form link and submit your application by September 25, 2024.
Application process
Again, the deadline for submitting the Nomination Form is September 25, 2024.
Please send nominations via e-mail to: Lupe Hernandez, Governance Manager mhernandez@ecmhsp mhernandez@ecmhsp.og
About ECMHSP
East Coast Migrant Head Start Project was established in 1974 through a grant from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, ECMHSP operates in 43 Educational Campuses across ten states providing holistic, high-quality early childhood education services for approximately 3,000 farmworker children between 6 weeks to 6 years old. For more information, visit https://www.ecmhsp.org/.
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