SJP Annual General Meeting Info

Hello SJP Families,

We are reaching out in hopes of getting your assistance and support such that we can continue to have a baseball program in West Edmonton. As we get closer to our Annual General Meeting on November 23, 2023 from 7:00-9:00 pm at Laurier Heights Community League ((14405 85 Ave NW)), SJP is asking you to consider filling a vacant board position. It is urgent and critical that we get support from the members in our organization to support our programs and build our future.

Our current board members have been with the organization for many years and also support the organization by taking on other volunteer roles within the organization, specifically coaching our AA teams. As an organization, we need more support from our membership at the board level. For our program to be successful it needs board members at all levels of baseball.

It can feel daunting to join a board if you have never played the sport, if you have never been part of a board, if you are just entering the world of youth sports, or if you are unsure of the time
commitment. Most of what we hear is that “I didn’t grow up playing baseball and don’t know much about the sport”. Being a Board member does not require any knowledge of baseball, it requires people who care about youth sports organizations and want to be part of their success.

Joining a youth sports organization board can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience with numerous benefits. Here are some of the advantages of getting involved in such a role:

1. Community Involvement: Serving on a youth sports organization board allows you to actively contribute to your local community. You can help create a positive and healthy environment for young athletes to learn and grow.

2. Personal Development: Board membership provides opportunities for personal growth and development. You can acquire new skills in leadership, decision-making, teamwork, and conflict resolution, which can also support your professional aspirations.

3. Networking: You'll have the chance to connect with a diverse group of individuals, including other board members, coaches, parents, and community leaders. These connections can be valuable for personal and professional networking.

4. Mentorship: You can serve as a role model and mentor for young athletes, helping them develop not just their sports skills but also important life skills like discipline, teamwork, and goal- setting.

5. Making a Difference: By contributing your time and expertise, you can make a real and lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. You can help ensure that they have access to quality coaching, facilities, and opportunities.

7. Community Building: Youth sports organizations often foster a sense of community among parents and athletes. As a board member, you can help build and strengthen this sense of community.

8. Fundraising and Resource Allocation: You'll have the opportunity to work on fundraising initiatives and help allocate resources for the benefit of the organization. This can be a challenging yet rewarding aspect of board membership.

9. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Board members may have the opportunity to advocate for policies that benefit youth sports. This could include lobbying for improved facilities, better safety regulations, or more inclusive programs.

10. Learning About Sports Management: If you have an interest in sports management, serving on a youth sports organization board can provide a hands-on education in this field.

11. Long-Term Impact: Your contributions to a youth sports organization can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the athletes and the community, leaving a legacy for future generations.

It's important to note that board membership also comes with responsibilities and challenges, such as time commitment and potential conflicts. However, the benefits often outweigh these considerations, especially if you are passionate about youth sports and community involvement. If you would be willing to consider a Board position with SJP, but want to understand the responsibilities better, please reach out to:

SJP President, Fabian Ellis (president@sjpbaseball.ca) or SJP Treasurer, Jay Shesky (treasurer.sjp@gmail.com)

The board positions we are looking to fill are:

• VP Admin

• VP Coaching

• VP House

• VP Rookie

• VP Rep and SEEBA

• Secretary

Non-voting positions that are currently open are:

• Apparel and uniforms

• House League Category Directors (11U, 13U, 15U and 18U)

• Rookie League Category Directors (5U, 7U and 9U)

• Females in Baseball Director

• Equipment Coordinator

• Marketing Coordinator

• Photo Coordinator

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Social Media Coordinator

  In closing, we cannot emphasize enough that the board requires new members with young and old players, and new ideas. For SJP to continue, a functioning populated board is required for success. If any of the above tweak your interest, please reach out before the AGM on November 23rd. Please also consider attending the AGM.