CSCA Standing and Special Committees

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the Camp Springs Civic Association, Inc. (CSCA) is to promote the development, improvement, safety, and quality of life for the Camp Springs area. The CSCA Board of Directors (Board) has established Standing Committees to help develop guidance, standards, goals and objectives for the formulation of policy, plans, programs, and procedures.

This document outlines the Standing and Special Committees essential for fulfilling the duties of the CSCA. It also highlights the core issues addressed by each Standing Committee and Special Committee. The Board of Directors has approved the following committees:

  • Business Engagement
  • Commercial Engagement
  • County Services
  • Environment
  • Legislative
  • Membership
  • Newsletter
  • Program
  • Public Education
  • Public Safety (including Neighborhood Watch)
  • Transportation
  • Website
  • Zoning
  • Audit
  • By-laws
  • History
  • Hospitality
  • Nominating
  • Senior Advisory

These committees play a vital role in the effective operation of the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Each standing committee will include at least one member who may be selected or appointed. Each committee will have a chairperson who will act as the main point of contact and the primary source of information regarding issues within the committee’s scope. Committees are encouraged to be proactive by developing an action plan, procedures, programs, and/or systems as needed to support CSCA’s policies.

Specifically, the chairperson is expected, as appropriate to:

  • Identify core issues impacting the community within the purview of the committee.
  • Formulate a committee action plan to address the issues.
  • Interact with other chairpersons to coordinate and solicit input on issues extending beyond the purview of the primary committee.
  • Identify and establish contacts with corresponding persons at the County and/or State level.
  • Serve as the liaison between the CSCA, community entities, and governmental agencies on issues.
  • Keep the Board and CSCA membership up to date on the Committee’s action plan. Identify issues, programs, and/or procedures to address.
  • Provide periodic update via the newsletters and address the issues at Board and Community meetings, as appropriate.

Many of the issues facing the community will overlap impacting other committees. In those instances, the committees will collaborate to resolve the issues.

COMMITTEE ACTION PLAN

Each committee will develop a committee action plan to be incorporated into the overall CSCA action plan. Developing an action plan helps turn visions into reality and increases efficiency and accountability within the organization. The action plan describes how the organization will meet its objectives. It provides detailed steps explaining how and when the actions will be taken. Each plan should include the following information:

  • What actions or changes need to occur.
  • Who will carry out these changes.
  • When the changes will take place and for how long.
  • The resources needed to carry out the changes; and
  • Communicate what steps have taken place.

THINGS GET SOLVED…WHEN YOU GET INVOLVED

Standing Committees

Community Outreach Committee:

  • Promote community improvement, safety, and quality of life
  • Plan social events, beautification projects, and fundraising (with Board approval)
  • Welcome new residents and businesses; distribute welcome packets
  • Build partnerships with local for-profit and non-profit businesses
  • Engage county officials and economic development partners
  • Keep the Board and community informed on local development activity

County Services Committee:

  • Coordinate with other committees on service-related issues
  • Liaise with County agencies on programs and services
  • Inform residents about available County resources

Environment Committee:

  • Address environmental and sustainability concerns
  • Coordinate with County, State, and sustainability partners
  • Organize comprehensive and monthly community cleanups
  • Research grants to improve walkability and community appearance

Legislative Committee:

  • Monitor and report on local, county, and state legislation
  • Coordinate voter registration efforts
  • Assist with legislative testimony and presentations
  • Organize candidate forums during election years
  • Attend hearings impacting Camp Springs

Membership Committee:

Conduct a membership drive once a year and strive to increase the active membership of the Association

  • Recruit and retain members; conduct annual membership drives
  • Maintain membership records and dues notifications
  • Welcome new members and prepare meeting packets
  • Verify voting eligibility for elections
  • Collaborate to expand business membership

Newsletter Committee:

  • Research, write, edit, and publish the CSCA newsletter
  • Select and edit content for accuracy and clarity
  • Coordinate digital and printed distribution

Program Committee:

  • Develop the annual CSCA program
  • Coordinate meeting topics, speakers, and agendas
  • Present programs at general membership meetings

Public Education Committee:

  • Monitor and advocate for quality education in Camp Springs
  • Engage local schools and education officials
  • Represent CSCA on education-related matters

Public Safety Committee:

  • Serve as liaison with police and fire departments
  • Monitor and report local crime trends
  • Support Neighborhood Watch efforts
  • Coordinate public safety presentations

Social media/Website Committee:

  • Maintain and update the CSCA website
  • Publish community news, events, and public information
  • Coordinate content with committees and government partners

Transportation Committee:

  • Monitor transportation projects and service changes
  • Assess impacts and provide recommendations
  • Gather community input on transportation concerns

Zoning Committee:

  • Track zoning proposals and changes
  • Attend zoning meetings and assess impacts
  • Identify zoning issues affecting the community

Special Committees

Audit Committee:

  • Conduct annual financial audits
  • Report on findings to the Board and membership

Bylaws Committee:

  • Maintain and update CSCA Bylaws
  • Solicit, review, and present proposed amendments
  • Coordinate posting of approved bylaws

History Committee:

  1. Preserve CSCA records, publications, and program history

Hospitality Committee:

  • Coordinate refreshments and meeting setup
  • Assist with meeting breakdown

The Nominating Committee:

  • Nominate candidates for elected offices
  • Verify eligibility and manage election processes
  • Prepare ballots and election reports

Senior Advisory Committee

  1. Provide guidance and mentorship to CSCA leadership
  2. Comprised of experienced community leaders
  3. Serves at the discretion of the Board