Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are approved by the WFNR Presidium. They are self-directed and have an agenda of work or involvement that sustains the group throughout the year. Their goals and objectives are compatible with the overall direction of the WFNR.
SIGs propose courses specific to their interest, for example, at the World Congress of WFNR, contingent upon approval by the Programme Committee.
SIGs must follow WFNR policies and procedures.
SIGs have a governance structure in place that serves for three years with re-election possible, that includes at least the following:
- Chair
- Chair Elect
- Secretary
- Past Chair
The WFNR supports the work of the SIGs by assisting with member mailings and other administrative functions.
Responsibilities of the chair
The SIG Chair will:
- With input from the SIG, develop a mission and goals, devise an action plan and make assignments to meet the goals for the year
- Prepare an agenda for the SIG meeting at conferences and send copies to the Executive Director
- Plan SIG projects and timelines. Plan SIG assignments, including responsibility for reporting to membership and responsibility to recommend membership recruitment strategies
- Conduct a SIG meeting at the World Congress. Circulate attendance sheet to collect names and addresses of interested members and send minutes, project timelines and assignments to SIG members and central office
- Submit SIG action plans to Executive Director. Discuss with President any project requests that may require funding or staff support
- Schedule and conduct additional SIG meetings as approved
- Communicate with SIG members at least twice a year by e-mail, communicate with members who have accepted assignments by e-mail or conference calls. The President and Executive Director should be copied in on correspondence
- Submit a report to the central office each year by 31 December. This should include an executive summary for distribution when there is a World Congress and subsequent publication in newsletter
Criteria for Chair
- Be able to demonstrate a special commitment to and experience with the focus area of the SIG
- Have the ability to accomplish tasks on schedule and to work effectively with other people
Criteria for Members
- Be a WFNR member of good standing
- Be knowledgeable about, and interested in, working on the SIG
- Understand and agree to the necessary commitment of time and activity for SIG projects that may be assigned
Meetings
The SIG will meet at each World Congress. Interim meetings are encouraged and recommended.
Listing of SIGs
The central office will maintain a listing of current SIGs.
Dissolution of a SIG
If the SIG does not meet at two consecutive World Congresses, it will be reviewed by the Presidium and may be discontinued by a majority vote.
Formation of a new SIG
Requests to set up a new SIG should be sent to the Executive Director and will subsequently be considered by the WFNR Presidium.
An individual should be named as a primary contact person for the SIG and send their curriculum vitae with the application. The application should include:
- A detailed statement of purpose and rationale showing that the proposed group is unique, pertains to an area of neurorehabilitation, and cannot have its members’ interests served through an existing WFNR SIG
- At least five named WFNR members of good standing who have indicated an interest in this topic area
The contact person will be notified of the decision. After formal approval of SIG status, the group will be added to the SIG listing and published on the WFNR website. A Chair should be elected by the SIG and, once elected, must send a CV to the Executive Director of WFNR.