Here are a few of the many reasons why it is beneficial for paralegals to join IPA committees:
- Increase your knowledge in areas of interest to you; there are many technical, education and certification committees dealing with diverse topics.
- Meet paralegals with similar interests: when you join IPA committees, you will interact with paralegals, many of whom have been in the industry for decades and can help you develop professional relationships and offer you career advice.
- Increase your value to your employer: employers recovgize the value of serving on IPA committees; and many employers actively encourage their paralegals to serve on IPA committees.
- Share your knowledge: by serving on an IPA committee, you are providing the opportunity to share your knowledge on a specific topic for the benefit of the entire industry. You will have the opportunity to participate in the development of new standards and industry-leading opportunities.
IPA's committees consist of professionals from all experience levels and all sectors of the paralegal industry. While some of the membes serving on committees have been active many years, students, young professionals, and industry veterans from across the state are equally encouraged to join. It is through diversity that IPA strives to develop and disseminate the moste advanced paralegal knowledge, and we encourage you to participate by joining a committee.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit committee examines the financial records of the Iowa Paralegal Association at the close of the fiscal year. The committee consists of at least two members from different regions appointed by the chairperson and the immediate past state treasurer of the corporation.
BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Budget & Finance committee keeps full and accurate accounts of the receipts and disbursements of the corporation and is responsible for reviewing the prior year's expenditures, making recommendations for the current year's committee and board of director's budgets, and making proposals for the next year's budget and annual dues. This committee is also involved in any fundraising activities held on behalf of the association. This committee shall make and furnish a report of the finances of the Iowa Paralegal Association whenever requested by the Board of Directors or the President
ETHICS COMMITTEE
This committee fosters and formulates any material pertaining to the ethics of the profession of paralegals and promotes and publicizes the code of ethics adopted by this corporation. The committee chairperson is responsible for reporting any violation of the code of ethics adopted by the Iowa Paralegal Association to the Board of Directors for appropriate action. The chairperson of this committee is automatically a member of any special committee appointed by the President to investigate potential membership suspensions or cancellations.
HISTORIAN COMMITTEE
The Historian maintains historical records on behalf of the Iowa Paralegal Association.
IOWA PARALEGAL CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE
This committee works towards the development of a standard definition and testing for paralegals working within the State of Iowa.
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Members of this committee develop programs to encourage membership in the Iowa Paralegal Association.
NALA CERTIFIED PARALEGAL COMMITTEE
The NALA Certified Paralegal committee works with the board of directors in disseminating information regarding the voluntary certified paralegal examination and specialty examinations offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), develops study materials for the exams, and arranges proctors for exams held within the state of Iowa.
NEW LAWS AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
This committee disseminates to the membership of the Iowa Paralegal Association information regarding new case law, rules of court, etc., of interest to members. The chairperson of this committee is a member of the official publications committee and is responsible for submissions to the official publications regarding new laws.
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
It shall be the duty of this committee to perform the duties set out in Article 11.4 of these bylaws.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
The chairperson of this committee is the executive editor of the Original Notice, a bi-monthly publication provided to members of the Iowa Paralegal Association. The committee composes, assembles, and distributes the Original Notice and may, at the direction of the Board of Directors from time to time create other publications.
PLACEMENT COMMITTEE
The Placement chairperson receives information from prospective employers who have paralegal positions available.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
This committee disseminates information regarding scholarship programs offered by the Iowa Paralegal Association, accepts and reviews applications for scholarships, and determines recipients.
SEMINAR COMMITTEE
This committee plans and presents seminars on behalf of the Iowa Paralegal Association.
STUDENT/SCHOOL COMMITTEE
This committee provides information on student membership to all paralegal students and schools offering paralegal training programs in the State of Iowa and encourages schools to adopt paralegal training programs. The members of this committee are Region Directors and members of the membership committee.
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
This committee is responsible for all technology utilized by the Iowa Paralegal Association. The chairperson of this committee acts as the association’s Webmaster.
WEBSITE COMMITTEE
This temporary committee was created to conduct research and plan the new association website.