Hearing Loss Association of Florida

Join the HLAA-FL Board of Trustees

Help lead hearing loss advocacy, outreach and education across Florida. Nominate yourself or someone you know, or apply for a committee role.

Apply or nominateMeet the current board
Hearing Loss Association of Florida board application banner

How to join the board

The Hearing Loss Association of Florida is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. Anyone who is an HLAA member and cares about people with hearing loss in Florida can apply or be nominated. Complete the application below. The Nominating Committee reviews every application, contacts you, and presents a slate of candidates for election at the annual meeting.

Candidates are expected to be members of HLAA national, and membership in a local Florida chapter is preferred. You do not need board experience. You need time, reliability and a willingness to learn.

Board roles

Officers and trustees are elected. Committee chairs are appointed by the board and are a good first step if you are not ready to run for office.

  • President

    Chairs board meetings, represents HLAA-FL to HLAA national and to Florida agencies, and keeps the association focused on its priorities.

  • Vice President

    Supports the president, steps in when needed, and often leads a major project such as outreach or the annual meeting.

  • Secretary

    Records minutes, keeps the official records and bylaws, and handles board correspondence.

  • Treasurer

    Keeps the books, prepares financial reports, handles the annual IRS and Florida filings, and receives checks on behalf of the association.

  • Trustee / Director

    Attends board meetings, votes on decisions, and takes on a portfolio such as chapters, advocacy, communications or technology.

  • Committee chair

    Leads one area of work, for example nominating, bylaws, hearing loops, communications or fundraising.

What we expect from board members

  • Be a current HLAA member and, if possible, active in a Florida chapter
  • Attend board meetings, which are held online with captions, and the annual meeting
  • Reply to board email in a reasonable time
  • Take on at least one project or committee
  • Represent all Floridians with hearing loss, whatever their age or communication style
  • Support the mission with your time; there is no giving requirement

How the process works

  1. Apply or nominate

    Use the form below. You can nominate yourself or another HLAA member, with their permission.

  2. Nominating Committee review

    The committee reads applications, checks membership and talks with each candidate about the role that fits.

  3. Election at the annual meeting

    Officers and trustees are elected by the membership at the annual meeting. Committee chairs can be appointed at any time.

  4. Orientation

    New members meet the current board, get the bylaws and recent minutes, and are paired with an experienced trustee.

Board application and nomination form

Applications go to the HLAA-FL Nominating Committee. Questions? Email info@hla-fl.org.

Found on your HLAA membership card or renewal email.

The Florida chapter or support group you attend, or 'none'.

Positions I am interested in

Board, nonprofit, professional or volunteer experience, and your connection to hearing loss.

Two people we may contact, with email or phone. If you are nominating someone else, say so here.

Common questions

Do I have to be an HLAA member to serve on the HLAA-FL board?

Yes. Board candidates are expected to be current members of HLAA national, which automatically makes you a member of HLAA-FL. Membership in a local Florida chapter is preferred but not required. If you are not yet a member, you can join online in a few minutes before you apply.

How much time does board service take?

Plan on board meetings held online with captions, the annual meeting, and a few hours a month on email and your committee or project. Officers give more time than trustees. The Nominating Committee will be honest with you about the workload for the role you are considering.

Can I nominate someone else?

Yes. Use the same form and tell us in the experience or references section who you are nominating and why. Ask the person first. The Nominating Committee will contact them directly to confirm they are willing to serve and to talk about the role.

I am not ready for the board. Is there a smaller role?

Yes. Committee chairs and committee members are appointed rather than elected, and the work is focused on one area such as hearing loops, communications or fundraising. Many trustees started on a committee. You can also apply as a general volunteer and tell us you may be interested in the board later.

Not sure yet? Start as a volunteer.

Volunteer roles at the state and chapter level are a good way to learn how HLAA-FL works before you run for the board.

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