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2023 Balikatan's CONFERENCE Advisory Committee
In 2012, the Board of Directors formally re-established the Balikatan Advisory Committee. Comprised of seasoned individuals with distinguished servant-leadership qualifications and ministry-business acumen, the sole task of the committee is to provide invaluable, non-binding advice and assistance on any and all matters pertinent to Balikatan, for the benefit of Balikatan, and at the behest of the Board for the general Balikatan membership.
Part of the formalization of the committee is the creation of a defined ‘Advisory Committee Articles of Organization’ establishing the group’s framework, purpose and procedure. Therein are also listed considerations for conflicts of interest by practice and principle.
Membership to the committee, which is by official Board invitation only, requires specific strategic credentials foremost of which is formal, active membership with Balikatan. IVCF Philippines alumni, Balikatan Friends and Junior Balikatan can be requested by the Board to serve in the Balikatan Advisory Committee.
Alumni-In-Ministry (AIM) Committee
- Coordinate any and all Balikatan mission programs and projects approved by the Balikatan Board of Directors e.g., Balikatan Youth Exposure short-term missions with IVCF-Philippines, and Medical and Dental Mission in the Philippines (and worldwide).
- Spearhead the Alumni-In-Ministry (AIM) initiatives and outreach of Balikatan, inclusive of all endeavors that would result to effective AIM promotion and support.
- Maintain a record of IV Alumni currently in missions and ministry in North America and worldwide; publish an up-to-date and accurate AIM Directory in conjunction with the Membership Committee’s Balikatan Annual Directory.
- Update the Balikatan Board of Directors and membership of activities, concerns and needs of alumni missionaries via local chapter correspondence.
- In conjunction with the Fund Development Committee, help secure opportunities of promoting and funding Balikatan Missions initiatives in local churches and other venues as appropriate.
Communications Committee
- Spearhead effective, innovative and dynamic communication linkages within Balikatan – and from Balikatan to IVCF Philippines and its alumni worldwide, and from Balikatan to the general public.
- Support the Alumni Liaison & Communications Specialist (ALCS) in fulfilling his/her role as Balikatan’s front person to IVCF Philippines alumni in the US and Canada.
- Develop, capitalize and optimize the use of all social media tools to successfully promote Balikatan and its vision.
- Promote and encourage reading of Christian literature among all constituencies, and gather reviews to be featured in the Balikatan newsletters.
- From Balikatan fellowship Groups and individual members, and in conjunction with the Prayer Committee, secure and organize news, encouragements, prayer and praise items to be shared via the above stated media.
- Develop and enhance the “Balikatan.org” site ensuring it laudably serves as the official source of information about Balikatan, Inc.
- Facilitate expeditious exchange of communication when coursed through the Balikatan website.
- Constantly facilitate ways to improve website contents, and increase the number of visitors to the site.
Finance Committee
- Help ensure the strength and sustainability of Balikatan’s operating and special project funds in conjunction with its programs and projects.
- Assist the Balikatan Treasurer in reviewing and preparing annual budgets, which are to be submitted to the board for review and endorsement to the Balikatan Body during the annual conference. Only with the Body’s majority approval will an annual budget be officially adopted.
- Support the Treasurer with the actual budget presentation to the body.
- Assist the Balikatan Treasurer with the monthly financial statements, bank reconciliations and periodic audits (internal).
- Recommend to the Treasurer and the Board firms/persons for external audit as necessary.
- Periodically review – and upgrade – Balikatan Financial policies and procedures, including remittance procedures and tools, ensuring they are cost-effective, sensible and are serving the organization’s best interest.
- Protect and preserve the non-profit status of Balikatan by helping to ensure its compliance with the financial reporting requirements of the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and with US federal laws pertinent to US-based charitable institutions.
Fund Development Committee
- Responsible for short and long-term Balikatan fundraising initiatives and activities.
- Responsible for initiating and coordinating the fund-raising for the 13th month pay of IVCF-Philippines’ workers and support staff.
- Responsible for updates and coordination of Balikatan financial commitments for IVCF-Philippines’ short-term special projects.
- Evaluate or determine how to ensure that the financial base for the ministry of IVCF-Philippines is established on a sounder footing, and made sustainable over the short and long terms.
- Cultivate and nurture new donors and friends for both Balikatan and IVCF Philippines; develop more meaningful relationships with existing donors.
- Facilitate creative modes of fund generation, e.g., concerts, caroling, tapping Christian businesses and affiliates, sponsorships and promoting IVCF-Philippines among local churches.
- In charge of all the details of auctions in the annual conferences – both the pre and post event.
Membership Committee
- Recruit new members for Balikatan, inclusive of Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) Philippines alumni in North America, Balikatan Friends (non-IVCF alumni) and Junior Balikatan.
- Encourage old members to renew membership and involvement.
- Promote all of the Balikatan Committees, and encourage new and renewing members to sign up and get actively involved in any of them based on interests, skills, gifts, resources and expertise.
- Provide up-to-date application forms for membership both on the website and as hard copies by mail or hand delivered.
- Maintain communication with entire membership body via e-mail, phone calls or regular mail.
- Coordinate with the Balikatan Board Secretary and Treasurer, and the Communications and Website Committee, in preparing and producing the official annual Balikatan Membership Directory.
- Encourage giving and praying among members for IVCF Philippines support.
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.