Committee Information
Why is Committee Participation Important?
Committees are the driving force behind the Las Cruces Association of REALTORS® (LCAR), bringing together diverse member talents to advance our mission and strengthen the real estate community. Serving on a committee offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute your skills, gain deep insight into association operations, and directly shape the programs, policies, and initiatives that define our industry.
Functioning in an advisory and support capacity, committees operate under the direction of the Board of Directors to execute the LCAR Strategic Plan and NMAR Core Standards. While committees are vital for researching issues, developing recommendations, and driving events, final authority rests with the Board to ensure all efforts align with the Association’s broader goals and governance.
Committee Formation and Composition
Committees are formed annually in compliance with LCAR Board Policies, with each group consisting of five to nine members to ensure efficient and focused collaboration. To maintain high standards of governance, every appointment—from general members to leadership roles—is subject to final Board approval.
To guarantee stability and foster professional growth, leadership follows a strategic succession model. Vice Chairs, appointed by the President-Elect, generally advance automatically to the Chair position the following year. This pathway ensures continuity in committee objectives, though the President retains the authority to appoint a Chair if the standard succession path is interrupted.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Committee Chair serves as the strategic lead, facilitating meetings and coordinating with staff to ensure all initiatives align with the LCAR Strategic Plan and Board directives. Supporting this role, the Vice Chair manages essential documentation, including official meeting minutes, while actively assisting with planning and execution. This partnership is designed to foster leadership development, ensuring the Vice Chair is fully prepared to assume the Chair’s responsibilities when needed.
Committee members are the driving force of the group, expected to participate actively, arrive prepared, and execute assigned tasks to move the Association's mission forward. Professionalism is paramount; all members must adhere to strict confidentiality requirements and communicate effectively to ensure a collaborative and productive environment.
Types of Committees and More
- Education Committee – Plans CE classes, trainings, and professional
development programs - Member Engagement Committee – Builds connection through networking,
outreach, recognition, and onboarding - Affiliates Committee – Strengthens REALTOR®–affiliate partnerships
and engagement - Community Service Committee – Leads volunteer efforts and fundraisers
that support our community and core standards - Government Affairs & RPAC Committee – Supports advocacy, legislative
education, and RPAC initiatives - Board Development Committee – Helps cultivate future leaders and
strong governance - Finance Committee – Supports financial oversight and budgeting (specialized roles)
- Bylaws Committee – Reviews governing documents for clarity and compliance
Service Limits and Board Participation
Members may serve on no more than three (3) committees per year. All Board members are required to serve and actively participate on at least one committee.
Staff Support and Communication
Staff provide administrative and operational support but do not make committee decisions. Committees must communicate professionally and coordinate through established channels.
Meeting Minutes
Staff take minutes only for Executive and Finance Committees. All other committee chairs must ensure minutes are taken using the LCAR-approved template and submitted for record retention.
Meeting Procedures and Scheduling
Committees meet based on scope of work and should meet during the first week of the month when possible. All meetings must be coordinated with the Association Executive and appear on the master calendar.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is required at all times and enforced under the Board Policies & Procedures Manual.
Event Budgeting and Financial Controls
Event budgets must be approved in advance, break even unless Board-approved otherwise, and be reconciled within thirty (30) days. A five percent (5%) operations support fee applies to qualifying fundraising events.
Ad Hoc Committee
Ad hoc committees may be created by the President or Board for a defined purpose and duration and are disbanded upon completion.