Representation

Community Action Agencies like Panhandle Community Services are required to have a tripartite board consisting of equal representation from the low-income sector, public sector, and private sector from the communities we serve.

This structure brings together community leaders from each group to develop responses to local needs, so that all 26 Texas Panhandle counties are represented equitably and with a full circle of thought. A low-income representative, a public representative, and a private representative from each of five panhandle regions (see corresponding map) serve on the PCS Board of Directors. Board members serve one – three-year term with the possibility of a second three-year term.

When a board position becomes available, Panhandle Community Services will share information on their website and/or within networks in the region where the position is needing to be filled. This will be done within 30 days of the post becoming available. Examples of potential areas where the position will be promoted will be with area county courthouses, economic development centers and with social service networks in the area. 

Low-Income Sector Representatives

Low-income representatives must be democratically selected.

Examples of democratic selection procedures for low-income sector directors include:

• Staff recommendation and selection of a past or current client who has received PCS services or an individual who makes a request and sends a resume along with a recommendation letter from staff. A recruitment letter is sent to the client to determine interest and commitment. Once this is determined the candidate is submitted to the board of directors for approval;
• Election by ballots cast by PCS clients and/or by another (low-income people group) in the service area being represented. (ballots could be cast, for example, at designated polling place(s) in the service area, at PCS offices, or via the Internet);
• Voting at a community meeting of low-income people (the meeting could serve not simply to select low-income sector directors but also to address a topic of interest to low income people);
• A signed petition by a certain number of residents in a low-income community (must include a minimum of 25 signatures); or
• Designation by community organizations representing low-income people in the service area (for example, a Head Start policy council, low-income housing tenant association, or the board of a community health center). The community organization will choose someone from among their board members to serve on the PCS board.

Public Sector Representatives

One-third of the Board Members must be currently elected public officials, holding office at their time of selection and serving within a specific geographical area. Their applications will be submitted to the Governance Committee for approval and recommendation to the full board. Elected officials may include elected Judges, Commissioners, Sheriff’s, School Board Members, etc.

Private Sector Representatives

One-third of the Board members must be elected or chosen from the private sector serving within a specific geographical area. Their applications will be submitted to the Governance Committee for approval and recommendation to the full board. These members will represent businesses and organizations including industry, labor, religious, law enforcement, or other major groups and interests in the community served.