Membership Assistance Introduction NLASSA provides members with services that are professional, personal, and multi-faceted. The Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is the primary source for the delivery of these services. The intention is to provide a private, confidential, and supportive service to a member who seeks advice or counsel about career issues, professional ethics, employment and relationships difficulties, legislative initiatives, performance appraisal, and professional liability. These services may be accessed by contacting the President or the Executive Director. The Terms of Reference for the MAP are: • to provide counsel to members who require assistance. • to use the NLASSA Code of Ethics in support of membership assistance cases for the purpose of maintaining a high standard of professionalism in education. • to analyze membership assistance cases and keep the membership informed about supervisory and administrative practices which may result in professional difficulties. • to report to the Annual General Meeting regarding the extent and nature of the difficulties handled. • to alert members to emerging trends or issues which may impact on the role of the Directorship, their professional status, and their employment relationships. • to develop, maintain, and share information related to performance appraisal processes for members of the Directorship. • to develop, maintain, and share information related to personal services contracts for members of the Directorship. Components of the Membership Assistance Program The Membership Assistance Program (MAP) is comprised of five major components. These are intended to provide current, relevant, and future services to NLASSA active members. NLASSA believes that the public interest is best served through assuring the availability of high standards in professional educational leadership. The major components of MAP are described as follows: • Professional Services - These activities are designed to provide advice on matters of performance appraisal processes, professional services contracts, and professional liability with respect to indemnification, errors, and omissions. • Conflict Resolution - Counselling, mediation, and arbitration are available to members to assist in the resolution of performance, professional relations, or employment difficulties. These services are be accessed through the Professional Relations Committee. • Legal Services - Legal counsel may be provided from time-to-time on the approval of the Executive, and is paid through the NLASSA’s Legal Assistance Policy. The procedures are found in the NLASSA Handbook and on this website. • Liaison - This component is designed to seek opportunities for NLASSA to explore liaison and partnership with other education stakeholders which could result in enhanced professionalism for members. The NLASSA presently has a formal liaison program with the Department of Education, the NLTA, and the NLSBA. • Legislation - The ability and opportunity to influence new and changing legislative and regulatory initiatives is critical to ensuring a continuation of the Directorship’s legal, administrative, and leadership role in our education system.