The annual board meeting of the Cadet organization
Congressmen are the people who are given the task of making sure that the organization stays true to its mission statement – helping boys to grow more Christlike in all areas of life – and, as a Christian organization, that it is building a vibrant and spirit-filled future.
Each council is allowed to elect congressmen to represent them at this annual meeting. The number of congressmen that represent a council is dependent on the number of clubs in the council. Independent clubs are represented by the Independent Club Consultant.
The congressmen meet in West Michigan for three days every January to have visioning discussions, review programs and materials, approve a budget, elect executive committee members, participate in educational workshops, review recommendations, and review and vote on proposals.
Proposals come from the general membership of counselors (via their councils or for independent clubs, via the club consultant). Any active Cadet counselor can make a proposal to Congress for review by the executive committee.
2020 Executive Committee
Front row (left to right): Jim Hoekstra, Chaplain; Randy TenBrink, Vice President; Scott Klooster, Visioning Team Rep.; Sam Bysma, Secretary
Back row (left to right): Gerrit Sterk, Treasurer; Ron Mohr, DYM Rep.; Dave Mast, President; Steve Bootsma, Executive Director; Rich VanVeen, DYM Alternate
The Executive Committee ensures that the decisions of congress are carried out by the staff, reviews proposals for congress, develops and oversees the budget, and makes decisions that affect how the work of the staff is accomplished.