Help Shape the Future of the American Herbalists Guild
Each year, AHG members have the opportunity to help shape the future of our organization by nominating leaders to serve on the Board of Directors. The strength of the Guild depends on engaged members and thoughtful, capable leaders willing to share their time, experience, and expertise.
Nominations come from you, our members. Whether you’re nominating someone you believe would be a strong addition to the Board, considering nominating yourself, or simply learning more about Board service, we hope you’ll take part in the process.
The 2026 Board nomination period is open from August 18 through September 9, 2026.
Seats Available in the 2026 Election
The 2026 election will fill six seats on the AHG Board of Directors, with terms beginning January 1, 2027:
- 5 seats with two-year terms, ending December 31, 2028
- 1 seat with a one-year term, ending December 31, 2027
At least two of the seats on the Board are reserved for General Members.
Who Can Be Nominated?
To be eligible for election to the AHG Board of Directors, nominees must:
- Be a current AHG member in good standing for at least two consecutive years
- Be willing and able to serve if elected
- Be free of disqualifying conflicts of interest
- Meet the eligibility requirements established by the AHG Bylaws
Members Emeritus and members who have not previously served on the Board are welcome to be nominated if they meet these requirements.
What Kind of Experience Is the Board Looking For?
All eligible nominees are welcome. For this election cycle, the Governance Committee has identified several areas of experience that may help strengthen the Board’s collective work:
- Financial oversight or fundraising
- Nonprofit leadership or Board experience
- Legal experience
- Education program design and delivery
- Business administration and organizational skills
- Clinical herbal practice
- RH credentialing experience and perspective
These are not additional eligibility requirements. We encourage members to think broadly about the people in our community whose perspectives, skills, and leadership could help guide the Guild into its next chapter.
What Does Board Service Involve?
Serving on the AHG Board is a volunteer commitment and an opportunity to contribute your experience, support the herbal community, and help advance the Guild’s mission.
Board members serve without compensation and are expected to:
- Serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2027, unless elected to the one-year seat
- Attend monthly Board meetings and the Annual Meeting
- Serve on at least two Board committees
- Participate in organizational governance, fundraising, and member engagement
- Uphold the AHG’s fiduciary, ethical, conduct, and confidentiality responsibilities
- Complete an annual conflict-of-interest disclosure
New directors receive a structured orientation through the Governance Committee.
How the Nomination Process Works
Step 1: Submit a Nomination
Members may nominate another eligible member or submit one self-nomination during the nomination period.
All active AHG members have been sent a nomination form via email. If you are unable to locate the email, or need assistance checking the status of or renewing your membership, please contact office@americanherbalistsguild.com.
Step 2: Two Member Nominations Are Required
Each prospective candidate must receive two member nominations before moving forward.
A self-nomination counts as one of the two required nominations, meaning a self-nominated candidate needs one additional nomination from another AHG member.
Step 3: Eligibility Review
Once two nominations have been received, the Governance Committee completes a preliminary review to confirm the nominee’s eligibility.
Step 4: Candidate Application
Eligible nominees will be contacted by the Governance Committee to confirm their willingness to serve and receive the Candidate Application Packet.
Nominees who complete the application and advance through the review process will move forward toward the membership election.
Why Are Two Nominations Required?
Requiring two member nominations helps demonstrate initial support from within the membership while encouraging thoughtful participation in the election process. It also allows the Governance Committee to focus its efforts on candidates who have received interest from more than one member of the Guild.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Members may submit one self-nomination per election cycle.
Do I still need another nomination if I nominate myself?
Yes. Your self-nomination counts as one nomination, and you will need one additional nomination from another AHG member before advancing to the Candidate Application Packet.
How long must I have been an AHG member?
Nominees must have maintained at least two consecutive years of membership in good standing before nomination.
When will I receive the Candidate Application Packet?
Once two nominations have been received and preliminary eligibility has been confirmed, the Governance Committee will contact eligible nominees about the next steps.
Important Dates
August 18, 2026
Board nominations open
September 9, 2026
Board nominations close
Questions?
For questions about Board service, nominations, or the election process, please contact:
AHG Office: office@americanherbalistsguild.com
Governance Committee: governance@americanherbalistsguild.com
Thank you for taking an active role in the future of the Guild. We look forward to a thoughtful, engaged, and diverse nomination pool for the 2026 election.