Joining a Bay East Council has always been a great way to make new contacts, learn about the new trends in the industry, and have a hand in shaping the Association's direction. Each year over one hundred REALTORS® and Affiliates become active participants in Bay East’s Councils.

If you'd like to get more involved with Bay East or simply have some great ideas you'd like to see implemented, joining a Council is the perfect place to start. The Association has plenty of opportunities for volunteers.

Councils approve programs and policies that fall within Bay East’s Strategic Plan and annual budget. Membership is generally limited to between 15 and 20 members with equal representation from each District. Most Councils meet for about 2 hours every month.

The Association also has Task Forces which focus on just one program from inception of an idea or event to actually carrying it out. Once the program or event takes place the task force may be disbanded.

Chances are you have a few hours to spare and some great ideas to share. So, if you'd like to volunteer, just complete the sign-up form located below and mail or fax to the address and fax number noted on the form. Council appointments are made in January and when vacancies occur. We'll contact you to let you know where we need you the most.

Member Benefits Council

To identify, develop and oversee programs that establish and enhance the benefits of Association membership. The following responsibilities are a part of this council: Achievement Club, REALTOR®, Rookie and Affiliate of the Year Awards, Good Neighbor Award, New Member Outreach, Education Advisory, Affiliate Appreciation, Communication Ambassador, Products and Services, Activities, Dictionary Project, Broker Outreach and Broker Academy.

The responsibility of the Council is:

• To process and make recommendations on application for membership and status changes pertaining to membership.
• To develop programs for membership that will provide benefits and/or non-dues revenues.
• To provide professional education beyond the DRE requirements.
• To develop programs for Affiliate members.
• To determine what mutually beneficial programs can be developed for REALTORS® and Affiliates.
• To oversee Member Recognition and Honorary Award program.
• To provide a link between the Association, Marketing Groups and Broker/Owner meetings.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Pam Barnes.

Grievance Council

To review alleged violations and recommend for Disciplinary hearing if necessary in accordance with the Membership/MLS Rules and Regulations, Association’s Bylaws and the California Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Reference Manual.

The responsibility of the Council is:

Grievance Review:

• Recommend dismissal of ethics/MLS complaints or refer to a formal hearing by a Professional Standards panel. Acts as Complainant in Anonymous Complaints. Does not screen or investigate requests for arbitration (monetary) disputes. Arbitration requests go directly to a Professional Standards panel.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Pam Barnes.

Professional Standards Council

In accordance with the Strategic Plan/Budget to identify, recommend and implement programs that enhance the professionalism of the Association’s members in accordance with the Membership/MLS Rules and Regulations, Association’s Bylaws and the California Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Reference Manual.

The responsibility of the Council is:

Professional Standards Panels:

• Hear and decide arbitration disputes. The Panel's decision is final and cannot be appealed except for lack of due process. The Professional Standards Panel shall also hear and decide disciplinary (non-monetary) complaints referred to a Professional Standards Panel by the Grievance Council. The Panel's decision can be appealed to the Directors for lack of due process, excessive discipline or misinterpretation of the Code of Ethics or MLS Rules and Regulations.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Pam Barnes.

Mediation Council

The Mediation Council assists the Bay East Association of REALTORS® by providing an alternative resolution process for disputes that arise from the real estate business which allows the parties to maintain control over the outcome and promotes ongoing relationships between the disputing parties. Mediation is offered in conjunction with Arbitration per California Association of REALTORS® Professional Standards Reference Manual; additionally Mediation is offered for any disputes arising from real estate issues between REALTOR® members, members and their clients, and transaction disputes between buyers and sellers of members.

• Mediate arbitrable disputes between REALTORS®; and REALTORS® and their clients
• Mediate ethics disputes between REALTORS®; and REALTORS® and their clients
• Mediate disputes between buyers and sellers provided at least one party was represented by an Association member in the underlying real estate transaction
• Communicate the availability and benefit of mediation to Association members

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Pam Barnes.

Housing Opportunities Council

The Housing Opportunities Council (HOC) develops and promotes programs that create housing opportunities for those at all economic levels. The HOC advocates and educates Bay East members and the public on housing assistance programs and developments through the following activities:

• Promoting programs that benefit Bay East members by creating transaction opportunities that also help the public Participating in and supporting housing affordability issues.
• Maintaining a clearinghouse of information about private and public financial housing assistance programs.
• Participating in and support housing advocacy groups.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact David Stark.

Multiple Listing Service Council

To identify and recommend programs and improvements to the MLS vendor that enhance the value of the MLS of the Association’s constituents. And, to review, evaluate and advise members on technology issues that will enhance their ability to do business in the 21st century.

• The responsibility of the Council is:
• To oversee the input and dissemination of information for the multiple listing service.
• To oversee support/provide training and information programs that facilitate ease of use of the MLS system and related technologies.
• To review new MLS-related technology and recommend new MLS-related services and products to the Joint MLS Council and/or directly to the Bay East Board of Directors.
• To serve as liaison to the general membership for specific MLS technology programs.
• To recommend MLS Rules and Regulations and appropriate fines/penalties for MLS violations in compliance with the NAR and CAR Model MLS Rules and Regulations.
• To oversee the MLS Alliance site, send two representatives to the MLS Users Group to represent Bay East.
• To be familiar with neighboring MLS systems and serve as liaisons to these MLS to build positive business relationships for potential joint ventures.
• To review requests for the waiver of MLS fees.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact Pam Barnes.

Local Government Relations Council

The Local Government Relations (LGR) Council directs Bay East involvement in local politics and policies that impact the real estate industry. The LGR Council develops and promotes programs that enhance the Association’s relationship with local communities, local elected officials and staff within the areas serviced by the Association through the following activities:

• Promoting the REALTOR® image to the public and government decision-makers.
• Developing programs that strengthen Bay East’s lobbying efforts on real estate related issues.
• Monitoring issues affecting the real estate industry and keeping Bay East members informed of such issues.
• Promoting participation in the REALTOR® Action Fund.
• Supporting REALTOR candidates for local elected and appointed leadership positions.
• Managing the allocation of the Bay East political action fund.

If you are either interested in participating or would like further information, please contact David Stark.

Marketing Council

Assists the members of the Bay East Association to market their properties and stay informed of relevant real estate issues that enhance the benefits of Association membership. Membership of the Council will consist of the elected leadership of the participating Marketing Groups.

• The responsibility of the Council is:
• To ensure that the Marketing Group Meetings are conducted in accordance with the Bay East-approved Marketing Group Bylaws.
• To ensure the Marketing Group meetings comply with pertinent Anti-Trust and Fair Housing statutes.
• To promote the Code of Ethics, REALTOR® professionalism and good business etiquette for REALTORS® and Affiliate members of Bay East.
• To assist Marketing Groups in developing informational programs for the Marketing Group meetings.
• To increase the networking among Marketing Group Leadership.
• To assist Marketing Group leadership to develop effective, productive meetings.
• To train Marketing Group leadership on effective meeting management and parliamentary procedures.
• To encourage greater member participation in the Marketing Groups.

If you would like further information, please contact Toni Wilson.