The vice president may be called upon at any time to temporarily assume the duties of the president (except when the president-elect structure is being used). A strong vice president should be the president's "right hand," acting as an aide, and assuming assigned responsibilities. The vice president represents the president upon request. When local units have more than one vice president, each vice president is designated specific duties such as vice president for education or vice president for legislation. Vice presidents often serve as program chairmen, coordinators of major projects that involve several committees and as a liaison to outside groups that may desire a connection with a local unit. In the case of multiple vice presidents, it is helpful if each vice president is assigned oversight of committees that have connecting areas of responsibility. Vice presidents can be especially helpful in strengthening communication within the executive board as well as within the general membership and other entities in the school system and community.