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www.aia.org/volunteer
Download the AIA Volunteer Cheat Sheet (PDF)
The AIA is always in need of volunteers at the local, state, and national level. Choosing to volunteer at a professional organization is rewarding and can augment the skills that are learned at one’s job. Volunteering can provide opportunities to lead teams and manage projects, network with your peers, and improve the architectural profession as a whole. Volunteering has the potential to impact the profession, and your career path.
The AIA understands that the architectural profession can be demanding, and attempts to work within the time constraints that a volunteer may have. There are many ways to volunteer at the AIA, but it is important to think about what you want to get out of your volunteer experience before you commit.
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Volunteer Opportunities |
There are many volunteer opportunities within the AIA network. After you have decided how you can best serve as a volunteer, see some of the opportunities below to find the perfect fit for you. | ||
National Associates Committee (NAC) |
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Young Architects Forum (YAF) |
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Knowledge Communities |
Call for Submissions The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is looking for submissions from Emerging Professionals for our quarterly newsletter, the CRAN Chronicle. Specifically, we would like to find out how EPs contribute to custom residential projects, and what kind of work EPs do in their offices. Brief written descriptions and graphics are welcome. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming Chronicle, please contact cran@aia.org Call for Volunteers The Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is looking for an Emerging Professional to volunteer to help gather information for our quarterly newsletter, the CRAN Chronicle. We're specifically looking for an EP to contact CRAN members and discuss their favorite products for publication in our newsletter. This is a great opportunity for an EP who is interested in custom residential architecture to network with CRAN members from all over the USA. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact cran@aia.org.
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Articles and Submissions |
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: AUTHORS, DESIGNERS, ARCHITECTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS The YAF Connection Editorial Committee is actively and continually seeking content for inclusion in upcoming issues of the YAF CONNECTION, the official bi-monthly publication of the Young Architects Forum of the AIA. If you are interested in submitting a written article, project (art, architecture, sketches, photography) or other content, please contact the YAF Communications Advisor (YAF CONNECTION Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director), Wyatt Frantom, AIA at wyatt.frantom@wf-ad.com for more information. |
What it Takes to Volunteer at the AIA
Do you think you have what it takes to volunteer with the AIA? We are always looking for energetic and enthusiastic volunteers that want to make a positive change on the profession.
A volunteer should have the following attributes:
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Proven Performance |
Leadership requires knowledge, talent, skill, vitality, and the ability to make a difference. In an association, this often translates into contributing to the success of programs, events, or projects. Keep track of your contributions and build your professional resume with volunteer activities. |
Commitment |
Serving as an association leader is an honor and a privilege, but it also requires a demonstrated commitment to the organization and its missions and goals. Read about the mission of the AIA here. |
Understanding Team Work |
It takes many people working together to achieve goals and objectives at an association. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills are essential to effective teamwork. |
Ability to Think Strategically |
Volunteers must be able to leave personal agendas and politics at the door in order to work for the greater good of the entire organization. |
Exemplary Personal Conduct |
A volunteer’s behavior and attitude can greatly influence others in the association. The AIA looks for positive attitudes that are optimistic and ready for a challenge. |
Organizational Experience |
To learn about the AIA and take small steps into the world of volunteering, it often is best to start at the local level. After a few successes at the local level it may be worth considering volunteering at the state, regional, or national level as well. Once involved, more and more opportunities will come your way. |
Logistics of Volunteering
Before you commit to a volunteer position, please consider the following:
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Time to Serve |
Participating fully in association activities requires extra time to prepare for, travel to, and attend meetings. Do you have the support of your employer and family to volunteer? Volunteering usually includes conference calls during business hours and follow-up work during your free time. Do you have enough free time to commit to the AIA? |
Good Health |
The often hectic and strenuous pace of volunteer leadership requires good mental and physical condition. Volunteering will add one more potential stress to your daily life; if you cannot handle additional responsibilities at this time that is ok. The AIA will still be here when life calms down and you have time to volunteer. |
Support Systems |
The extra effort required of volunteer leaders involves a substantial time commitment. Before you volunteer, talk about the time implications of the commitment with your employer and your family. Grassroots and Convention typically require a few days out of the office and away from home. Other commitments may include conference calls, attending local events, or developing a program which may be easier to fit into a busy schedule. |
Financial Stability |
The AIA will reimburse volunteers for approved expenses related to travel, meals, and supplies. Though the AIA does try to reimburse all volunteers in a timely manner, it may take up to 8 weeks after an event occurs for a check to arrive. If travel is booked a month in advance of the trip, the volunteer must be able to cover the cost without financial hardship for up to three months. |
Source: John B. Cox, Professional Practices in Association Management: The Essential Resource for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations (ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership; 2nd Edition 2007), page 7.
About the AIA Center for Emerging Professionals
The AIA Center for Emerging Professionals exists to support, educate and advocate for students, intern architects and the recently licensed, less than ten years. The Center for Emerging Professionals is the authoritative voice and resource for individuals at many points in their careers from education through licensure. The team also supports two AIA Committees; the National Associates Committee and the Young Architects Forum. Both are frameworks for training volunteer leadership, and positively impacting the Institute’s programs for Emerging Professionals. For more information, visit www.aia.org/professionals.
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