Career StagesYoung Architects Forum

AIA-Accordion

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)

Young Architects Forum (YAF)

Knowledge Communities

• Codes and Standards Committee

Who: AIA and Assoc. AIA members
What: volunteer for the AIA codes and Standards Committee
Where: one in –person meeting per year in Washington DC and once-a-month committee conference calls.
Why: great opportunity to influence AIA’s codes agenda, have input in the code development process, learn more about the code development process, meet other AIA members across the country

The AIA Codes and Standards Committee is soliciting a volunteer to fill one slot for an emerging professional on the 2013 committee. The Codes and Standards committee is responsible for shepherding AIA’s efforts in building and energy code development, providing member resources on codes-related topics, and any other topics that may arise.


The time commitment would be one one-hour conference call per month, and additional calls as needed based on the projects the committee will undertake. This is a great opportunity to contribute to AIA by sharing your input on the code development cycle, learning more about the code development process, and working with other AIA architects.

• Historic Resources Committee (HRC)

On behalf of the AIA Historic Resources Committee, we solicit emerging professionals to participate in the activities of HRC in support of our mission. As with most Knowledge Communities, there is much common ground among architects. Many architects, by education and practice, work on the planning and rehabilitation of existing districts and buildings, including sites that are historic resources.

AIA associates and members can participate by joining our KC, which has grown to approximately 6,500 members, by submitting a self-nomination to become an advisor, volunteering for a committee (e.g., Communication, Education, HABS, Development), and working on Convention session proposals, Convention symposia, and future special symposia and tours. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other professionals from diverse practices.

Please contact Peyton Hall, FAIA at Peyton@historicla.com for additional information.

• Public Architects Committee
• SFRT
• Small Project Practitioners (SPP)

Articles and Submissions

• Practice Management Knowledge Community (PCMK)

Please consider writing an article for the AIA PMKC Digest, a quarterly publication emailed to the 10,000 AIA members of the Practice Management Knowledge Community http://network.aia.org/practicemanagement/home/ . 

The theme for the Summer 2013 publication is “Insights from Emerging Professionals You could write about what you wished principals in your firm would do differently…or advise you would offer to architectural students as they enter the field…or what changes are needed to address your vision of the future of the profession.  This is your time at the microphone, so please let our readers learn something about you and your experiences to date. 

Your article should be a minimum of 800 and a maximum of 1000 words.  Attached you will also find a style guide that describes the formatting required. The issue will be published in June 2013, so I would like to have your first draft by 3 May 2013 although early submissions are encouraged.  In addition to the draft, please send me a headshot and an image of something that is important to you that relates to your article.

• Young Architects Forum (YAF)

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.

AIA-Accordion

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.

AIA-Accordion

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.