Issues and Advocacy Section Statement of Mission, Vision and Core Values

Issues & Advocacy Section Statement of Mission, Vision and Core Values 

(Adopted : 05/29/15; Updated 04/11/2017 with I&A new "Section" title) 

 Mission 

The Issues & Advocacy Section (I&A) of the Society of American Archivists (SAA) supports the goals and mission of the Society. As a forum for discussion of the critical issues facing the archival profession, the I&A is committed to outreach and advocacy efforts which support the continued growth of the archival profession and nurture archivists and archives.  

Vision 

We are champions of archivists and the archival profession and of archives as building blocks of history and community.  We promote their value and relevancy within and outside of the archival profession.  We are advocates. 

 Core Values 

 Advocacy 

We are a voice for the SAA membership and public on policies that affect SAA members, archivists, associated professionals, public archival institutions, private archival institutions, and the public by providing a forum for the active and public discussion of pro-archives positions, and a resource for marshalling direct advocacy actions and campaigns. 

Awareness 

We are a key contact and resource for apprising the archival community and the public of news, events, discussions, and information relevant to archivists, associated professionals, the SAA, and archival institutions. 

 Diversity

We are committed to ensuring the diversity of the archival profession and the archival record.  We promote and defend the diverse opinions, heritage, and experience of members and support the collection of and access to historical records documenting the breadth of human experience.

Education 

We are an educational resource on matters relating to archival advocacy and outreach, and work to ensure archivists embrace advocacy and outreach as core functions of our profession. 

 Dialogue

We are an institutional forum for critical discussion and an internal advocate for the interests of SAA members.  In dialogue with the SAA Council, the SAA President, and other official SAA constituent offices and groups, we help inform official policy, action, and statements.