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SAA runs almost entirely on volunteer power—and your voice makes a difference!
Volunteers are the lifeblood of any professional association. SAA is a member-driven organization that relies on its 800+ volunteers for leadership, guidance, and content expertise. In partnership with SAA’s professional staff, SAA leaders make it happen!
There are many ways that our members connect with each other and get involved in SAA. Take a moment to consider your own next steps:
The best way to connect with other members is through one of SAA’s many sections. These special-interest groups shape the communities and initiatives around particular areas of archival work, identities, and organizational settings. Joining a section will automatically subscribe you to that section’s discussion list to help you stay connected.
Sections are also the perfect place to start your SAA leadership journey! Each section is run by a small steering committee that guides the group’s activities and events. Each June elections are held to bring in new steering committee members. Keep an eye on the section’s microsite and discussion list (on SAA Connect) in April/May to nominate yourself for the next election.
Many sections also have pop-up opportunities throughout the year for short-term projects. Keep an eye on your section’s discussion list!
SAA is led by a variety of appointed groups that provide expertise and advice to the Council and complete specific projects and initiatives. Appointed groups include boards, committees, subcommittees, task forces, and working groups. The SAA Vice President issues a call for self-nominations each fall for open positions on these appointed groups—more than 100 positions are available every year! The Vice President works with the Appointments Committee to review all applicants and make final recommendations by the spring. Volunteers will learn by early summer if they have been appointed, and will begin onboarding with their group right away leading up to the start of their term in August.
Apply by December 15, 2022.
Appointed groups also host early-career members, a special mentorship opportunity for students and new professionals. The application form usually opens by mid-spring, and early-career members are selected for one-year terms beginning in August.
Next application cycle to open in spring 2023.
Each spring SAA members elect the next Vice President/President-Elect, Treasurer (every three years), Council members, and Nominating Committee. All current SAA members (except associate members) are eligible to vote in the election, as well as run for office!
SAA’s governing body is the Council, a group of twelve individuals who are elected by the general membership. The Council is responsible for ensuring SAA’s financial stability and growth, developing and implementing the Society’s strategic priorities, providing overall leadership and direction for SAA and its component groups, building and coordinating relationships with individuals and groups outside of SAA, and more. It works closely with the SAA staff to ensure that members’ voices are heard and that SAA advocates on behalf of the archives profession.
The SAA Nominating Committee is composed of five members who are responsible for creating the slate of candidates for the next SAA election. The committee solicits nominations starting in the late spring and works to confirm a final slate by late fall/early winter. Nominate a strong colleague, favorite member, or yourself!
The Society of American Archivists Foundation is the nation’s leading source of nonprofit funding dedicated to the interests of archives and archivists.
The Board seeks new volunteers each spring to serve for three-year terms. SAA membership is not required for a position on the Foundation Board. The experiences and skills necessary for these positions may differ significantly from those required for other SAA leadership appointments. Learn more about serving on the SAA Foundation Board here.
Questions about SAA leadership? Contact SAA Governance Manager Felicia Owens at fowens@archivists.org or 866-722-7858, ext. 219.
All SAA leadership terms begin (and end) in August, in conjunction with the SAA Annual Meeting—though attendance at the Annual Meeting is never required to serve. Individuals must be current SAA members to hold a leadership position.