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The SAA Council approved on March 17 creation of a new Committee on Public Awareness to “provide strategic information and advice to the SAA Council to enhance SAA’s capacity to promote the value of archives and archivists to institutions, communities, and society.”
“The new committee will recommend to the SAA Council the public awareness priorities on which SAA should focus its attention and resources within the context of the Strategic Plan. The group will work with the staff and outside counsel to develop programs that promote the value and role(s) of archivists and archives nationwide,” says SAA President Danna Bell.
“The tasks associated with accomplishing Goal 1 in SAA’s Strategic Plan are many and require a focused effort by not just staff, but also member volunteers. The new committee will recommend to the SAA Council the public awareness priorities on which we should focus our attention and resources. The group will work with the staff and outside counsel (as possible) to develop programs that promote the value and role(s) of archivists and archives nationwide,” says SAA President Danna Bell.
As noted in the committee’s description: “The Committee on Public Awareness (COPA) is distinguished from the Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy (CAPP) by virtue of the audience with which each group generally interacts and whose opinions it seeks to influence. CAPP generally is concerned with influencing legislative and regulatory (i.e., public policy) decisions of government at all levels; COPA generally is concerned with influencing groups other than legislators and regulators (e.g., archives users, institutional resource allocators, etc.). The two committees may collaborate on identification of key audiences, messages, and mediums to ensure a coordinated approach to SAA’s priorities and communications.”
Creation of the group supports SAA’s ambitious new Strategic Plan, which includes in Goal 1: “Provide leadership in promoting the value of archives and archivists to institutions, communities, and society.”
SAA Vice President Kathleen Roe seeks volunteers for the new Committee on Public Awareness. (See full description below.) If you’re interested in serving, include in an email message directed to saahq@archivists.org the following information: Your full name, title, and institution; a brief summary of your experience within SAA and the profession; and a statement of interest in and qualifications for serving on COPA (specifically related to your background and experience or particular interest in public awareness, public relations, or outreach). Please use the following subject line: Volunteer for COPA (Your Last Name). Deadline: Tuesday, April 8. SAA membership is required for appointment.
Committee on Public AwarenessI. Purpose The Committee provides strategic information and advice to the SAA Council to enhance SAA’s capacity to promote the value of archives and archivists to institutions, communities, and society. The Committee recommends to the SAA Council the public awareness priorities on which SAA should focus its attention and resources, within the context of the Society’s mission and strategic plan. In addition, the Committee works with staff and outside counsel to develop programs that promote the value and role(s) of archivists and archives nationwide. The Committee on Public Awareness (COPA) is distinguished from the Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy (CAPP) by virtue of the audiences with which each group generally interacts and whose opinions it seeks to influence. CAPP generally is concerned with influencing legislative and regulatory (i.e., public policy) decisions of government at all levels; COPA generally is concerned with influencing opinions about the value of archivists and archives among the general public and stakeholder groups other than legislators and regulators (e.g., archives users, institutional resource allocators, etc.). The two committees may collaborate on identification of key audiences, messages, and mediums to ensure a coordinated approach to SAA’s priorities and communications. II. Committee Selection, Size, and Length of Term: The Committee consists of eight members (including a chair and vice chair) who are appointed by the SAA Vice President for staggered three-year terms. The individual who is selected by the Vice President as vice chair, typically from among the incoming third-year members, becomes vice chair in the fourth year of service and accedes to chair in the fifth year. Individuals may be reappointed to the Committee. III. Duties and Responsibilities The Committee has the following duties and responsibilities: A. Acting proactively, the Committee:
B. Acting in cooperation with other organizations and groups:
C. Acting in response to requests or events, the Committee:
IV. Reporting The Committee works closely with the President, its Council Liaison, and the Executive Director to ensure that it is responsive to the Council's needs and is working in coordination with the staff office. In certain cases, when time is of the essence, Committee communications with the President and Executive Director may be discussed and acted upon solely by the Executive Committee. Adopted by the SAA Council: March 17, 2014. |