- About Archives
- About SAA
- Careers
- Education
- Publications
- Advocacy
- Membership
Greetings, friends! The Society of American Archivists (SAA) accomplishes so much each year, and it’s due in large part to our many motivated, hardworking leaders that make it all happen.
In my experience, volunteering with SAA is not service to an organization. It is service to each other, freely given with the goal of building something together that lifts all of us up. It is not the only way archivists build for the future, but it is a valuable one that helps bind us together in solidarity.
SAA leaders in a variety of component groups volunteer their time, energy, creativity, knowledge, and personalities to get things done. We are not in this to add another line to our résumés. There is so much to do and so many talented folks in our Society who want to do that work.
As you consider volunteering for SAA leadership, think of the future. What do you want archivists and archives to look like in five years? What skills, perspectives, ambitions, or connections do you have that could help move our Society toward that vision? And which positions would make the best vehicle for making that change? I recommend looking at positions that connect with your interests and desires and that would benefit from your unique attributes.
For the 2022 appointments cycle, there are more than 80 positions to be filled across SAA’s 25+ appointed groups, which include boards, committees, subcommittees, task forces, and working groups. Review the list of available positions below and choose up to five groups for which you feel interested and compelled to serve. Then, submit your leadership self-nomination form by December 15, 2021.
There are many ways to learn more about an SAA group before applying. Check the group’s microsite for recent information and the current leadership roster. Ask current group members about their experiences, the time commitment, ebbs and flows in the work, and relationships to other component groups. SAA’s Leader Resources page also has great information about the general responsibilities of leadership positions.
Thankfully, I will not be alone in the appointments process! I am so glad to have the Appointments Committee to provide valuable insight and assistance for this important work. I’m happy to introduce the following members of the 2022 Appointments Committee: Selena Ortego-Chiolero (chair), Steven Booth, Courtney Dean, Brad Houston, Jonathan Pringle, and Kelli Yakabu.
Starting in January, the Appointments Committee will review and consult with group leaders to make sure we understand each group’s needs, particularly regarding the diversity of our membership. In this context, diversity includes race and ethnicity, gender identity/expression, years in the profession, geographic region, and type of archival repository. Individuals will be appointed to one position at a time, and current leaders will not be reappointed to a second term unless there is a critical requirement to continue some aspect of the work beyond their original term.
The following groups will have vacancies, with new terms beginning in August 2022. (The number of vacancies is indicated in parentheses.) Review descriptions of the groups by following the links below, and then volunteer to serve.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2021
To volunteer, log in and submit the self-nomination form by December 15, 2021. You may save changes and come back to this form; you may also change or resubmit information. SAA membership is required both to view the self-nomination form and to be appointed to an SAA group.
The application requires specific and detailed information that will be shared with both the Appointments Committee and current appointed group chairs so they can make sound recommendations. This process can be competitive, so please send your strongest highlights that relate to the position for which you’re applying.
SAA Vice President Terry Baxter and recent SAA leaders hosted a live discussion and Q&A about all things SAA appointed groups and leadership. View the recording here.
Questions? Contact appointments@archivists.org.