News Article

The Open Call for SAA Committee Service is now available, and we urge you to apply.

 

Committees are a key contributor to SAA operations. The SAA has over 40 committees, staffed by more than 500 volunteers. Many committees research issues related to their committee charge in order to make policy recommendations to the SAA’s Board of Directors. Some committees make the case for archaeology to the media, the public, and government agencies. In 2021, the SAA gave more than $100,000 in scholarships, grants, and awards to help our profession become a more diverse cohort and to honor excellence. The work of announcing awards and selecting recipients is done through nearly a score of award committees, who also need volunteers. In short, there is very little that the board does that does not start with the recommendations of its advisory committees.

 

SAA student members are also eligible for committee service; in fact, most committees must appoint at least two student members. We warmly encourage student members to use the Open Call for Committee Service to meet more peers and to add your voice to the Society’s programs and positions.

 

Appointments are normally three-year commitments. Committee service is largely conducted through conference calls and Zoom meetings. While committees may meet in person when possible at the annual meeting, it is not a requirement of participation to attend the meeting (either virtually or in person).

 

All committee charges and a list of current members are posted in the Administrative Directory on SAA.org. You may volunteer for up to three different committees. Simply choose from the committees with available slots and fill out the form. 

 

You will be asked to describe in 1,000 characters or fewer your own experiences, skills, and interests relevant to the committee’s charge. Because more volunteers apply than there are committee openings, your qualifications statement is an important guide for committee chairs and committee board liaisons when choosing members.