Meet new members and contribute your expertise to your professional organization.

Committees and task forces are key to how SAA operates. Many research into issues related to their committee charge in order to make policy recommendations to SAA's Board of Directors. In 2022, SAA gave more than $100,000 in scholarships and awards to help our profession honor excellence and become a more diverse cohort. Some committees make the case for archaeology to the media, the public, and government agencies.

SAA has over 40 committees and task forces, staffed by more than 400 volunteers and this village of volunteers helps SAA keep dues as low as possible, so that as many archaeologists as possible may join. Most committees work by email and may meet in person at the annual meetings. SAA student members are also eligible for committee service; in fact, most committees must appoint at least two student members.

Organizational chart of the SAA

Click on image below to download a graphic of the organizational structure of the SAA.

Committees and Task Forces Directory

Volunteer for Committee Service

Volunteers may express interest at any time of the year in the work of a committee by emailing the chair. Alternatively, each fall, the SAA makes an “open call for committee service” to its membership. The application for 2024 is available here and is open through November 12, 2024.

Committee Policies and Guidelines

Committee and task force chairs work with their Board liaisons to make appointments to their advisory bodies. This Committee Appointment Policy was adopted by the SAA Board at its December 18, 2019 meeting and is intended to make this process more transparent and easier for all to understand.  

For committee chairs and board liaisons: Best Practices for Committee and Task Force Chairs and Board Liaisons