A popular series of children’s books once beckoned youngsters to create their own narratives by selecting from different plotlines. The book allowed readers to construct a different tale each time they started reading, and so the books were called “choose your own adventure” stories. As kids read, they chose from a carefully placed series of options that led them to one part of the book or another. Their newly concocted story might go on for hours or conclude in a matter of minutes; both outcomes were designed to engage and enrich readers while also encouraging them to revisit the opening storyline and chart new courses based on the information they had just received. Each fresh read engendered new perspectives and new outcomes; none of the readers’ journeys were ever quite the same.
So it is when volunteering with an organization. We often spend a bit of time getting to know the organization’s story and then more time identifying the best pathways we can take to navigate—and, potentially, change—its course. Each time we volunteer, we approach our journey with new knowledge and determination, taking what we learned previously into novel directions and striving for different outcomes.
This year, opportunities to volunteer for appointed groups—which include committees, subcommittees, boards, working groups, and awards—abound. Each opportunity presents the chance to get to know SAA and work toward changing its trajectory.
Where do you want SAA to be in the next 1–5 years? What should your organization look like? How will your participation effect a positive change?
Choose your adventure by self-nominating for the appointed groups to help both you and SAA along your respective journeys in the archives field. I can't wait to see what adventure you choose!
-Tomaro Taylor, SAA Vice-President/President-Elect
How to Volunteer
For the 2024 appointments cycle, there are many positions to be filled across SAA’s appointed groups. Review a list of the available positions on the SAA website and then select the groups you’re most interested in (we recommend no more than five). Then, submit your leadership self-nomination form by December 15.
There are several avenues to gather information about an SAA group before submitting your application. Start by exploring the group's dedicated microsite to review their recent activities and the current member roster. Engage in conversations with existing group members to gain insights into their personal experiences, the expected time commitment, the group's workflow, and its relationship within the broader organization. Valuable information about the general responsibilities of leadership roles can be found on SAA's Leader Resources page.
Commencing in January 2024, the Appointments Committee will initiate a thorough review process and engage in discussions with group leaders to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each group's specific needs. This review will particularly focus on promoting diversity within our membership, encompassing aspects such as race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, years of experience in the profession, geographic location, abilities, and the nature of archival repository experiences. Each individual will be appointed to a single position at a time, and current leaders will not be considered for reappointment to a second term unless there is a compelling need to extend their involvement in certain aspects of the work beyond their initial term.
Learn More
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SAA Headquarters
Society of American Archivists
Chicago IL
saahq@archivists.org------------------------------