ASA is a member-driven, member-led organization whose committees and Board structure offer many opportunities for members to engage as volunteers leaders in the organization. Following is information describing those committee and volunteer opportunities. An application follows, along with links to seek additional information. We welcome your deeper engagement in the life of ASA and welcome your expression of interest and your completed application for service.

ASA Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the American Society on Aging (ASA) is charged with providing effective governance to the organization. As trustees of a nonprofit organization, the directors comprise the highest governing body legally responsible for carrying out ASA’s mission, safeguarding the organization’s assets, and ensuring the future of the organization. The board is responsible for providing clarity of mission and strategic direction for ASA, as well as giving guidance, assistance, and oversight to ASA’s Chief Executive Officer.

• Click here to download ASA Board Application (PDF)
   
• Click here to view the current Board of Directors Roster.  (PDF)
   
• Click here for the outline of Board Roles and Responsibilities (PDF)

Nominating Process for ASA Board of Directors

All candidates who wish to be considered for a seat on the Board should submit their completed board application, in electronic format only, together with all requested attachments to ASA’s manager of HR & administration, Alesia Sheviakhova. Existing board members should complete a board application for reelection comparable to the application process for new board candidates, detailing their contributions to the board.

Click here to access ASA Board of Directors Website (restricted to ASA Board Members only). 

ASA Board Standing Committees

Click here to download the Committee  Application (Microsoft Word document)

ASA is seeking volunteers to serve on the Board Standing Committees listed below. All positions are at-large two-year appointments, staggered to begin in March in conjunction with the annual meeting of ASA general membership. All committees meet at least twice a year via conference call to conduct the business.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee provides assistance to the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to ASA’s financial statements and the financial reporting process, the systems of internal accounting and financial controls, and the annual independent audit of ASA’s financial statements.

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee provides input and works with ASA staff on all aspects related to ASA Awards Programs, including review of award nominations and the selection of key ASA award recipients.

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee’s responsibilities are to represent the general membership, and to study and recommend on issues affecting the membership. The Committee encourages, promotes and enhances networking and marketing opportunities to expand and retain the membership base of ASA. This includes expanding outreach efforts, refining marketing and retention strategies, assessing membership costs and benefits structure and building a stronger membership community based on ASA's strategic goals.

Minority Concerns Committee

The Minority Concerns Committee’s charge is to assure the representation and participation of people of color at all levels of ASA business, including program development, membership and recruitment; at the local, state, national and international levels; and in learning opportunities on aging and human service issues. Given ASA’s commitment to multiculturalism and diversity, the role of Minority Concerns Committee is in the spotlight.

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee is responsible for developing activities that ensure appropriate state and national public policy which address the needs of older people. The Committee members work with staff in the coordination of ASA's activities on public policy for the good of ASA and constituency it serves. 

Special Committees

Student and Emerging Professionals (STEP) Group

The purpose of the Students and Emerging Professional Group (STEP Group) is to advance the education and professional development of students and emerging professionals through development of leadership skills, mentoring, and engagement in local or regional groups. 

STEP serves to offer ASA member students and early stage career professionals:

1. Experience in developing individual leadership skills through service on ASA committees.
2. Mentoring through a formal program (modeled on the Chicago Bridge) whose volunteers are senior leaders offering guidance and advice.
3. Opportunities for engagement by students and early stage career professionals through local groups, such as, Chicago Bridge, GenPhilly and Legacy (San Francisco).

Corporate Development Advisory Council

The Council provides individual advice and counsel on corporate and foundation fund development issues throughout the year, helping to hone ASA's message to meet the needs of the growing number of companies interested in aging issues.

NVL Advisory Committee

The NVL Advisory Committee provides on-going guidance and direction for the New Ventures in Leadership Program and the Program Director. The group meets via conference call several times a year.

Public Policy Response Team

The Public Policy Committee Response Team is a unit of the ASA Public Policy Committee charged with quickly responding to relatively uncontroversial requests requiring little discussion and needing a relatively speedy assessment and decision, but not calling for discussion by the entire committee. The team may also decide to refer a request to the entire Public Policy Committee for discussion.

ASA Constituent Groups Leadership Opportunities

Each of ASA's constituent groups focuses on the interests and concerns of professionals working in the settings and disciplines addressed by the group. The Leadership Council of each constituent group is responsible for providing direction and guidance to the network and meets at least twice a year via conference call as well as during the ASA Annual Conference.

• Click here to learn more about ASA Constituent Groups
   
• Click here to download the CG Council Application Form (Microsoft Word document)

Editorial Advisory Boards

Generations

Click Here to download the application form (Microsoft Word document)

Each issue of Generations, ASA’s flagship quarterly journal, is devoted to a particular topic in aging and features nationally recognized authors and guest editors.

Responsibilities of Generations Editorial Advisory Board Members:

• Participating in two one-day in-person meetings per year, held at the ASA Annual Conference and also at the GSA Annual Conference
• Participating in a group process for Generations issue theme selection
• Acting as a contact to prospective authors and/or guest editors
• Contributing articles (optional)
• Promoting the publication

Aging Today

Click Here to download the application form (Microsoft Word document)

ASA’s bimonthly newspaper, Aging Today, covers advances in practice, policy and research nationwide.

Responsibilities of Aging Today Editorial Advisory Board Members:

• Participating in quarterly meetings (three meetings via conference call and one in-person meeting during the ASA Annual Conference)
• Acting as a contact to prospective authors
• Contributing articles (optional)
• Identifying reprint possibilities
• Promoting the publication