Volunteer on an AAS Committee or Working Group

The American Astronomical Society relies on the active engagement of its members to fulfill its mission to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe as a diverse and inclusive astronomical community. Volunteers contribute their expertise, energy, and time to shape the meetings, programs, publications, initiatives, and advocacy efforts that propel the Society forward.

Volunteers opportunities abound, but here I’ll focus on four general categories; you can easily indicate your interest to serve or edit your prior selections in your online member account. Several of these groups have terms that begin and end in June, and sign-ups this month will be greatly appreciated.

Advocacy

• Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE)
• Committee on Astronomy and Public Policy (CAPP)
• Sustainability Committee

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging)

• Committee on the Status of Minorities in Astronomy (CSMA)
• Committee on the Status of Women in Astronomy (CSWA)
• Committee for Sexual-Orientation & Gender Minorities in Astronomy (SGMA)
• Working Group on Accessibility and Disability (WGAD)

Operational

• Committee on Employment
• Education Committee
• Publications Committee

Technical

• Working Group on Astroinformatics and Astrostatisics
• Working Group on the Preservation of Astronomical Heritage
• Working Group on Time Domain Astronomy

Volunteering should not become a burden, and it’s best to ask about time and effort expectations before committing. Seek out the committee chair to get more information. Also of note: a Volunteer Compensation Task Force is at work to determine if / when / at what level volunteers for AAS committees can be compensated for their service. Stay tuned for this group’s recommendations.