Volunteer Opportunities

Architecture Specialty Group - Program Chair Track: Assistant Program Chair (5-10 hours/month)

Term: One or two years—you may serve one year as Assistant Program Chair, second year as Program Chair, or run again for assistant.

Application deadline: Feb. 26, or open until filled

The Architecture Specialty Group (ASG) develops and promotes the conservation of immovable cultural heritage, including buildings, monuments, outdoor sculpture, and related sites. We provide a forum for the exchange of information yielded from practice and research to further the profession and practice standards of architectural conservation.

As Assistant Program Chair, you participate in specialty group activities and assist the Chair and Program Chair in developing programming for the Annual Meeting.

Areas of responsibility:

• Attend (virtual) planning meetings for the Annual Meeting and regular ASG business meetings held on a monthly/bimonthly basis.
• Take and maintain internal meeting notes.
• Participate in abstract review and paper selection for the Annual Meeting
• Help coordinate welcome reception
• Assist with the development of additional programming
• Participate in additional ASG activities as available.

Requirement:

• AIC and ASG or ECPN membership
• Include a Statement of Interest in the position and a short biography (300 words max each). Both will be included in the ballot.

Contact for questions:

• Brooke Russell, ASG Chair, brussell@evergreene.com
• Hector Berdecia-Hernandez, Program Chair, direcciongeneral@cencorpr.org
• Ali Wysopal, Vice Program Chair, ali.wysopal@mnhs.org
  

Architecture Specialty Group - Treasurer (1 hour/month)

Term: If elected, two years. After the second year, you may run again for the role.

Application deadline: Feb. 26, or open until filled

The Architecture Specialty Group (ASG) develops and promotes the conservation of immovable cultural heritage, including buildings, monuments, outdoor sculpture, and related sites. We provide a forum for the exchange of information yielded from practice and research to further the profession and practice standards of architectural conservation.

The ASG Treasurer maintains a written record of the meetings and activities, plus:

• Develops the annual budget and budget justification (sent in late August each year)
• Prepares a financial overview for the annual business meeting (typically May)
• Attends ASG monthly/bimonthly meetings and, when applicable, presenting the quarterly reports to the officers 
• Works with our AIC liaison to obtain any relevant budgeting materials and reports

Requirement:

• AIC and ASG or ECPN membership (for early career members)
  
• Include a Statement of Interest in the position and a short biography (300 words max each). Both will be included in the ballot.

Contact for questions:

• Brooke Russell, ASG Chair, brussell@evergreene.com
• Hector Berdecia-Hernandez, Program Chair, direcciongeneral@cencorpr.org
• Ali Wysopal, Vice Program Chair, ali.wysopal@mnhs.org
  

Term: 2 years; after the second year, you will move into the emerita/us position or may run again for the role.

Description: The Chair is responsible for coordinating EMG Officer activities, like planning and running regular meetings, and ensuring documentation is saved. Chair reports to AIC board and represents EMG at annual Internal Advisory Group (IAG) meeting in November. Chair participates in AIC News articles for EMG. Chair plans and facilitates annual business meeting as part of AIC annual meeting. Chair helps with other projects as needed, such as budget planning, annual meeting sessions, elections, and any other special programming.

Requirements:

Include a Statement of interest in the position and a short biography (300 words maximum each). Both will be included in the ballot.

Contact: Dan Finn, current Chair, finnd@si.edu

Term: 1 year. After the first year, you will move into the Program Chair position.

Description: The Assistant Program Chair is responsible for assisting the Program Chair with planning the specialty group sessions for the AIC annual meeting. This includes helping draft the call for papers, reviewing submissions, and coordinating logistics.

Requirements:

Include a Statement of interest in the position and a short biography (300 words maximum each). Both will be included in the ballot.

Contact: Dan Finn, current Chair, finnd@si.edu

Wooden Artifacts Group – Assistant Program Chair (5-10 hours per month)

Term: If elected, 2 years. After the first year as Assistant Program Chair (2024-5), you will move into the Program Chair position (2025-6).

Description:

• The Assistant Program Chair supports the Program Chair in developing and coordinating WAG programming at the AIC Annual Meeting. 
• The progression of the role allows the officeholder one year to gain familiarity with the process while assisting the Program Chair.  In the second year, the officeholder assumes the position of Program Chair, with a new Assistant Program Chair to assist.
• These positions have the opportunity to develop session themes and formats, to organize social events such as the WAG reception, and to collaborate with other groups and networks to plan joint sessions and receptions at the Annual Meeting.

• Responsibilities include attending the Annual Meeting, attending officer meetings, drafting and distributing calls for papers, coordinating and participating in abstract review, communicating with speakers and meeting organizers in lead up to the meeting and ensuring the smooth running of the WAG sessions and moderating sessions at the Meeting.

• The Assistant Program Chair may request limited reimbursement for registration/travel expenses from a budget line shared between the Program Chair and Chair.

Requirements:

• AIC and WAG membership
• Include a short biography and statement of interest in the position (300 words max)

Contact for Questions:

Nominating committee:

• Trevor Boyd - tboyd@mfah.org
• Genevieve Bieniosek - gbieniosek@gmail.com
• Elly Davis - elly@ellydavis.com
  

Deadline: February 26

Term: Two (2) year term, which may be renewed for a second term.

Deadline: Open until filled

Description: The AIC General Sessions Postprints Assistant Editor works with the managing editor and another assistant editor to prepare the annual meeting's general session postprints and disseminate them to the membership. It's helpful to have some editing or writing experience or be able to work with a small team to stay organized while reaching out to authors and tracking versions.

Requirements: AIC membership

Additional considerations: Please also have a biography and statement of interest in the position (300 words maximum) prepared for the application form.

Contact for Questions: Managing editor Jennifer Evers at aicpostprints@gmail.com.

Term: 2 years with two possible 2-year renewals

Description: The Advisory Committee is responsible for the conception and planning of FAIC's Collaborative Workshops in Photograph Conservation. Examples of their recent project include The Big Picture workshop (2022) and Photomechanical Prints symposium (2023). Committee members provide input, ideas, and advice regarding workshop topics, speakers, and content. Additionally, committee members contribute to special projects as assigned, including acting as the committee liaison for a workshop. Members are expected to commit to monthly calls.

Requirements: Experience with photographic materials. Interest in training and education, public engagement and outreach, or mentorship. Preference may be given to applicants whose geographic locations, employment type, professional background, or experience diversify the current committee demographics. There is no AIC membership requirement. AIC membership is not required.

Contact for Questions: Sarah Saetren at ssaetren@culturalheritage.org

Deadline: March 4, 2024

EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE - Committee Member (4 hours/month)

Term: 2 years

Description: Review documents/guidelines for other AIC committees with an inclusive lens. Members also serve as leaders of projects and help plan programming.

Requirements: AIC membership

Additional Considerations: Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in conservation. We are particularly looking for members with a diverse background or experience to complement the current committee members.

Contact for questions: Questions can be sent to current co-chairs Kayla Henry-Griffin and Bianca Garcia at eic@culturalheritage.org. Read more about us here: culturalheritage.org/equity-and-inclusion.

EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITTEE - Co-Chair (6 hours/month)

Term: 2 years

Description: Serve as leaders of projects and help plan programming. Review documents/guidelines for other AIC committees with an inclusive lens.

Requirements: AIC membership

Additional Considerations: Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in conservation. We are particularly looking for members with a diverse background or experience to complement the current committee members.

Contact for questions: Questions can be sent to current co-chairs Kayla Henry-Griffin and Bianca Garcia at eic@culturalheritage.org. Read more about us here: culturalheritage.org/equity-and-inclusion.

Term: 2 years

Description: The Web Administrator/Coordinator is responsible for managing the groups internet presence, which includes the group's webpages, the EMG Wiki, and the TechFocus site. Duties include requesting or making relevant updates, ensuring that available information and links are current, and encouraging content creation.

Requirements: 

Include a Statement of interest in the position and a short biography (300 words maximum each).

Contact: Dan Finn, current Chair, finnd@si.edu

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE - Member

Term: 3-year terms with an option to renew for 1-year as an emeritus member.

Description: The Emergency Committee aims to promote awareness and increase member knowledge in the areas of emergency preparedness, response, and recovery for cultural heritage. Members participate in one of the subcommittees dedicated to creating programs & partnerships, outreach (AIC News/Social), or maintaining the AIC EC Wiki and Zotero Library of resources.

Requirements: AIC membership

Additional Considerations: We are looking for members with diverse expertise and experience to complement the current committee members.

Contact for Questions: Questions can be sent to current co-chairs Cornelia Posch (posch@udel.edu) and Melissa Miller (millermq@si.edu). Read more about us here: Emergency (culturalheritage.org)

Deadline: March 4

Health & Safety Network Fit Test Coordinator (2 hours/month)

Term: Four years

Application deadline: March 1

The Health and Safety Network (H&SN) is a group of conservators and health & safety professionals who study health and safety trends, collaborate on health and safety resources, and educate AIC members and other cultural professionals on best practices for health and safety issues.

Description: Our officers actively seek collaborators in our mission to increase the profession's knowledge of safety hazards, control measures, and general health issues. We do this through a variety of media, including articles and safety guides in the AIC member newsletter and the Health and Safety Wiki.

The Fit Test Coordinator:

• Attends the monthly H&S meeting via Zoom
• Manages the participants and the industrial hygienist who performs the Fit Testing process at the AIC Annual Meeting
  
• Updates documentation and procedures, as necessary

Requirement:

• AIC Membership. Note that this position also requires AIC Annual Meeting attendance. No experience is required for this position. Training will be provided.

Contact for questions: H&SN Chair Susan Costello at susan_costello@harvard.edu.

Health & Safety Network - Student Member

Term: 2 years

Application deadline: March 1

The Health and Safety Network (H&SN) is a group of conservators and health & safety professionals who study health and safety trends, collaborate on health and safety resources, and educate AIC members and other cultural professionals on best practices for health and safety issues.

Our officers actively seek collaborators in our mission to increase the profession's knowledge of safety hazards, control measures, and general health issues. We do this through a variety of media, including articles and safety guides in the AIC member newsletter and the Health and Safety Wiki.

Description: The Student Member:

• Attends the monthly H&S meeting via Zoom
• Is the liaison between H&S Network and Emerging Conservation Professionals Network (ECPN)
• Writes one AIC News article or Wiki entry during their term
• Can volunteer to help on any Network projects that are of interest
• Assists with a special project to clean up the H&S Community Library
• Learn what is is like to volunteer with AIC

Requirement:

• Conservation Graduate Student. 50% of the 2-year term must be served while in school or internship year. 

Contact for questions: H&SN Chair Susan Costello at susan_costello@harvard.edu.

Imaging Working Group - Program Chair

Term: 2 year term

Deadline: March 1 or open until filled

Description: The AIC Imaging Working Group (IWG) is an international community of conservators, photographers, scientists, and others with the shared interested of conservation imaging. We prioritize communication, connection, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop and share resources, projects, and solutions. Our first major effort has been to develop an Imaging Wiki on the AIC Wiki platform (www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Imaging) as a dynamic online resource for the community. The IWG is partnered with the AIC Research and Technical Studies (RATS) Specialty Group.

Responsibilities include:

• Attending IWG meetings and Leadership Team meetings
• Drafting call for single or joint sessions
• Advertising call for presentations
• Reviewing abstracts and attending meetings as part of the review process
• Meetings with AIC and any joint groups to prepare for conference
• Corresponding with presenters
• Moderating session at AIC Annual Meeting
• Planning IWG social at Annual Meeting
  

Requirements: Demonstrated interest in imaging and in networking with other imaging, conservation, and allied professionals. AIC membership.

Additional considerations: Applicants' backgrounds, characteristics, and lived experiences will be considered to ensure that the members of the IWG leadership team are diverse, represent a variety of specializations, geographic locations, work environments, and include individuals from allied professions.

Contact for Questions: Chair Adam Neese at Adam.b.neese@gmail.com.

Imaging Working Group - Vice Chair to Chair

Term: 3 years: 1-year term that transitions into 2-year term as Chair

Deadline: March  4, or until filled

Description: The AIC Imaging Working Group (IWG) is an international community of conservators, photographers, scientists, and others with the shared interested of conservation imaging. We prioritize communication, connection, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to develop and share resources, projects, and solutions. Our first major effort has been to develop an Imaging Wiki on the AIC Wiki platform (www.conservation-wiki.com/wiki/Imaging) as a dynamic online resource for the community. The IWG is partnered with the AIC Research and Technical Studies (RATS) Specialty Group.

Vice Chair responsibilities include:

• Attending IWG meetings and Leadership Team meetings (~2hrs/month)
• Supporting IWG Chair and IWG Secretary (~1-2hrs/month)
• Learning/training while providing support to the Chair (~1hr/month)
  

Requirements: Demonstrated interest in imaging and in networking with other imaging, conservation, and allied professionals. Preference for IWG leadership team to be AIC and RATS members.

Additional considerations: Applicants' backgrounds, characteristics, and lived experiences will be considered to ensure that the members of the IWG leadership team are diverse, represent a variety of specializations, geographic locations, work environments, and include individuals from allied professions.

Contact for Questions: Chair Adam Neese at Adam.b.neese@gmail.com.

Member Engagement Subcommittee - Member (3-4 hours/month)

Term: Two-year terms with an option to serve a second two-year term.

Deadline: March 4, or until filled

Description: The Member Engagement Subcommittee supports both new and existing AIC members to ensure they are acknowledged and made aware of benefits and various opportunities in the organization, with a focus on enhancing member experience. Alongside committee and staff members, you encourage members to take on volunteer roles, provide support to first-time volunteers, recognize the work of volunteers, and promote ongoing member engagement in AIC, including promotion of membership designations. Members serve staggered two-year terms with an option to serve a second two-year term. While most of this subcommittee work is collaborative, the chair's additional duties are to schedule meetings and coordinate agendas.

The group is currently:

• Planning and hosting the Monthly Member Meetup.
• Developing materials and communication strategies to ensure all members feel welcomed and supported.
• Creating a plan to encourage members, particularly new members, to serve in a volunteer capacity for AIC.
• Hosting a conservation book club.
• Planning ways for members to engage with one another at the annual meeting.

Requirements: AIC membership

Additional considerations: We are seeking to fill a range of career stages and types. If you don’t feel you can make a commitment to serve a full term, we welcome members who would like to work on a small project during unstructured time. Please let the chair know if one of the above items appeals to you.

Contact for Questions: MES Chair Jen Hunt Johnson at jhuntjoh@nd.edu

Term: 2 years preferred, No term limit

Deadline: March 4, or applications accepted on a rolling basis until filled.

Responsibilities include:

• Respond to messages to the OSG wiki editor email address
• Organize an annual wiki edit-a-thon
• Identify areas in need of content and reach out to relevant experts for contributions; edit and upload contributions on behalf of others as needed
• Facilitate Wiki training for contributors with AIC E-editors as needed
• Collaborate with Wiki editors in other specialty groups
• Raise awareness in the OSG community about the Wiki pages
  

Requirements: Applicants should be OSG members and have familiarity with the AIC Wiki.

Additional considerations: Experience with wiki editing is not required; training can be provided.

Contact for Questions: Jen Mikes (osgwiki@gmail.com)

Term: Two (2) year term, which may be renewed for a second term. After the term, assumes the role of Postprints Editor Emerita/us for an additional two (2) years.

Deadline: Open until filled

Description:

The Paintings Specialty Group Postprints Editor prepares the group’s annual postprints and disseminates them to the membership.

Requirements: Paintings Specialty Group membership

Additional considerations: Please also have a biography and statement of interest in the position (300 words maximum) prepared for the application form.

Contact for Questions:

Nominating Committee

Emily Phillips, Chair - emily@phillipsconservation.com
Kelsey Marino - xibalbe@udel.edu
Cynthia Schwarz - cynthia.schwarz@yale.edu

Textile Specialty Group - Achievement Award Committee Chair Track: Alternate to Chair, 1 hour/month.

Term: 4 years. Year 1: Alternate. Year 2 and 3: Member. Year 4: Chair.

Deadline: March 4

Description: The TSG Achievement Award Committee is seeking a new committee member. The TSG Achievement Award Committee is made up of four TSG members, three voting members and an alternate. They will be responsible for selecting awardees that have shown dedication, commitment, leadership and continuous contribution to the field of Textile Conservation. Each committee member will serve staggered four-year terms with one new member chosen and one finishing their tenure each year. The first year of their term, the member will serve as alternate (non-voting member) and will serve their last year as the committee chair. During this period, the members themselves will not be eligible to be nominated or to nominate a candidate. The Chair of the committee is responsible for coordinating activities of the committee and for keeping the TSG Chair informed of the committee's work.

See more about the award.

Requirements: Must be a member of TSG.

Additional considerations: Textile specialty preferred. Please have a biography and statement of interest in the position (300 words maximum) prepared for the application form.

Contact for Questions: Achievement Award Committee Chair, Sarah Scaturro, at sscaturro@clevelandart.org

Position: Textile Specialty Group Postprints Copyeditor

Term: 1 year

The Objects Specialty Group is seeking additional copyeditors for the Postprints editorial team.

Areas of Responsibility:

Open volunteer position for TSG Postprints copy editors. The copy editors are part of a general editing pool. They will edit a certain number of submissions according to JAIC Style Guidelines before the Lead Editor reads them. The number of submissions varies from year to year depending on the number of presentations. At the end of the year the copy editors may decide to remain a copy editor, be promoted to associate editor, or leave the group.

Requirements:

• AIC and TSG membership

 Deadline: March 4, 2024, or until filled

Contact for Questions: Alexandra Barlow, Lead Editor 2024, alexandrapbarlow@gmail.com

Position: Textile Specialty Group (TSG) Wiki Co-editor 

Term: 2 years

Description: The Textile Specialty Group is seeking a wiki co-editor. TSG wiki editors serve staggered two-year terms that overlap, to maintain continuity on projects and to allow for mentorship. The editors take overall responsibility for maintaining and improving the TSG wiki and associated resources, communicating with compilers, contributors, and the wider membership, and delivering an annual report on Wiki activities. The editorial team is expected to meet/confer frequently throughout the year.

Requirements: As wiki editing training will be provided, enthusiasm and commitment to improving the TSG wiki are the most important characteristics needed for this role!

Additional considerations:

• AIC and TSG membership

Contact for Questions: Current Wiki co-editors (Kate Clive-Powell and Jackie Peterson-Grace) at textilespecialtygroup.wiki@gmail.com.