Call for Volunteers

AIA National is looking for women members from across the country to serve as advisors for WLS 2023. WLS is an annual, signature event focused on women empowering women through leadership, knowledge, and community. Volunteers will offer expertise, perspective, and advice that will assist AIA National as we develop the programming for the Summit. Participants in the group should represent diverse geographic, racial, ethnic, career stage, and firm size backgrounds. Past WLS attendance is a benefit.

Structure of WLS Advisory Group
• 8 WLS Advisors (2 from destination city and 6 from across the country)

Application Timeline
• December 5: Application period opens. If you’d like to nominate a candidate, they must apply online.
• December 16: Application deadline at midnight, Eastern Standard Time.
• January 15: Selected candidates will be notified.
• Kick-off meeting before end of January.

Application Process
Volunteers will be selected from an application process directed by AIA staff. The application process will typically occur late November to early December of each year, for a commitment running January – September the following year. AIA staff will review applications and select advisors. In 2023, the AIA President, Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA, will identify a chair for the group. To provide continuity, advisors
may choose to say involved beyond their first term for a second year. This shall be decided at the discretion of AIA staff after WLS.

Advisor Responsibilities

• One-year commitment, with option for one additional year. 1-to-1.5-hour virtual meetings are once per month from January – June, then bi-weekly, July – September (until the event).
• While this is a volunteer role without compensation, to show our appreciation for your contributions, AIA National will provide complimentary registration to attend WLS 2023 in Boston and a $500 stipend to be used towards travel and lodging expenses for those outside of the destination city. The event is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 11, 2023.
• On average, 8 hours per month will be needed outside of meetings to assist with review of session submissions and AIA staff content proposals.

Advisor Qualifications

• Understanding of AIA gender equity programs, services, and attendees, gained through past attendance at two or more national WLS and/or previous service at the local or state level with a Women in Architecture (WIA) or EDI committee.
• Experience in professional development planning or delivery (e.g., experience leading professional development sessions, seminars, or workshops; study or training in adult learning models or professional development delivery models)
• Experience leading a collaborative volunteer team and ability to lead decision-making and build consensus
• Experience using evaluations and other data to inform decision making
• Ability to manage unconscious bias in the assessment and decision-making processes
• Awareness of a broad range of gender equity and women’s issues and understanding of the specific challenges facing women in the architecture industry
• Understanding of AIA and its leadership structure
• Willingness to adopt organization-wide perspectives and strategic priorities
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a team and with AIA staff in an outcomes-based environment
• Ability, willingness, and support to travel to WLS

Meeting Attendance
Conference calls and email communication are the primary form for meeting attendance. If an advisor misses three consecutive meetings or calls, the chair and AIA staff may recommend terminating the advisor’s position.

Standards of Professionalism
Advisors shall uphold the standards of professionalism and responsibilities expected of a professional member and contribute to the advancement of the AIA and the profession of architecture. Members do not act on behalf of AIA and are not legal representatives of the AIA. Actions of members shall not be contrary to official AIA policies and procedures. Members do not have authority over any AIA
staff member, operational policy, or procedure.

Applicants can apply online. The deadline for applications is December 16, 2022, midnight EST.

This is a great opportunity to contribute to an important cause! If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].