The 2027 SFMA Committee Volunteer Interest Form is now open. As SFMA continues to strengthen the association and implement its new strategic direction, it is updating how its committees are structured and how volunteers are engaged.
One of the biggest changes for 2027 is timing: committees will have the opportunity to begin meeting as early as January 2027. Historically, SFMA committees typically began their work in March or April. Starting earlier will give volunteers more time to collaborate, establish priorities and make meaningful progress throughout the year.
The 2027 committee structure will include several important changes:
- Two-year committee appointments to provide greater continuity, while encouraging new perspectives, with eligibility for an additional one-year term following completion of the initial two-year term.
- A maximum of two standing committees concurrently to encourage broader member participation and provide more members with opportunities to get involved.
- A Chair and Vice Chair for each committee to strengthen leadership continuity and create opportunities for volunteer leadership development.
- Committee Charters and standardized operating procedures to provide greater clarity around each committee’s purpose, responsibilities and expectations.
- Closer alignment with SFMA’s Strategic Plan so committee work directly supports the association’s priorities and future direction.
- A new Awards Committee combining the Field of the Year and Innovative Awards committees.
- Special Task Forces for areas that benefit from focused, project-based work rather than an ongoing standing committee structure. This will be by invite only.
- Greater coordination among committees, with SFMA staff helping facilitate communication when projects and responsibilities intersect.
SFMA is also introducing a new Committee Volunteer Interest Form as part of the 2027 recruitment and placement process. The form asks about members’ experience, skills, areas of interest and committee preferences. This information will help SFMA better understand the experience and expertise of its volunteer community.
New for 2027, the Governance and Nominating Committee will play an expanded role in committee placement. In addition to its work related to board nominations, the committee will review volunteer interest information and help identify placements based on members’ interests, skills and experience, as well as the needs of each committee.
This means that while members will be able to indicate the committees that interest them, committee placement will consider both member preferences and the needs of the association.
COMPLETE THE 2027 COMMITTEE VOLUNTEER INTEREST FORM
The deadline for signing up is October 15.