What is I-O?

For most, the nature of contribution has been in the form of committee work or service in an elected office. Because the process of getting involved does seem mysterious to some, my comments here are intended to shed a little light on how committees work and how to get involved. So, heres my attempt to describe how it all works. 

The Nature of SIOP Committees

SIOP has a number of standing committees as well as various ad hoc committees. These are described both in the Membership Directory (see the Bylaws) and on the SIOP Web site, where Nancy Tippins has prepared a detailed description of each committee and its purpose (see http://www.siop.org/siop_committees.aspx). 

Committee Work

Obviously, committee work varies significantly according to the purpose of the committee. Nonetheless, all our committees share several common characteristics.

Committee members do the work. SIOP is an extremely lean organization. While there is support from the Administrative Office, most of the work has traditionally been accomplished by committee members. Thus, a committees analyses, reports, reviews, surveys, and so forth are completed by committee members. Put in other terms, committee work by and large means being part of the process more than managing the process.

Committee work gets done by a schedule. Much committee work is driven by key deliverable dates. For example, the Program Committee has set tasks to do by key dates in the program submission and review process. Similarly, the timing of the annual conference determines the workflow calendar for the Placement, Workshop, and Conference Planning Committees. For these committees, the work to be done is clearly defined. For other committees, the work is completed by a schedule set by the Executive Committee or the committee itself and based on the goals set jointly by the committee and the Executive Committee. The goals of the committees are reviewed on an annual cycle; progress toward goal attainment occurs at various key points during the year and is monitored by the elected officers. Committee chairs report on progress both in writing and in person at the spring and fall meetings of the Executive Committee.

Committee meetings are held only if necessary. Much, if not most, committee work is done by individuals who get together in person only as necessary. Meetings may take place at the site of the annual conference, or at other times as necessary. In general, most contact among committee members is by phone and e-mail.

Budgets are limited. Committee chairs establish a budget request that is reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. For many committees, the budget is limited to a nominal amount sufficient to cover minimal operating costs. Many committee members tap resources provided by their employers to cover minor expenses (e.g., the cost of telephone calls, photo-copying, paper, etc.). 

How Committee Membership is Determined

Committees are formed by drawing from the list of those SIOP members who volunteer (visit the SIOP Web site for information on how to volunteer; http://www.org/siop_committees.htm) as well as from those members with an interest known to the committee chairs. Last year, there were about 90 SIOP members who volunteered by completing a form and submitting that form to the Administrative Office. As a rule of thumb, most of those who volunteer are asked to serve on a committee, though sometimes the committee assignment is not the members first choice. Importantly, a few committees have additional criteria beyond SIOP membership. For example, one must be a SIOP Fellow to serve on the Fellowship Committee. Other committees with additional criteria include TIP and Society Conference Planning Committee. In all instances, committee membership is limited to current SIOP members; however, Student Affiliates may participate on the Education and Training, TIP, Committee on Ethnic and Minority Affairs, and Membership Committees as student advisors. 

Length of Committee Service

The typical tenure on a committee is 2 years though the continuation of committee membership from one year to another is at the discretion of the committee chairperson. The maximum number of years a person may serve on a committee is 3 years. 

Limits on Committee Membership

As a general rule of thumb, with the exception of the Program Committees, SIOP members should not serve on more than one committee at a time. This is to provide the opportunity for broad participation. However, membership on some committees implies simultaneous service on others, so you may notice from time to time that certain names seem to just pop up in multiple places. Also, there are certain exceptions that are made to this policy, such as joint service on the Awards Committee while serving on another committee. 

The process of volunteering is a simple one. Go to the SIOP Web site and download the volunteer form (http://www.siop.org/Board.aspx). Complete the form and return it to the Administrative Office. Youre likely to find the experience a rewarding one.