The Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences (AAPS) is seeking passionate individuals to play a leadership role in guiding the Association’s future activities. There are several ways to get involved, depending on your interests, experiences, and skills, including serving on the AAPS Board. Other opportunities include leadership in working groups, affinity groups, or program teams (such as planning the conference or other professional development activities).
We’re on the lookout for a talented and diverse group of volunteers, so please forward this to other people whom you think would be interested. We will be in touch with all nominees to explore best-fit opportunities for leadership based on interests and current openings.
From the pool of those expressing interest, we hope to recruit one or two new Board members for service beginning in late spring of 2026. AAPS Board members are at the forefront of governance and management, holding fiscal responsibility for our vibrant community. They contribute to policy-making, strategy implementation, and serve as advocates to propel our mission forward.
Deadline for all interest areas: March 13th, 2026 EXTENDED: March 31st, 2026
To express interest: Scroll to end for details
Details Specific to Board Service
For those interested in current or future leadership on the AAPS Board, it’s important to know that enthusiasm for work in this field is important but most critical for board service are the skills that an applicant can leverage to help AAPS grow its capacity, advance strategic work, and serve this member community and field–with emphasis on abilities to meet foundational responsibilities for all non-profit Board members, including fiduciary responsibilities. We encourage people from a diversity of backgrounds to apply, including graduate students, retirees, and those outside academia.
Board Skills Sought
Our working board benefits from diverse expertise, and we’re particularly interested in individuals with experience and skills in fundraising, equity and inclusion, and management of non-profit organizations. We encourage those who have skills in creating sponsorships and organizational partnerships to apply.
A priority for the 2026 Board cohort is to engage new Board members who have skills and experience in fundraising, development, and diversifying revenue streams.
We are also in need of Board Members with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Revenue and development planning; especially recruiting and retaining major donors and conference/event sponsors, and strategic revenue generation
- Operational strategies that advance equity and inclusion in AAPS and in science
- Governance and policy development
- Nonprofit operations and management; especially human resources and organizational business planning
- Organizational growth: especially building strategic partnerships, and recruiting/retaining members
About Board Service
Members of the AAPS Board play a crucial role in shaping our future. Board members are elected to a three year term. The time commitment varies but is generally 8-10 hours per month. Board members attend monthly meetings, contribute between meetings, and participate in an annual in-person board meeting (virtual if necessary).
Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mrdBvv3_rxK2-aCpbPDU2s-X8jhq3aOkXHCP8gVT9P4
To Express Interest in Any Leadership Opportunities
To express interest, please fill out the simple online form (https://forms.gle/MxEndiutyiaDVTsb7). To be considered for the spring 2026 Board elections, the deadline for submissions is March 13th, 2026 March 31st, 2026.
The AAPS Nominations Committee will review nominees, considering priority needs and aiming for a diverse and dynamic Board, and then recommend names for interviews. Video interviews will take place in late March and early April. The AAPS Nominations Committee will propose a set of prospective new Board members to the seated Board. With approval, these candidates will be voted on by AAPS members in April/May 2026. Announcement of new Board members will be made at the AAPS CAPS Virtual Conference (Online May 26-29, 2026).
If you have questions or thoughts, including suggestions of individuals well-suited for AAPS leadership, please reach out to the committee at nominations@citizenscience.org.
Thank you for your commitment to advancing the Association for Advancing Participatory Sciences. Together, we can make a lasting impact.
Sincerely,
The AAPS Board Governance and Nominations Committee
