How to Get Involved with VASTA
There are many ways to engage with VASTA, and we would love for you to be involved at the level that suits you:
- First, get familiar with all your Exclusive Member Benefits;
- Consider joining an Interest Group (ArtsCore, BizCore, or EduCore);
- Attend our annual conference;
- To get even more involved:
- Check out our officer opportunities below for current, specific openings on VASTA's volunteer, member-led team;
- Find out if a committee could benefit from your energy and talents by reaching out directly to a Committee Chair;
- Contact the Conference Directors if you’d like to learn how you can help at the conference;
- Contribute to the Voice and Speech Review by writing an article or review, or contact the Editor-in-Chief to find out more about supporting the journal;
Feel free to reach out to the Managing Director with any questions.
Current VASTA Officer Opportunities
VASTA Archivist
VASTA's Archivist is an Officer who reports directly to the Board of Directors. Karen Kopryanski has been serving as VASTA's Archivist and is ready to hand the torch to the next Archival leader. The person for this position is organized, a self-starter, interested in the history of the Association and keen on collating materials for the Archive. An interest in digitization and data organization would be beneficial. The current physical archives are located on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University.
If you or someone you know is interested in the role, reach out to archives@vasta.org.
VASTA MD
Dr. Yolanda Heman-Ackah served as the Voice and Speech Trainer's MD from 2003 to 2022. In Dr. Heman-Ackah's time at VASTA the organization maintained a VASTA MD column in the VASTA Voice, and maintained an inbox for members to send questions. With the founding of VASTA's HealthCore, the VASTA MD will have the opportunity to work closely with members specifically interested in Voice Science and Health. The role may be shaped by the new MD's vision and initiatives. The Officer would report directly to the Board of Directors and the Presidential Line.
If you or someone you know is right for this role, reach out directly to VASTA's president Antonio Ocampo-Guzman at aocampo-guzman@vasta.org.
Awards and Grants Committee Members-at-Large
VASTA's Awards and Grants Committee is responsible for all aspects of awards within the Association including announcing open submissions, deciding on winners, and documenting outcomes. The Committee organizes and facilitates awards including but not limited to the Dorothy Mennen, Member Appreciation Award, Clyde Vinson Award, Member Enrichment Grants (MEGs), VASTA Conference Travel Awards, Conference High School Teacher Award. The Committee is led by a Chair and Associate Chair who have typically served within the Committee in previous years. It is important to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the organization that all committees have representation from multiple perspectives, identities, and geographical locations.
If you or someone you know is right for the Committee, reach out directly to Chair, Brianne Taylor at btaylor@vasta.org.
Mentorship Initiative Leadership Team Members
The Mentorship Leadership Team is in need of members who are looking for leadership and facilitation opportunities within our community. The VASTA Mentorship Initiative program seeks to open avenues of mentorship and peer support to VASTA members. The initiative facilitates events, gathers resources, and sets up facilities to allow our newer members to gain valuable insight from our more experienced members.
The initiative attempts to facilitate semi-formal relationships between peers at similar career points who wish to exchange ideas, advice, and experiences with those facing similar challenges and milestones. "We want to empower all members by harbouring a culture of knowledge-sharing, open communication and championing our most valuable resource - ourselves!" It is important to the Mission, Vision, and Values of the organization that all committees have representation from multiple perspectives, identities, and geographical locations.
If you or someone you know could serve on the leadership team for this initiative, reach out to Founder Ursula Meyer at mentorship@vasta.org or the mentorship board liaison at ampollard@vasta.org.