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-Ways to Get Involved and/or Volunteer-

AVS is a member-driven organization shaped by its volunteers. Members choose AVS not only for its importance to their professional development, but for the meaningful connections, collaborative spirit, and camaraderie that define the AVS community. The interdisciplinary nature of AVS fosters unique collaborations across many areas of science and technology represented by our Chapters, Divisions, Technical Groups.

There are Options for Everyone!

One of the best ways to get involved in AVS is to participate in a Chapter, Group, or Division or volunteer on a Committee. We know your time is valuable so we have put together a short list of options and suggestions to align with your time constraints.

Chapter, Division, and Group Participation:

Getting involved in your local Chapter is a great way to connect with others who share your technical interests and to make a direct impact in your local area. Chapters organize a variety of activities—technical talks, dinner meetings, student poster sessions, outreach programs, and more. Regional Chapters are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan or coordinate activities,  support student engagement, or simply suggest a great meeting spot to network.

To locate your regional chapter, please view the Regional Chapter Map. Note that the AVS supports Student Chapters at many universities.

A great way to get more involved in the technical side of the AVS is to join a Division or Technical Group. Volunteer to become part of an executive committee, review abstracts for their technical program at the International Symposium, run a topical conference, judge student award applications, or many other activities.

Click here to learn more about the AVS Divisions or AVS Technical Groups.

Network with Technical People in My Local Area?

Later in the form we will ask your Chapter preference

Become More Involved in the Technical Side of AVS?

Later in the form we will ask your Division preference
Later in the form we will ask your Technical Group preference

Chapters, Groups, & Divisions:

Join the Chapters, Groups, and Divisions Committee, a standing committee of the AVS. This Committee is an advocate for regional and student Chapters, Divisions, and Technical Groups. This Committee brings matters concerning these groups to the AVS Board of Directors. The Committee seeks to improve the functions and usefulness of Chapters, Divisions, and Groups, and facilitates their ability to do business and serve the AVS community.

Learn About the Organization of AVS?

Education and Short Courses:

The Education Committee develops educational information and resources relevant to AVS technical interests—ensuring the quality of the AVS-branded educational materials and resources. This committee also organizes and conducts science outreach programs that inform and instruct the science and technology interests of the AVS to teachers, students, and the general public.


The Short Course Committee, a subcommittee under the Education Committee, is seeking volunteers to teach technical courses—either in person or virtually—as part of our national course program. If you have expertise in an area of interest to the AVS community and a passion for education, we invite you to help us develop and deliver high-quality training that supports professional growth across the field.

Help Create and Develop Technical Educational Items and Training: 

Governance & Policy:

The Governance Committee works with the Board of Directors to develop a framework for consistent management, cohesive policies and processes, chart out strategic development, and ensures the society functions in accordance with its charter. The work is divided into three subcommittees:
 

  • Work with the Board of Directors in regards to AVS Governance, Policies, and Procedures: The Constitution and By-Laws Subcommittee is responsible for drawing up any changes to the Constitution and By-laws of the AVS and ensures any changes are incorporated in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
  • Enhance AVS Interactions with International Technical Communities: The International Interactions Subcommittee is responsible for most interactions with non-US scientific organizations and individuals involving expenditure of AVS funds or use of the AVS name.
  • Enhance AVS Interactions with the U.S. Government and the Public at Large: The Science and Technology Policy Subcommittee acts as a liaison between the AVS governance, its members, and the outside scientific community on issues affected by governmental policy, legislation, and programs that have a direct bearing on the well-being of the science community, and the AVS in particular.

Work with the Board of Directors in regards to AVS Governance, Policies, and Procedures?

History:

The History Committee, a subcommittee of the Education and Outreach Committee preserves and shares the story of AVS, from its growth and member contributions to significant equipment and events. You don’t need to be a long-time member—Early Career members and vendors are especially welcome! Full-time, advisor, or short-term—there’s a place for you! Volunteer are needed to help:

  • Update AVS History.
  • Refresh the Vacuum Timeline.
  • Support projects leading up to AVS’ next anniversary.

Help Preserve the History of AVS?

International Symposium:

The AVS International Symposium & Exhibition Program and Vice Chairs are appointed by the AVS President. The Program Committee for the AVS International Symposium is comprised of representatives of the Divisions and Technical Groups as well as those involved with organizing special cross-cutting Focus Topics. Focus topics are defined by the Program Chair. There are several ways to become involved in developing the technical program:

  • Submit an abstract to make an oral or poster presentation.
  • Become active in a Division or Technical Group and participate in their program committee.
  • Champion a Focus Topic—submit your idea to the Program Chair (a year in advance).
  • Volunteer to moderate a session.
  • Help promote the symposium and exhibition via e-mail and/or social media platforms.

Become Involved in Planning the International Symposium & Exhibition Technical Program?

Marketing Communications:

The Marketing and Communications Committee provides advice to the Board of Directors and supports the AVS Director of Events/Marketing Communications to increase the effectiveness of promoting AVS and all of its products and services. This support can include providing content in many forms from ad copy to flyer content to newsletter articles.

We are particularly seeking to increase our presence on social networking sites. We are looking for volunteers to help provide content for our Linked-in, Bluesky, and Facebook pages.

Help Market the AVS, its Products, and its Services?

Membership:

The Membership Committee is responsible for:

  • Defining and enhancing member benefits.
  • Promoting membership to new and potential members.
  • Encouraging active member engagement and participation.

If you enjoy connecting with others and fostering a sense of community volunteer and help shape a more vibrant and connected membership experience.

Help Grow, Engage, and Promote Member Benefits?

Professional Development:

The Professional Leadership Committee, a subcommittee of Membership, creates and manages AVS activities that support professional development and leadership growth through webinars and sessions at the International Symposium. Volunteer to help others grow while growing your own leadership skills by:

  • Promote professional development initiatives.
  • Moderate professional development sessions or webinars.
  • Help plan and organize leadership events.
  • Contribute ideas for new career-focused programs.
  • Support outreach to potential speakers or panelists.

Help Develop Impactful Programs for Member Career Growth and Leadership Development?

Publications:

The Publications Committee is responsible for advising the Board of Directors on questions of publication of all archival material including the Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology A and B, Surface Science Spectra, Biointerphases, and AVS Quantum Science. We are always looking for good reviewers for manuscripts submitted to our publications. Email your resume to Rachel Bayne, AVS Managing Editor, rachel@avs.org, and include a list of your areas of expertise.

Help Oversee AVS Publications or Review Manuscripts?