About AVS > Contact AVS > Volunteer
Getting involved with your local chapter is an excellent way to meet people with similar technical interests in your geographical area. Regional chapters organize activities that are relevant to their local areas. These activities can include technical meetings, dinner meetings, student poster sessions, educational outreach, and many others.

To locate your regional chapter, please view the Regional Chapter Map. Note that the AVS supports Student Chapters at many universities. If there is not a chapter close to you, consider forming a new chapter. For more information, contact AVS CDG Co-Chairs, kateryna_artyushkova@avs.org or katherine_burzynski@avs.org.
 
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.
 
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 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.
 
  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:
  1. Submit an abstract to make an oral or poster presentation.
  2. Become active in a Division or Technical Group and participate in their program committee.
  3. Champion a Focus Topic—submit your idea to the Program Chair (a year in advance).
  4. Volunteer to moderate a session.
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.
 
  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, is an Education subcommittee charged with developing training in areas of interest to the AVS community.
 
The History Committee is a subcommittee of the Education Committee. The History Committee acquires and stores AVS historical books, documents, pictures, and artifacts. This committee also acquires and disseminates the technical memoirs (in print, or audio/video recording) of persons who have made major contributions to the science and technology related to the areas of interest of the Society.
 
  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.
AVS is a member society of the American Institute of Physics (AIP). AVS representatives serve on various AIP Advisory Committees to bring our issues to AIP’s attention while also having an opportunity to network with the leadership from other member and affiliate societies.
 
The Marketing and Communications Committee provides advice to the Board of Directors and supports the AVS MarCom/Events Manager to increase the effectiveness of marketing AVS and all of its products and services. This support can include providing content in many forms to the MarCom/Events Manager.

The AVS is seeking to increase its presence on social networking sites. We are looking for volunteers to help provide content for our Linked-in and Facebook pages.
 
The Membership Committee is responsible for defining member benefits, promoting membership, and working with a Society staff member to administer membership applications and membership information.
 
The Professional Leadership, subcommittee of Membership, creates and manages AVS activities that promote individual career growth and professional impact. This Committee conducts a number of activities, especially during the International Symposium that promote professional development and leadership.