Volunteer Involvement

Our Mission

The American Water Works Association is dedicated to the promotion of public health and welfare by assuring drinking water of unquestionable quality and sufficient quantity. AWWA must be proactive and effective in advancing the technology, science, management, and government policies relative to the stewardship of water.

One of the primary ways AWWA advances its mission is through the work of its volunteer councils, divisions and committees. In our 126-year history, volunteers have always driven our successes. Through its volunteer units, AWWA has worked and continues to work to ensure safe and sufficient drinking water for all people.

The AWWA Spirit of Volunteerism

It all began on January 18, 1881, when William Stripe, superintendent of water works at Keokuk, Iowa, called for a "convention of western water works". Twenty-two water professionals responded to that call, and thus the American Water Works Association was born.

Volunteers are the cornerstone on which AWWA was built. The Association's first non-administrative committee was appointed on March 30, 1881, only two months after AWWA was formed. The committee proposed its first standard for cast-iron at the Sixth Annual Meeting in 1886, though it was not adopted until May 12, 1908, twenty-two years later. The foundation for the Standards Program had been built.

Throughout AWWA's history, volunteer units including councils, committees and sections, have driven advances in both the Association and in the water industry. In 1920, the Standardization Council was created. By 1925, it had published the first significant separate publication of the Association. In 1935, the all-volunteer General Policy Committee (precursor to today's Administrative & Policy Council) made the decision to move the association forward and hire a full-time administrator. By 1967, thirty-three volunteer-driven sections had been established which brought even more respect and recognition to AWWA. This kind of progress would not have been possible without the foresight and dedication of countless volunteers.

AWWA's volunteer corps is alive and well today, and needs people like you. Your tremendous knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the industry are what will advance AWWA into the twenty-first century. There are over 250 volunteer units that provide opportunities for service. The following pages delineate those units, their scopes and the appropriate contacts. Take a moment to look at the wide range of interests that are covered--from the Publications and Marketing Advisory Committee to the Operations and Maintenance Committee. One of the 250+ opportunities will be the right one for you.

Q&A

Why get involved? 
Volunteering could be the best professional and personal investment you've made in years. Professionally, you will make valuable contacts, enhance your resume, and increase your knowledge of the drinking water field. Personally, you can expect new friends, fun, and personal growth. Volunteering in AWWA is also one more way to demonstrate your commitment to providing safe drinking water for everyone. Finally, you would be doing your part to ensure the future and direction of both AWWA and the profession.

I've only been a member for a short time. Why would you want me? 
All AWWA members have something valuable to contribute, whether they are new members or life members. We need people with fresh ideas to gain new perspectives.

I thought you had to be a utility manager or consultant to serve on a committee. You mean I can get involved, too? 
Absolutely. AWWA encourages the participation of members from all facets of the industry. It is vital that AWWA's volunteers come from a wide range of professions. This ensures that we take the broadest look possible at all of the issues. Your knowledge, experience and enthusiasm would be valuable assets to our volunteer units.

How much time will it take? 
That question can be answered in two ways. First, most committee appointments are made for a term of three years, with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Second, the actual number of hours required of volunteers varies greatly from committee to committee. To find out more about the actual time commitment, contact the staff secretary listed in this booklet for the unit(s) in which you are interested.

Will I be required to travel? 
That, too, varies from committee to committee. On average, councils and divisions meet 2-3 times per year, including one meeting held during AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) in June. Most other committees meet at ACE, with some administrative committees scheduling one or two additional meetings.

During the last several years, many volunteer units have begun communicating electronically or via conference calls and have eliminated one or more of their face-to-face meetings. As we move into the twenty-first century, geography may become inconsequential to participation.

Will AWWA pay any of my expenses? 
There is no simple answer to this question - it varies with each volunteer position. Some volunteer assignments allow for reimbursement of expenses. Since many committees conduct their business through the mail, via electronic media or during conference calls, those expenses are limited. Often, supportive employers will pay travel expenses for employees who volunteer, should travel be necessary. For more specific information, contact the staff secretary for those committees which interest you.

How do I know where I'll fit in? 
That's why this booklet has been created. It lists all of the volunteer units that accept applications and the scopes of their activities. Look for your areas of expertise, or just areas of interest. In many cases, you need not be an authority on a subject to get involved. It is recommended that you begin your volunteer service by applying to serve on a committee. After gaining some experience, you may be the perfect choice for a Division or Council opening.

How do I get involved locally? 
Get in touch with your section directly to determine what volunteer opportunities are available. A list of section contacts is included in this booklet.

How can I become involved with Water for People or the Research Foundation? 
Because both Water for People and the Research Foundation are independent organizations, please contact them directly for lists of opportunities for involvement.

What's the next step? 
After you've looked through this booklet and identified opportunities that interest you, fill out the enclosed application and return it to AWWA. The flow chart on the following pages explains the process by which volunteers are selected. You will be notified if you are chosen to serve on a council, division or committee. If there are no openings in your areas of interest, or if you are not selected to fill a position, your application may be sent on to an appropriate committee that has an opening. If requested, we can also place you on a waiting list and/or forward your application to your section.

Understand the Process
View a flow chart describing the process of becoming a volunteer.