Submit Your Interest for the 2025-2026 AIAS Committees

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Governance Committee [Bylaw 5.11, ROTB 12.1] periodically evaluates the organization to ensure good governance practices and protocol, that is, that the leadership processes in our organization abide by transparent, goal-oriented, and fair standards in achieving its goals. This committee, chaired by the Past President, also provides recommendations to the Board of Directors for the strategic and efficient development of the organization, and procures the validity and currency of governance documents and policies. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Perform a thorough review of all governing documents, and provide suggestions to ensure relevant, efficient, and stewardly governance practices and documents in alignment with consultant recommendations.
2. Restructure the AIAS Governing Documents to increase clarity, simplicity and nimbleness.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Updated ByLaws, Rules of the Board, Public Policies, and Standard Operating Procedures. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

This year, the Governance Committee is tasked with laying down the path forward for our organization while concatenating long-term and short-term goals. In essence, your work in this committee will significantly shape the future of the organization, promoting a culture of reciprocal accountability for our members and leadership in the process.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

Gain hands-on experience with the inner workings of organizational leadership, oversee fair elections, and ensure effective operations—building a foundation in leadership, strategic planning, policy development, and accountability. If you’re interested in firm management, public service, nonprofit leadership, or any role that values structure and integrity, this is an opportunity to develop essential skills like Organizational Strategy, Ethical Governance, Decision-Making, and Documentation.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Finance Committee [Bylaw 5.12, ROTB 12.2] helps the Board monitor and control the finances of the AIAS. This committee, chaired by the Secretary Treasurer, works as an on-call body to ensure financial reports are accurate, and suggests practices for financial management and stewardship through policies, fund management, investment strategies, capital campaigns and more. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Regularly review the organization’s financials and  protocols to support the Secretary Treasurer in exercising financial oversight and transparency.
2. Support the Secretary Treasurer in creating and communicating finance-related resources for the Council of Treasurers.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Updated Treasurer Guide and Financial Policies documents as needed.
2. Report on the process and results of the organization’s finances for the CoP and CoT. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The Finance Committee is essential in ensuring that all funds are used responsibly and in alignment with the mission of the AIAS.  By overseeing budgeting and monitoring spending, committee members gain the agency to help manage and mitigate financial risks, and to build credibility with donors, sponsors, institutions, and members to sustain and boost our work.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, non-profit involvement, project management, operations and strategy, this is an opportunity for you to develop skills such as Financial Literacy, Budgeting, Financial Reporting and Policy Development. Gain valuable, real-world experience in budgeting, fundraising, and financial decision-making—skills that are highly transferable to any career path—and work alongside the accountants, auditors, and the executive director to make a meaningful impact by ensuring our resources are used wisely and sustainably.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Membership Committee [Bylaw 5.14, ROTB 12.4] procures advancement in the quality of membership by periodically evaluating the specific needs of our members. This committee, chaired by the Vice President, plays a key role in building and sustaining a strong, engaged community within the AIAS where members feel represented and motivated to participate. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Develop a strategy for recruitment and retention of chapters and members.
2. Investigating an equitable, financially feasible, and inclusive membership threshold for all chapters to reach Good Standing.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Report detailing the committee’s process, findings and suggestions, with a clear statement of value for each membership category.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The Membership Committee is a key component in  ensuring member needs are met by keeping Membership Value at the center of our mission,  supporting the AIAS’ long-term impact and effectiveness. Through their work, the committee directly creates avenues for empowering students to engage with the organization, their community, the profession and beyond.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

If you’re interested in consultancy, design strategy, community centered design, this is an opportunity for you to develop skills such as communication, facilitation, community building and leadership development. Build meaningful connections, carry out participatory processes, and work with feedback to tap into the culture of the AIAS and create new ideas that take the member experience to the next level. 

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Freedom By Design™ Advisory Committee [Bylaw 5.15, ROTB 12.5] serves as the primary training, support, and innovation arm of the Freedom by Design™ program.  This committee is the through-line that connects and empowers FBD™ programs across the globe, ensuring FBD™ continues to operate and improve as a united effort, without losing sight of its origins in service and community impact.

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Train and engage FBD™ Directors and FBD™ programs.
2. Create a system to effectively and efficiently track FBD projects, collecting volunteer information, progress reports, and documentation of completed projects for diffusion.
3. Support the AIAS HQ in the planning and implementation of FBD™ Day(s) of Service through National and International activation. 

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Report at each CoP meeting showing benchmarking, analytics, and progress of FBD throughout the year. 
2. Recommendations to AIAS HQ to reinvigorate and strengthen the FBD™ Program. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The FBD™ Advisory Committee embodies the power of student-led design leadership to address physical, educational, environmental, socio-economic and cultural barriers in the spaces we dwell in. Ideal for those who have experience with past FBD™ projects or a passion for socially responsive design, this role allows you to shape impactful outcomes and help newer members put their skills to use to enhance their communities while gaining experience at the same time.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

The FBD™ Advisory Committee gives students the opportunity to support real-world service projects while building leadership, mentoring, and technical advising experience. You’ll help guide student-led design-build initiatives, ensuring projects are feasible, and impactful. This is a powerful opportunity to develop skills in Technical Advising, Community Engagement, Design Justice, and Project Management—perfect for those interested in design-build practice, placemaking, or socially responsible architecture.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Ethics Committee [ByLaw 5.16, ROTB 12.6] looks after the ethical integrity of AIAS chapters and members, promoting and strengthening the organization’s values, as well as our core mission. This committee also stands as an on-call body responsible for evaluating ethical issues within the organization, issuing recommendations to the Board to take action when the Code is breached. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Stand as needed in response to Ethics violations. 
2. Directly engage with chapters and members to increase the visibility and implementation of the Code of the Ethics. 
3. Assess the relevance and efficiency of the AIAS Code of Ethics.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Create a confidential archive of Ethics Committee violations, incidences and investigations for consultation by future Ethics Committee members. 
2. Suggestions to increase the value and visibility of the Code of Ethics. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The Ethics Committee plays a vital role in upholding the values and integrity of the AIAS, ensuring that transparency, accountability, and fairness are at the core of all operations — from the member to the organizational scale. Thus, this committee helps maintain a respectful and safe environment for all,  and fosters a culture of reflection and responsible leadership.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

Joining the Ethics Committee is an opportunity to actively shape the organizational culture. This is a powerful opportunity to grow professionally and personally  through gaining experience in ethical leadership and conflict resolution, as well as skills like Policy Advising, Mediation, Inclusive Leadership, and Ethical Decision-Making—perfect for anyone pursuing roles in civic design, firm leadership, or socially responsible architecture.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Council of Global Representatives [ByLaw 5.17, ROTB 12.7] is one of AIAS’s standing committees, and it is responsible for assisting the organization in supporting and developing the international presence of the organization. Through engagement with students and partners from multiple regions of the world, the committee looks over the implementation of the AIAS 2030 International Action Plan, and procures the advancement of international membership. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Assess the organization’s progress on the 2030 International Action Plan
2. Help in the creation and implementation of virtual and hybrid programming at Grassroots and FORUM. 
3. Explore and propose ways to increase membership value for international members.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Recommendations to procure the advancement of the 2030 International Action Plan
2. At least one (1) session for Grassroots and FORUM each, complimenting in-person programming. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

In an age where borders are dissolved in learning and practice, the CoGR akes sure that the AIAS continues to expand leadership opportunities and available resources for all members. Thus, this committee helps strengthen the organization’s network and impact, all while celebrating the contributions from diverse leaders in the U.S. and around the world.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

Joining the CGR is an opportunity to help shape the international voice of AIAS while gaining cross-cultural communication, diplomacy, and leadership experience. You’ll serve as a bridge between global members and national leadership, advocate for diverse educational contexts, and collaborate on initiatives that reflect the challenges and opportunities of architecture students worldwide. This is an ideal role for students interested in international practice, cultural exchange, or global design policy—and for those who want to make the architecture profession more connected, inclusive, and responsive across borders.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Sustainability) Task Force takes a critical look at the systems in which architectural education is embedded, using an intersectional lens to explore the role of cultural competencies in addressing issues of spatial and environmental justice, and helping the AIAS contribute to these conversations through impactful community-oriented actions.

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Explore the role and positioning of AIAS on the development of impactful IDEAS for students in leadership, design and service.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Revamped advocacy page on the AIAS website. 
2. Report detailing the committee’s process, findings and suggestions for the future of IDEAS in the AIAS.

SUBGROUPS

• IDEAS IN MOTION Connecting with professionals to bring fresh perspectives and momentum.
  • SUBCHARGE: Engage and interview professionals in IDEAS to gain insights on ways to improve the efforts of the AIAS. 
  • SUBDELIVERABLE: Reports outlining the findings and recommendations for the individual, chapter, and organizational level from each professional.
    
• IDEAS IN MOTION Researching and analyzing the student experience to identify key opportunities.
  • SUBCHARGE: Assess the state of IDEAS in architectural education, emphasizing the student experience. 
  • SUBDELIVERABLE: Survey and results from survey on IDEAS.
    
• IDEAS IN PRACTICE Developing and delivering training and resources that activate member potential.
  • SUBCHARGE: Create resources for chapter members and leaders to advocate for IDEAS.
  • SUBDELIVERABLE: Sessions, handbooks, and other materials for diffusion. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

The IDEAS Task Force imagines a better future for all, and serves as a resource center and a support system for AIAS members and architecture students around the world who seek to build community and make a change. The work of the IDEAS Committee builds on the previous achievements from the JEDI, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Climate Action and Sustainability Committees, boosting their impact by reframing their work under an intersectional lens.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

People interested in finding strategic approaches to overcome the challenges in reshaping architectural education and culture from within. Ideal for those who want to grow as advocates, facilitators, and changemakers—both within AIAS and the architecture profession.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Marketing & Media Task Force pushes the branding and public image forward, finding ways to connect with its audience through youthful, relatable, and cohesive approaches to communication and media. using an intersectional lens to explore the role of cultural competencies in addressing issues of spatial and environmental justice, and helping the AIAS contribute to these conversations through impactful community-oriented actions. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Collaborate with the AIAS HQ, Committees and Task Forces to develop content highlighting the organization’s work and programming.
2. Engage members in content creation to boost visibility and value of the member experience.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Posters, graphics, reels and merch, as requested by the AIAS HQ. 
2. Updated AIAS Graphic and Branding Standards, pending approval by the BoD and CoP.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

This Task Force will become the creative engine of the AIAS—responsible for shaping the visual identity, telling the story of AIAS, and ensuring that the organization’s mission and impact are effectively communicated to members and non-members alike. 

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

This role is ideal for students interested in graphic design, digital media, branding, or communication—especially those who enjoy working in fast-paced, collaborative environments where their work is seen and appreciated by external partners.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Development Task Force explores opportunities to empower the future of the AIAS building the financial foundation and external relationships that support and sustain the work of the organization and the experience of its members. This task force works closely with the Executive Director and Executive Committee to secure funding through sponsorships, donations, and fundraising campaigns, while also fostering meaningful partnerships with architecture firms, community organizations, vendors, alumni and even other nonprofits. Through outreach, strategic communication, and campaign planning, this ensures the AIAS and its members the resources and connections needed to thrive.

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Identify and explore sponsorships, partnerships, and other funding opportunities for the AIAS, nationally and internationally.
2. Track and report fundraising goals. 
3. Explore efficient ways to engage with other national and international non-profits in creating member value and opportunities. 

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. List of potential sponsors, donors, or partners aligned with AIAS values.
2. Pitch decks, email templates, and other materials as requested by the Executive Director and Executive Committee.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

They say two heads are better than one – now imagine a whole team working on exploring new opportunities for the AIAS and its members. This team will help expand the impact and possibilities of the AIAS by expanding its network and connecting with professionals, businesses, and supporters to build and sustain programming and benefits, as well as opening doors for future initiatives.

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

If you’re interested in strategy, networking, and relationship-building, this task force will allow you to gain experience reaching out to potential partners, crafting sponsorship proposals, organizing fundraising campaigns, and contributing directly to the success of the AIAS. Develop skills that apply across all industries—especially valuable if you’re curious about entrepreneurship, firm development, or nonprofit leadership.

WHAT DOES IT DO? 

The Strategic Planning Committee is focused on shaping the long-term direction, goals, and priorities of the organization by building the 2026-2030 AIAS Strategic Plan. Through research, data collection, stakeholder engagement, member feedback, and goal-setting, this committee works closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee to assess the organization’s current impact, identify opportunities for growth, and develop a strategic plan that pushes forward the mission and vision of the AIAS in its current context. 

COMMITTEE CHARGES

1. Develop the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan.
2. Engage relevant stakeholders from every membership category and AIAS signature program, as well as others identified by the committee, through town halls, interviews and sessions.

COMMITTEE DELIVERABLES

1. Report on the Committee’s process and findings. 
2. 2026-2030 Strategic Plan document, pending approval by the BoD and CoP.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

This committee sets the AIAS up for success in the following years, ensuring that the work done is intentional, aligned with member needs, and responsive to change. The Strategic Planning Committee takes the voices in our organization and uses them to draw the path the AIAS Board of Directors will follow to strengthen internal operations, improve member experience, and support long-term impact of the organization by asking: where are we going, and how do we get there?

WHO SHOULD JOIN?

This committee is for those who enjoy thinking big, connecting people and ideas, as well as improving systems. You’ll get hands-on experience in organizational planning, leadership development, and internal assessment. This committee is ideal for anyone interested in how organizations evolve, make decisions, and align their actions with a shared mission. It’s also a great fit for students who are strategic thinkers, team organizers, or interested in firm leadership, operations, or consulting.