Thank you for your interest in volunteering. ASPEN relies on our volunteers to carry out our mission, and your time, effort and expertise are a large part of ASPEN’s success. Without members’ commitment and dedication, it would not be possible to conduct our activities, including the development of standards, guidelines, position papers and educational programming; publishing of ASPEN journals (JPEN, NCP) and creating books; and conferring research awards and grants. ASPEN offers a variety of ways to get involved, from short-term activities to committee involvement and leadership service.
Giving back to the field through volunteerism can be extremely rewarding and helps to develop skills and relationships. Benefits include:
- Enhance your leadership skills
- Influence programs with your knowledge
- Increase your knowledge
- Contribute in your areas of interest
- Network with individuals from around the world
Short-Term Commitments
There are opportunities for non-traditional volunteer activities in addition to traditional committee work. Consider one or more of ASPEN’s smaller projects to help promote ASPEN programs and assist your peers. Some are ongoing, while others are once a year. Be sure to complete the volunteer form annually so you receive communications on these activities. Current activities include:
- Serve as a member of the ASPEN25 Annual Conference Monitoring & Advisory Panel.
The Annual Conference Monitoring & Advisory Panel will be converted from a committee to a short-term volunteer opportunity. The work of this group lasts less than two months. Staff will recruit members during the annual volunteer call, as well as immediately following the conference early rate registration date. The group will assist with session reviews, onsite social media marketing, short article writing and more.
- Serve as an ASPEN Engager and assist with conversations on Member Connect
- Serve as an ASPEN Champion and encourage colleagues to join ASPEN
- Encourage colleagues to apply for an award, nominate a colleague, or directly apply for an award (fall opportunity)
- Contact legislator(s) in support of nutrition legislation
- Submit a session proposal for the 2025 ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference (submission site will open in April 2024)
- Submit an abstract for the 2025 ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference
- Submit a possible exam question to the NBNSC to be vetted for possible inclusion in the CNSC exam item bank
- Be a Malnutrition Awareness Week ambassador
- Share ASPEN Twitter, LinkedIn and/or Facebook items as an ASPEN Social Media Champion
- Assist first-time attendees at the 2025 ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference as part of ASPEN's Buddy Program
- Forward an article from an ASPEN journal to a colleague
Please note: Individuals who serve in short-term roles must review and accept ASPEN's Volunteer Code of Conduct.
Volunteer Leadership
When you are ready to increase your activity with ASPEN, consider volunteering in one or more leadership groups. In most cases, members may be involved in up to two committees. Some committees have a limited scope of work (i.e. abstract review, annual conference monitoring), and individuals who are members of these committees may be involved in additional committees. ASPEN’s President appoints committee volunteers for three-year terms. Complete the form any time during the year if interested in volunteering with ASPEN's Section or Chapters.
- Board of Directors: ASPEN is governed by an 11-member board of directors elected by the membership. A new board is installed June 1 of each year.
- Committees: ASPEN committees plan and implement a variety of the Society’s programs. Most committees are appointed in the spring and serve from June 1 – May 31 of each year. The annual conference program committee is appointed in the late fall.
- Task Forces and Work Groups: In addition to committees, the ASPEN President may appoint task forces and committee chairs may appoint work groups for narrowly defined purposes, such as developing standards of practice, writing a position paper, or assisting in the development of a new program or publication. The terms of these groups vary depending on their purposes – they may be short-term (a few months) or long-term (more than one year). If you are interested in being considered for a task force, please make sure your ASPEN membership profile is up to date with your primary specialty.
- Sections: ASPEN Sections provide members with the opportunity to network with their peers and become involved in specialized activities. Each Section has leadership roles, and many have ongoing projects. This is a great way to get involved in areas you are most interested in.
- Chapters: By becoming involved in an ASPEN Chapter , you can meet and work with other members in your geographic area. Chapters are often looking for individuals to volunteer at the local level, for leadership roles and short-term projects.
Please note: Individuals who serve in volunteer leadership roles must complete ASPEN’s Conflict of Interest Policy & Disclosure Statement, review and accept ASPEN's Volunteer Code of Conduct, and provide a current CV on an annual basis.