WASFAA Volunteers
Want to Get Involved? Start Here.
WASFAA runs on volunteer power—and there’s a place for everyone to contribute. Whether you’re looking to grow your skills, give back to the profession, or just meet great people, volunteering is a great way to connect with the WASFAA community.
When you're ready to take the next step:
- Browse the committee opportunities below to see where your interests and strengths align. Evaluate the time commitment info and helpful skills to see if you would be a fit for the committee.
- Complete our Volunteer Interest Form to let us know how you’d like to help!
Whether you have an hour a month or want to dive in deeper—we’re excited to welcome you!
Awards & Scholarships
Provides scholarship opportunities to increase access to WASFAA events. Reviews applications and helps select recipients.
Volunteers: 7–10 (priority to past scholarship recipients)
Time Commitment: ~2 hours/month
Peak Season: 1 month before WASFAA events
Travel: None
Skills: Prior scholarship recipient experience helpful
Actively Seeking: Year-round
Annual Conference
conference2026@wasfaa.org
Plans and executes the WASFAA Annual Conference through a team of subcommittees focused on programs, logistics, registration, local arrangements, and vendor support.
Volunteers: ~10
Time Commitment: 8–16 hours/month
Peak Season: November–April
Travel: None
Skills: Event planning, creativity, organization, collaboration
Actively Seeking: September–November
Communications
communications@wasfaa.org
Keeps members informed through the website, newsletter, and social media. Promotes volunteer opportunities and supports marketing efforts.
Volunteers: 6
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours/month
Peak Season: Steady year-round
Travel: None
Skills: Writing, social media, design, newsletter/web management
Actively Seeking: Year-round
Electronic Services
website@wasfaa.org
Supports the digital infrastructure of WASFAA, including website tools and registration systems. Ideal for tech-savvy volunteers who enjoy behind-the-scenes support.
Volunteers: 2–5
Time Commitment: Varies
Peak Season: Around event registration/invoicing
Travel: None
Skills: Web tools, project management, technical skills
Actively Seeking: Year-round
Members: Chantelle Isaacs
Federal Relations
Advocates for financial aid policies that support students and institutions. Members analyze legislation, craft talking points, and communicate updates to WASFAA.
Volunteers: 5–7
Time Commitment: ~2 hours/month
Peak Season: July–January
Travel: None
Skills: Policy analysis, strong writing, advocacy
Actively Seeking: Year-round (especially during budget cycles)
Fund Development
fund@wasfaa.org
Leads sponsorship and fundraising efforts to support WASFAA’s programming. Develops relationships with corporate partners and oversees long-range funding strategies.
Volunteers: 1 (appointed chair)
Time Commitment: < 1 hour/month
Peak Season: 2 months prior to the annual conference
Travel: Yes (Executive Council + Conference)
Skills: Networking, corporate outreach, relationship building
Actively Seeking: Appointed position
Graduate/Professional
Gathers information and makes recommendations to the President and Executive Council regarding the needs of graduate & professional students and the professionals who serve them.
Volunteers: TBD
Time Commitment: TBD
Peak Season: TBD
Travel: No
Skills: Knowledge of grad/prof aid, stakeholder engagement, policy awareness
Actively Seeking: TBD
Historical Archives
Maintains the official records and documentation of the association, including meeting minutes, financial reports, contracts, and archived materials.
Volunteers: 1 (appointed chair)
Time Commitment: ~2 hours/month
Peak Season: Year-round
Travel: Yes (Executive Council attendance required)
Skills: Strong organizational skills
Actively Seeking: Appointed position
IDEEA Committee
Supports the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion across WASFAA. Committee members contribute to newsletters, plan conference sessions, and advocate for underrepresented professionals and students. Learn more here
Volunteers: 6 (diverse representation encouraged)
Time Commitment: 2–3 hours/month
Peak Season: Year-round
Travel: Yes (Conference attendance encouraged)
Skills: Communication, advocacy, public speaking, content creation
Actively Seeking: Year-round
Leadership Development Program (RHSLDP)
rhsldp2526@wasfaa.org
Offers year-long mentorship and leadership development for future leaders in financial aid. Participants help plan and contribute to both MLI and SDBSI events. Learn More Here
Volunteers: 8 mentor/mentee pairs
Time Commitment: 2–3 hrs/month (more near MLI and SDBSI)
Peak Season: Fall to Summer (Sept–June)
Travel: Encouraged (MLI and SDBSI attendance)
Skills: Mentorship, leadership, professional development
Actively Seeking: Late summer to early fall
Members: Mentor and mentee cohort
Management & Leadership Institute (JRSMLI)
jrsmli25@wasfaa.org
Hosts an annual training event for new and aspiring managers. The chair coordinates faculty, curriculum, and event logistics. Closely collaborates with the Leadership Development Program (RHSLDP). Learn More Here
Volunteers: 0–3 (based on LDP collaboration)
Time Commitment: 10–20 hours/month (Sept–Nov)
Peak Season: September–November
Travel: Yes (event held in-person in November)
Skills: Leadership experience, facilitation, training
Actively Seeking: August–September
Members: LDP-connected faculty and mentors
Membership
Manages membership records, renewals, and communication. Supports the database, maintains the membership webpage, and collaborates on newsletter contributions.
Volunteers: 2–3
Time Commitment: 3–4 hrs/month (chair), <1 hr/month (members)
Peak Season: December–April (chair is year-round)
Travel: None
Skills: Communication, website updating, organization
Actively Seeking: November–December
Research
Supports WASFAA’s data collection and assessment efforts. Members develop surveys, analyze feedback, and help evaluate the impact of association programs and initiatives.
Volunteers: Varies
Time Commitment: TBD
Peak Season: TBD
Travel: None
Skills: Survey design, data analysis, research writing, program evaluation
Actively Seeking: TBD
Site Selection
Recommends and negotiates locations for major WASFAA events, including the annual conference, Summer Institute, and Management & Leadership Institute.
Volunteers: 1 (appointed chair)
Time Commitment: 1–2 hrs/month
Peak Season: Year-round as contracts are negotiated
Travel: May include site visits or Executive Council meetings
Skills: Event planning, negotiation, logistics
Actively Seeking: Appointed position
Summer Institute (SDBSI)
sdbsi26@wasfaa.org
A week-long, in-person training covering beginning to advanced financial aid topics. Faculty and volunteers help teach, support logistics, and create content. Learn More Here
Volunteers: 10–20 (varies by location and role)
Time Commitment: Seasonal: Jan–Apr (3–5 hrs/mo), May (15 hrs), June (50–60 hrs onsite)
Peak Season: Spring and early summer
Travel: Yes (on-site participation required in June)
Skills: Teaching, content creation, event support, teamwork
Actively Seeking: Dec–Jan once site and dates are confirmed
Members: Faculty and support volunteers
Training
training@wasfaa.org
Coordinates virtual and in-person trainings throughout the year. Opportunities for presenters, content creators, tech support, and more—roles fit a wide range of interests!
Volunteers: 15–20
Time Commitment: 1–5 hrs/month (varies by role & month)
Peak Season: Summer–Fall (planning and delivery)
Travel: Optional for in-person events or conferences
Skills: Presenting, writing, logistics, marketing, tech support
Actively Seeking: Spring/Summer (or anytime!)
Members: Communications, content, logistics & tech teams
Volunteer Development
volunteer@wasfaa.org
Encourages volunteerism and supports WASFAA’s infrastructure for committee participation. Highlights volunteer stories, welcomes newcomers, and coordinates the call for volunteers.
Volunteers: 1–2
Time Commitment: ~2 hrs/month
Peak Season: Year-round
Travel: None
Skills: Organization, public speaking, writing
Actively Seeking: Year-round
Members: Stephanie Sawyer
What Happens After You Submit?
Form submissions are reviewed monthly by our Volunteer Development Chair and sent to our Membership Chair to confirm active WASFAA membership. From there, your interest is forwarded to the appropriate committee chairs (or the WASFAA President if a chair is not in place). You’ll be contacted directly about opportunities to get involved!
WASFAA is an all-volunteer association, and you—our members—are what make it strong. Have questions before you get started? Reach out to our Volunteer Development Chair at volunteer@wasfaa.org. We’d love to hear from you!
Your voice matters. If you have ideas, feedback, or concerns about the association, feel free to share them with your President or State President. All input is shared with leadership at the next Executive Council meeting.