NAPA is a completely volunteer-run association. As such we are always looking for dedicated individuals interested in joining the community by helping to keep the association strong and vibrant. In return for your contributions to NAPA, and giving back to the practitioner community, you will become part of a network of leaders and enhance your knowledge of current anthropological practice.

The time commitment needed for volunteer positions varies. Some activities are ongoing year-round, while others are mostly focused on the annual meetings or other specific activities. Whatever time and skills you might have available, we can find an appropriate place for you.

Starting in 2016, NAPA created a Volunteer of the Year Award to acknowledge the efforts of the many volunteers who work behind the scenes to make NAPA dynamic and viable. The Volunteer of the Year award is presented as part of the AAA annual meetings, during the NAPA Business Meeting, and the recipients are profiled in the NAPA Notes newsletter.

If you look over our committee pages, you will discover a range of activities that provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your talents. Contact the relevant committee chair or use our Volunteering Interest Form to tell us of your interests. We look forward to having you aboard!

NAPA Volunteer Of The Year Awards

NAPA is wholly reliant on volunteer efforts to run the organization (with some AAA support). Volunteers typically serve on one of NAPA’s many committees; their unheralded efforts often go unseen by the membership as a whole. The Volunteer of the Year award is presented as part of the AAA annual meetings, during the NAPA Business Meeting.

“I am deeply honored by NAPA’s VOY Award. Being a social media manager for NAPA and growing its online community has been incredibly fulfilling; an invaluable way of staying connected with practicing anthropologists.”

2017 Volunteer of the Year: Zelda Harrison
2017 Volunteer of the Year: Sophie Goodman
“We are always glad to know of colleagues interested in mentoring, because NAPA has various ways to mentor… There are great pleasures in mentoring; getting appreciative letters from former advisees is a big one.”

2016 Volunteer of the Year: Tom Greaves
“Volunteering for the NAPA Facebook page helps me to continue on my aim to make anthropology more accessible to a broader public and promote its value through… It feels great to be recognized for our efforts.”