Get Involved in CA: Advisory Committee Openings

May 31, 2022

Want to get more involved in the causes you care about?

Joining one of CA’s advisory committees is an excellent opportunity to meet people in the community who share your passions. From environmental efforts to the arts, each committee is made up of resident volunteers and CA staff working together to impact change and ensure community participation in our program priorities.

Check out current openings below!

Climate Change & Sustainability Advisory Committee (CCSAC)

CCSAC members help Columbia become a more climate-resilient community in which residents understand the challenges of climate change and are motivated to take action. If you have experience or training in climate change, sustainability and/or community engagement, you might be a great fit for the CCSAC!

Mission

The mission of the CCSAC is to advise CA on matters related to climate change, work with citizen groups, the Village Community Associations and CA to enhance public knowledge and engagement around climate change, and facilitate the advancement of environmental sustainability in the community.

Current needs & duties

The CCSAC is looking for a couple of new members with a firm understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability. To complement the skills of existing members and support ongoing projects, they are particularly interested in candidates with ANY of the following skills:

Ability to effectively communicate about climate change impacts and solutions to community groups that reflect the diversity of Columbia
Ability to write and post interesting, science-based content about local climate impacts and solutions on websites and/or social media
Ability to write and speak about specific climate solutions
Understanding of ways that issues associated with environmental justice inform community outreach

Duties include participating in monthly committee meetings, other scheduled sub-committee meetings, thoughtful contribution to discussions and documents being developed by the committee, and willingness to help plan and participate in projects such as community engagement initiatives or other committee events.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and resume that summarizes your interests and experience by Friday, June 17, 2022 to energy@columbiaassociation.org. You can learn more here.

Columbia Art Center Advisory Committee (CACAC)

The CACAC is seeking energetic community art enthusiasts.

Mission

The mission of the CACAC is to provide input to CA on the uses of the Columbia Art Center and to facilitate opportunities for the community to enjoy quality art.

Goals:

Inform and advise CA of community issues and opportunities as they relate to the arts
Review CA policies and programs related to the mission of this Committee
Assist CA in disseminating information about the Columbia Art Center
Encourage use of the Columbia Art Center and stimulate art interest and talent
Encourage the presentation of works of varied and qualified artists
Increase public awareness and appreciation of the Columbia Art Center and the arts

Current needs & duties

The CACAC is looking for three members! As a member, you will be able to share your advice and suggestions for enhancing the Art Center’s services and programs, volunteer your time with Art Center events, gallery receptions, and community outreach efforts, and attend 3-4 quarterly meetings a year.

Other duties may include helping with our community relations subcommittee and gallery show application review subcommittee.

Qualifications:

Live or work in Howard County
Strong appreciation for community arts
Experience in community arts is appreciated, but not required
Must be able to attend at least three advisory committee meetings per year

How to apply

Please email art.staff@columbiaassociation.org if you are interested in serving on the advisory committee. You will then be sent a form to complete and a summary of the duties of being a member. Potential members will be notified and subsequently voted in at an advisory committee meeting.

International & Multicultural Advisory Committee (IMAC)

Mission

The mission of the IMAC is to provide input to CA on community needs, interests, and concerns as they relate to international exchange and multicultural programs, in order to foster international understanding and to celebrate the diverse cultures of Columbia/Howard County.

Current needs & duties

There are openings for members at large on IMAC, as well as the five sister city sub-committees:

Cergy-Pontoise, France
Tres Cantos, Spain
Tema, Ghana
Cap-Haitien, Haiti
Liyang, China

How to apply

Email Program Manager of International Exchange and Multicultural Programs, Grace Chang, at grace.chang@columbiaassociation.org. Grace will invite you to one of the bi-monthly meetings or an upcoming event to meet other members.

Senior Advisory Committee (SAC)

Mission

The mission of the SAC is to provide input to CA in order to inform and advise CA on the special needs of Columbia’s seniors, herein defined as Columbia residents who are 55 years of age or older.

Current needs & duties

There are openings for representatives from Harper Choice, Oakland Mills and River Hill. The monthly committee meetings are open to the public and are held at rotating locations throughout Columbia.

How to apply

To join, you must be appointed by your village board. Once your village board votes to appoint you, you can send an email to Leslie Barnett at leslie.barnett@columbiaassociation.org. For more information on how to become involved as a committee member, please call 410-715-3161.

Check back soon for more updates and ways to get involved!