Are you an AIA Member interested in the issues confronting young architects? Would you like to help the Young Architects Forum (YAF) address these issues? Then, you may be just the person we’re looking for.
YAF Regional Director
Every two years, the AIA Region of The Virginias (Virginia and West Virginia) selects an AIA member licensed for less than 10 years to represent the Region as YAF Regional Director (YARD). Applications are now being accepted for the 2020 – 2021 YARD term.
This is a tremendous opportunity to take on a larger leadership role within the AIA and to enjoy a rewarding experience that allows you to actively engage in shaping the future of the profession as well as to grow your network within the AIA locally, state-wide, regionally and nationally.
YAF Purpose
The AIA YAF is the voice of recently licensed Architects and a catalyst for progress within the profession. The national YAF Advisory Committee (AdCom) encourages development of national and regional programs for young architects and supports the creation of YAF groups within local, state and regional components. YAF programs, activities, and resources provide young architects with information and leadership; excellence through fellowship with other professionals; and mentoring to enhance individual, community, and professional development.
YAF Mission/Vision
“We ENGAGE recently licensed Architects in leadership to become agents of change within the Institute and the profession overall.
“We INSPIRE professional growth among recently licensed Architects through fellowship within the institute.
“We ADVOCATE for issues of particular relevance to recently licensed Architects to the Institute.
“We SERVE to make AIA memberships meaningful to recently licensed architects through programs and services that effectively anticipate, meet and exceed their needs.
“We PROMOTE mentorship at all career stages to enhance personal growth, community involvement, and professional development.”
YAF Goals
“To ENCOURAGE professional growth and leadership development among recently licensed architects through interaction and collaboration within the AIA and allied groups.
“To BUILD a national network and serve as a collective voice for young architects by working to ensure that issues of particular relevance to young architects are appropriately addressed by the Institute.
“To MAKE AIA memberships valuable to young architects and to develop the future leadership of the profession.”
YARD Responsibilities
The YARD is the primary connection between local, state and regional AIA components and the national YAF Advisory Committee.
The YARD keeps communication flowing between these groups by:
- Maintaining quarterly communication with all YAF chapters within his or her designated region.
- Serving as a conduit between local YAF chapters and the AdCom.
- Collecting from and disseminating information to local, state, and regional components.
- Submitting a regional report.
The YARD contributes to the direction and planning of the YAF by:
- Participating in the YAF Annual Meeting.
- Working with the AdCom on various national issues.
- Working on at least one Area of Focus identified by the YAF annually.
The YARD is a connection at the regional level to other AIA groups by:
- Communicating with COF Regional Representative and NAC Regional Associate Director quarterly about how to work together to support each other’s efforts.
- Suggesting or encouraging young architects for nomination for regional or national awards, positions or committees/subcommittees.
- Attending AIA National Convention, when possible.
- Working within Region of The Virginias to ensure that expectations from regional leadership are clearly defined and met.
- Attendance at regional meetings.
- Applicants are encouraged to discuss the position with their Regional Representative to AIA Strategic Council or the current YARD to fully understand the responsibilities prior to submitting an application.
YAF Commitments
YARD are expected to engage with members as follows:
- YAF/NAC Annual Meeting (Mandatory)
- AIA Grassroots, New Orleans: February 2020
- AIA Convention, Los Angeles: May 2020
- ArchEx Regional AIA Conference, Richmond: November 2020
- YAF Full Committee Monthly Conference Calls
- YAF Area of Focus/Workgroup Monthly Conference Calls
- Regional Reports – Quarterly
- Regional Emerging Professional Committee Meetings and Programs
YAF Funding
National AIA covers the costs for YARD travel, food, and lodging to attend the YAF Annual Meeting. In addition, YARDs have the opportunity to attend AIA Grassroots and the AIA Convention, but expenses for these events, along with any other costs associated with other travel or conferences, will not likely be reimbursed and are the responsibility of the YARD. A stipend is budgeted by AIA Virginia to support these efforts. It is anticipated that AIA West Virginia will have a stipend available as its respective budget allows.
Application Requirements
- AIA Membership – Applicant must be an AIA member licensed for less than 10 years and in good standing within The Region of The Virginias (the State Components of AIA West Virginia and AIA Virginia, including AIA Blue Ridge, AIA Central Virginia, AIA Hampton Roads, AIA Northern Virginia, and AIA Richmond).
- Letter of Interest – From Applicant. Indicate understanding of the position, qualifications/experience, and reasons for seeking. Limit one-page.
- Letter of Nomination – From an AIA leader. Indicate connection between YARD position and the Nominee’s leadership qualities. Limit one-page.
- Letter of Recommendation – From an AIA member. Indicate Nominee’s qualifications for the YARD position. Limit one-page.
- Personal Resume – Indicate education, employment history, organizations, activities, honors, and awards. Limit two pages (not a firm resume).
Completed applications must be submitted by email as a single PDF to Brian J. Frickie, AIA, Strategic Council Representative, Region of The Virginias (bfrickie@kernsgroup.com) and Corey Clayborne, AIA, EVP AIA Virginia (cclayborne@aiava.org) NLT Monday, November 4, 2019.