Community Elections
In November 2025, Sections evolved into seven vibrant Communities, offering expanded ways for connection with peers. Each Community has a Community Advisory Team comprised of 9-12 elected members who provide leadership: working with non-elected volunteers and supporting the goals of the Community. Community Advisory Team members typically serve a three-year term.
Running for a seat on the Community Advisory Team is an excellent way to connect with peers who share your interests, enhance your career by gaining valuable experience in collaboration, communication, and leadership, and expand your network. Being a Community Advisory Team member offers you a chance to contribute to meaningful projects and further develop skills that will help you grow both professionally and personally. Non-elected volunteer opportunities are available for those who want to contribute and develop skills but do not desire to run for an elected term.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Community Advisory Team offers numerous ways to get involved and make a positive impact in areas that really matter. You’ll help shape the future through activities such as:
- Providing thought leadership
- Building fellowship
- Staying on top of trends
- Sharing valuable information
- Creating content
- Setting Community goals
- Supporting personal development
- Contributing to research ideation
Community Advisory Team members attend and participate in activities throughout the year, including:
- Monthly virtual meetings
- One in-person or virtual planning meeting per year based on the preference of the current Community Advisory Team members.
- Webcasts that cover strategic and operational topics related to the SOA
- Optional activities may include authoring an article or paper, making a presentation, organizing continuing education meetings and events, or providing input for volunteer-generated research projects.
For additional information, view the Community Advisory Team roles.
Become a Candidate
You must be an SOA member in good standing and a member of the Community for which you would like to run. The steps to become a candidate in the upcoming SOA Community elections are:
- Complete an Expression of Interest form from April 1 to May 15, 2026. Discuss your interest and involvement with current Community Advisory Team volunteer leaders who may contact you directly.
- Discuss your interest and involvement with current Community Advisory Team volunteer leaders who may contact you directly.
- Attend an informational candidate webcast and review resources explaining the candidate process. A link to the recording of the webcast will be sent to those who cannot attend.
- Complete a candidate questionnaire and provide a professional photo to be posted on the SOA website.
- After the election, be available to receive Community election results by phone or email notification.
2026 Key Dates
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Friday, May 15 | Expression of Interest form due |
| Tuesday, May 19 | Community Election candidate webcast |
| Friday, June 5 | Candidate bio (questionnaire) and photo due |
| September 2–18 | Voting period is open |
| October 2–9 | Results shared with candidates |
| Post-Election (TBD) | Elected members orientation webcast |
| October 28 | Elected members begin their term |
How to Vote
Eligible SOA members can participate in Community elections for the Communities that they have joined. Voting is confidential and anonymous.
Eligible voters receive ballots via email. Votes are counted by an independent vendor.