The association is the authoritative voice for the veterinary profession in presenting its views to government, academia, agriculture, pet owners, the media, and other audiences. The views expressed result from the collaboration of volunteer members who work through AVMA councils, committees, advisory boards, commissions, task forces, and two insurance trusts to recommend AVMA policies that are then considered for approval by the Executive Board and the House of Delegates.

Volunteers are engaged in a wide variety of activities on behalf of the association, from legislation to education to medical ethics. The State Advocacy Committee utilizes volunteers to make presentations that help educate the legal community on animal law issues. Volunteer committee members help plan the annual AVMA Convention and Veterinary Leadership Conference. Members of the Council on Education and the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities conduct site visits to evaluate veterinary colleges and veterinary technician programs for accreditation. These are just a few examples. Almost every aspect of the AVMA's work is advanced by volunteers in some way.

Council Positions
Upcoming council vacancies are announced in The Journal of the AVMA (JAVMA) in October of each year. Nominations are accepted from organizations represented in the AVMA House of Delegates or by the signature of ten voting AVMA members. Nominations must be received by April 1 (or February 1 for the Council on Education positions) of the following year. Council members are elected to a six-year term by the House of Delegates at the AVMA Annual Session. For more information contact OfficeEVP@avma.org.

Committee Positions
Upcoming committee vacancies are announced in JAVMA in October of each year. Nominations are accepted from organizations represented in the AVMA House of Delegates or from any voting AVMA member. Nominations must be received 30 days before the following year's April Executive Board meeting, when most committee members are appointed to three-year terms. For more information contact OfficeEVP@avma.org.

Other Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous opportunities available to those veterinarians who cannot commit to a three- or a six-year volunteering role. There are opportunities available to become a spokesperson for critical AVMA issues, diversity within the workforce and AVMA policies. For more information on these and others opportunities, contact sgranskog@avma.org.