Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the best ways for you to get the most out of your BAIPA membership. It is a chance to shape the organization, get to know smart people, learn and have fun. We are an all-volunteer organization, from members to board members.
Some volunteers help out at a single event. Others contribute several hours per month, like your entire BAIPA Board:
- Becky Parker Geist: President
- Ruth Schwartz: Vice President, Membership, Program Committee
- Stephen Rustad: Treasurer
- Kelly McClymer: Treasurer
- John Byrne Barry: Webmaster, Blog Manager, Peer-to-Peer Interviews, Five-Minute Feedback
- Kelley Way: Program Committee
- Bob Heyman: Program Committee
- Pam Fenner: Program Committee
- Sandra McGee
Where do you fit as a volunteer?
You must be a member to serve as a BAIPA volunteer. Check out the options below and click on the I’m Interested links to email the appropriate board member. Thank you in advance for thinking like a team player and for your active participation in BAIPA!
We are seeking volunteers for the following:
Writers, Editors for Website:
Not all BAIPA members are writers, but many of us are. And almost all of us are trying to promote ourselves or our work in one way or another. Meanwhile, our BAIPA website has untapped potential as a platform that can help all of us. You can help by using writing chops to raise the visibility of our organization, and yourself.
We welcome writers to share news about BAIPA members (readings, awards, book launches) and upcoming events, interview other authors, and write brief summaries of our workshops. I’M INTERESTED!
Note: We need someone who can help keep current the Books Published by BAIPA Members. (Our members keep publishing books – yay!) Contact webmaster@baipa.org.)
Programs Advisory Committee:
This important committee of 4-8 people sources potential speakers and vets them before recommending them to the board to put them on our schedule. There is a speaker manager for each event who makes sure our speakers have everything they need in order to deliver quality information to our members and guests. I’M INTERESTED!
Hybrid Event In-Person Team:
Twice yearly we hold hybrid events, in June and December. But we need your help for the in-person meetings! I’M INTERESTED!
Membership Committee:
The Membership Team is focused on the member experience. Work with a small committee to come up with a plan for improving utilization of membership benefits that supports members and encourages excellence in independent publishing as well as attracting new members. After an initial kickoff meeting, we estimate the time commitment will be no more than 1 hour/month, and the committee will determine what is needed in terms of meetings and work in between meetings. At least one member of the committee will report regularly to the board, and the committee will make recommendations to the board. I’M INTERESTED!
Interviews Coordinator and/or Team:
Take a leadership role or be part of a team that interviews other BAIPA members. This is a great way to build up your own visibility and discoverability while at the same time supporting your fellow BAIPA members. Interviews you write up get posted on the BAIPA website. I’M INTERESTED!
Outreach Ambassadors:
Help spread the word about BAIPA to other organizations so that those in our industry who are seeking the kind of help that BAIPA provides know we exist. Most folks have never heard of BAIPA. We want to change that. I’M INTERESTED!
Venue Liaison/Coordinator:
[We currently have a volunteer for this.] Maintain contact with the Key Center re venue needs, changes, etc. This may take about 1 hour/month or more for May and November. Good communication skills help. Most of this is done by email so we can also have a written record of requests, etc. I’M INTERESTED!
Board of Directors Member:
We’re an all-volunteer organization and the board makes the decisions and does most of the work to keep the organization going. If you’re interested, please talk to a board member. And here’s an application for the board.
Volunteering is a way to…
- make friends, build professional relationships, expand your network
- expand your knowledge
- increase your professional visibility
- learn and grow personally and professionally
- develop leadership skills
If any of this sparks your interest, please click on the I’M INTERESTED mail links or contact us at board@baipa.com
If you have a suggestion for something you don’t see, please contact the board with your ideas.
One of my favorite things about BAIPA is its culture of generosity, the willingness — even eagerness — to share what we have each learned in the process of bringing stories to life. We provide educational programs, networking, marketing opportunities, encouragement, and information on industry vendors and services. And lots of one-on-one advice and mentoring.
We welcome all who have an interest in making connections within the world of independent publishing and learning more about how to publish and sell their work successfully. Together we are raising the standard of independent publishing and helping our members thrive.
Do join us!
—Becky Parker Geist, BAIPA Board of Directors, President
Quick Resources
Current BAIPA members do not need to register for our monthly meetings. The night before the meetings, they will receive the Zoom info. For workshop registration, members can buy a member ticket and will receive the Zoom info the night before the meetings, as well as in the confirmation email.