Become Involved

Information about our opportunities to serve the Academy are listed below.

You can view a list of our current committee members on the Academy Committees page.

NOTE: All Committees work in close conjunction with the Executive Committee; budgetary matters must receive approval from the Executive Committee prior to making any commitments and/or expenditures.

Nomination and Elections Committee (NEC) has responsibility to solicit nominations and conduct elections annually for Officer and Directors-at-Large positions. The immediate Past-President of the Academy serves as Chair. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Establish due dates for nominations, balloting, and reporting in accordance with the Academy Constitution
  • Recruit and secure a slate of qualified individuals to run for open positions
  • Prepare and implement a balloting system with candidate information where voting members may cast their ballots anonymously
  • Count ballots and report results to the President, who contacts the nominees

Membership Committee has responsibility for ongoing recruitment and retention of members representing the breadth of the disciplines related to leisure. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Identify and secure regional representatives to send recruitment materials to universities, faculty, scholars, and others interested in advancing the Academy
  • Invite scholars from related disciplines to join the Academy
  • Work with Sagamore Publishing personnel to obtain contact information for potential members as identified above
  • Work with Sagamore Publishing personnel to enhance member benefits
  • Suggest ideas and processes to enhance recruitment and retention of members

The Research Institute/Teaching Institute (RI/TI) is held every year, beginning Spring, 2018. Its purpose is to engage scholars and teachers in the enhancement and advancement of leisure research and teaching in the disciplines. The RI/TI Committee works with Sagamore Publishing, which provides logistical support. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Work with the Academy Executive Committee to develop and distribute a Request for Proposals to host the RI/TI
  • Review nomination packets from potential hosts
  • Select the host institution, dates, and locations of upcoming Institutes
  • May serve on the local host committee, assisting with program development, review of abstracts, etc.
  • Make recommendations regarding the implementation of the RI/TI
  • Work with the Academy Treasurer to manage the budget for the Institute
  • Provide feedback and recommendations for the management of subsequent Institutes

Awards and Recognition Committee is responsible for aiding the Academy in recognizing colleagues for their contributions to the profession in three areas: Teaching, Scholarship, and Service. In addition, similar recognition is accorded to students though the management of the Best Abstract Award. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Solicit, accept, and select nominees for Academy awards
  • Provide feedback and suggestions related to criteria, procedures, or related issues to the Executive Committee
  • Work with Sagamore Publishing to ensure plaques are prepared to be awarded at designated national meetings

Future Scholars Committee has responsibility for the ongoing recruitment and selection of individuals designated as Future Scholars. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Solicit, accept, and select nominees to receive the Future Scholars Award
  • Provide feedback and suggestions related to criteria, procedures, and related issues to the Executive Committee
  • Work with Sagamore Publishing to ensure plaques are prepared to be awarded at designated meetings

Future Scholars Endowment Fund Committee has responsibility for activities related to the Endowment, which seeks funds to support the ongoing award of the Future Scholars Award. Membership is open to all Academy members. Tasks include:

  • Develop ideas and processes for ongoing solicitation for the support of the Endowment
  • Create/develop campaigns to invite gifts and donations to enhance the Endowment
  • Work with the Academy Treasurer to ensure proper use and distribution of funds
  • Make broad recommendations related to investment of the Endowment
  • Provide periodic reports to the Executive Committee regarding the status of the Endowment

Operating Procedures Committee is charged with creating an Operations Manual for the Academy. The manual will address the common activities of the Academy , procedures, and policies related to Academy efforts. Membership is open to all Academy members.

  • Identify processes and procedures for inclusion in the manual
  • Gather the content for inclusion
  • Organize and put the material together in one document
  • Provide completed document to the Academy Executive Committee for review and approval
  • Annually review the Operating Procedures Manual and revise as necessary

Fellows Committee is a special committee composed only of active Fellows. It is a standing committee of the Academy and consists of a minimum of three (3) Fellows affirmed by active Fellows attending the Fellows Recognition Event held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting each year. The Chair of the Fellows Committee (Fellows Representative) will serve as a voting member of the Academy Board of Directors. Members of the Fellows Committee may serve no more than six (6) consecutive years. It tasks include:

  • Establish due dates for nominations, balloting, and reporting in accordance with the Academy Constitution
  • Recruit and nominate qualified individuals for consideration for Fellow status
  • Investigate the qualifications of candidates
  • Prepare a biographical sketch of each qualified nominee
  • Prepare and implement a balloting system with nominee information where voting members may cast their ballots anonymously
  • Count ballots and report results to the Academy Fellows Representative, who contacts the nominees with the results
  • Prepare biographical/nomination information for use during the candidate induction ceremony at the Fellows Recognition Event
  • With Sagamore Publishing, coordinate the planning of the Fellows Recognition Event, including preparation of the plaque, certificate, or other recognition of Fellow status
  • Make suggestions and recommendations about the activities of the committee to the Academy Fellows Representative regarding processes, criteria, and related issues

Communications Committee is responsible for monitoring the TALS website and making recommendations for content development and improving user-friendliness. The committee is also responsible for maintaining a social media presence via LinkedIn, FaceBook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.