By Ashley Reyes
Volunteering on a SEMA council or network select committee is a great way for association members to increase their involvement and impact in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.
Below are frequently asked questions regarding volunteer impact, eligibility and applications.
What is the role of a SEMA council or network select committee member?
Select committee members work alongside SEMA staff throughout the year to help create valuable programs that benefit the members of the nine SEMA councils and networks.
What is the difference between a council and a network?
Councils are industry alliances within SEMA that promote and advance a particular market segment; members are SEMA-member companies that pay annual dues.
Networks are communities of industry professionals who share a common interest. Members must be employed by a SEMA member company, and joining a network is free.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Volunteering is a great way to establish new professional connections, gain leadership skills, increase industry knowledge and play a direct role in strengthening one's market segment or network.
What types of contributions are involved?
Volunteers contribute their skills to SEMA in a variety of meaningful ways, including planning and attending online and in-person networking events, developing resources in response to the needs of members, speaking at membership meetings, planning council and network SEMA Show events, and contributing ideas for leadership development programs and webinars.
What commitments are required?
Elected select committee members serve a two-year term and are required to contribute five to 10 hours per month pending their volunteer commitments. Also, they are required to attend one monthly meeting, an annual long-range planning meeting and a council summit every other year. Select committee members are encouraged to volunteer on one--or more--of their council’s or network’s subcommittees and task forces.
What are the qualifications to volunteer?
Applicants must be employed by a SEMA member company and be willing to become a member of the council or network in which they are interested in volunteering. Strong planning skills and aftermarket knowledge are helpful, but the most desired trait is a passion for giving back to the industry.
How do I apply?
Applications to volunteer on a council or network select committee are open until Friday, April 18. Learn more and apply at sema.org/volunteer.
What is the difference between volunteering on a council or network select committee and volunteering on a council or network subcommittee and/or task force?
Select committee volunteers are elected by their segment to serve for a two-year term. Council and network subcommittee volunteers are members-at-large who can volunteer on their respective council and/or network at any time during their membership and do not need to be elected. To learn more about volunteering as a member-at-large, visit this link.