Getting Involved
Your Experience. Your Voice. Your Association.
SYTA is more than a membership organization—it is a community shaped by the people who choose to get involved.
Our volunteers – for both SYTA and the SYTA Youth Foundation – bring fresh ideas, professional expertise, industry perspective, and energy to the work of the Association. By serving on a committee, task force, or other volunteer group, you can help shape programs and resources, strengthen connections across the student and youth travel community, and contribute to the future of our industry.
Whether you are new to SYTA or have been involved for years, there is a place for you to contribute, grow, and make an impact.
Find Your Place
SYTA and the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) offer several types of volunteer opportunities. Some focus on governance, while others concentrate on programs, events, education, member engagement, industry issues, or professional communities. Please review the committee descriptions below to see where your expertise might best fit.
Call for Volunteers – Open Now!
Applications Open September 14 – 25, 2026
SYTA and the SYTA Youth Foundation are seeking members interested in serving in committee roles for the upcoming term.
Volunteer opportunities span a variety of areas, including member engagement, education, fundraising, events, responsible travel, professional development, industry initiatives, and more.
If you have knowledge to share, ideas to contribute, or simply want to become more engaged with your SYTA community, we encourage you to apply.
Applications will be accepted September 14–25.
Still need more information? Please view the recording of the Volunteer Interest Webinar
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering is one of the best ways to get more from your membership while giving something meaningful back to the Association and industry.
As a volunteer, you can:
- Build meaningful professional relationships with members from across the student and youth travel industry.
- Share your knowledge and expertise while learning from your peers.
- Develop new professional and leadership skills.
- Help shape SYTA and SYF programs, education, resources, events, and initiatives.
- Expand your understanding of your Association and the student travel industry.
- Increase your visibility and engagement within the SYTA community.
- Build experience that may prepare you for future volunteer leadership and Board service.
Your perspective matters. SYTA/SYF are strongest when members with different backgrounds, experiences, roles, and viewpoints contribute to the conversation.
What Does It Mean to Be a Volunteer?
Committee service is an active commitment—and an opportunity to make a difference.
Volunteers bring their experience, expertise, and perspective to help advance the Association and the student and youth travel industry. Along the way, volunteers build relationships, expand their professional networks, develop leadership skills, and help shape the future of the Association.
By accepting a committee appointment, you are making a commitment to SYTA or SYF and to your fellow committee members. We know our volunteers are busy professionals, so volunteer roles are designed to be both meaningful and manageable.
What Is the Commitment?
While responsibilities vary by committee, volunteers should generally plan to:
- Attend and actively participate in scheduled meetings, typically one virtual meeting per month.
- Contribute approximately 3–5 hours per month. Time commitments may vary from month to month depending on committee projects and priorities.
- Commit to a two-year term for each committee assignment with SYTA or a one-year term for the SYTA Youth Foundation.
- Participate in volunteer orientation on October 14 and/or October 21, 2026.
What Can I Expect to Do?
As a committee volunteer, you are asked to:
Come Prepared
Review meeting materials in advance and be ready to participate in discussions.
Share Your Voice
Bring your ideas, expertise, industry experience, and constructive feedback to the table.
Follow Through
Complete agreed-upon assignments, projects, and action items within established timelines.
Communicate
Respond to committee communications and let your Committee Chair or staff liaison know when a conflict or change in circumstances affects your participation.
Collaborate
Work respectfully and professionally with fellow volunteers, SYTA/SYF leadership, and staff. Listen to different perspectives and help create an environment where everyone can contribute.
Think Beyond Your Organization
Bring your individual perspective while considering the needs of SYTA’s broader membership and the student and youth travel community.
Support the Committee’s Goals
Help move the committee’s annual priorities forward. Committee work may include projects, outreach, member engagement, event participation, or other activities outside of regular meetings.
Be a SYTA Ambassador
Represent SYTA and SYF and the student and youth travel community professionally and positively.
Respect Confidentiality
Protect confidential or sensitive information shared through committee service when applicable.
Support What’s Next
Help preserve knowledge, document work when appropriate, and support a smooth transition for future volunteers and committee leaders.
Your Participation Matters
Every committee member plays a role in the success of the group. Consistent participation, responsiveness, and follow-through help ensure that committee work continues moving forward and that responsibilities are shared among volunteers.
Your SYTA Leadership Journey
Serving on a committee provides opportunities to:
- Build relationships across the student and youth travel industry.
- Expand your professional network.
- Develop leadership and association experience.
- Gain greater exposure to SYTA’s programs and priorities.
- Share your expertise and influence programs that serve the membership.
- Prepare for future volunteer leadership opportunities within SYTA.
Volunteers who demonstrate consistent engagement, collaboration, follow-through, and leadership may be well positioned to pursue additional leadership opportunities.
Before accepting an appointment, volunteers should review the expectations of the specific committee and make sure they are able to participate fully.
What Happens After I Apply?
Our goal is to create a thoughtful volunteer selection process that considers both member interests and the needs of each committee.
Following the close of applications:
- Applications are reviewed.
SYTA staff and leadership review applications based on interests, experience, skills, previous engagement, committee needs, and opportunities for diverse perspectives and representation. - Volunteer selections are made.
Committee size and available positions vary, so submitting an application does not guarantee appointment. - Applicants are notified.
All applicants will receive communication regarding their application and next steps. - Selected volunteers confirm their participation.
Members will receive information about their committee, leadership contacts, meeting expectations, and upcoming orientation. - Volunteers are welcomed and onboarded.
New and returning volunteers will receive resources to help them understand SYTA’s priorities, committee expectations, communication tools, and volunteer leadership opportunities.
Ready to Get Involved?
You do not need to have years of volunteer experience to make a difference.
You simply need a willingness to participate, contribute, collaborate, and help move SYTA forward.
The 2026 Call for Volunteers is open September 14–25.
Bring your experience. Share your perspective. Build new connections. Develop your leadership.
Help shape what comes next for SYTA and the student and youth travel community.
