Call for Volunteers: 2026 Opportunities

Volunteer with SHSMD to Make a Lasting Impact on Health Care

SHSMD's 2026 Call for Volunteers will be open through October 17, 2025.

Join your peers in helping members anticipate and prepare for the future by contributing your knowledge and expertise through volunteer activities. SHSMD affords you the opportunity to put your leadership skills and talents into practice while gaining new insights and developing a broader network with other experts in the field. Some initiatives involve teamwork, others involve independent contributions. Please read the descriptions below. 

Through October 17, 2025, SHSMD is accepting volunteer requests to engage with us in a variety of initiatives. Please sign up for the opportunities that interest you the most and help us learn more about you. We will try to connect you with your preferred activity choice, but if it is not available, we will reach out to you with other opportunities.

NOTE: Volunteers will be notified of any committee assignments by February 2026.

Apply to Volunteer

We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteer Leadership Opportunities for 2026:

Conference Planning Committee
Digital Engagement Volunteer
Education and Editorial Advisory Board
Empowerment, Learning, and Mirroring Committee
Executive Strategies Task Force
Member Community Ambassador
Member Engagement Committee
Micro-Volunteering
Recognition and Scholarships Committee
Virtual Member Meet-Up Facilitator

Conference Planning Committee

This committee supports SHSMD staff in the development and implementation of the education portion of the annual conference, SHSMD Connections, and/or other virtual conferences. Committee members representing various disciplines comprise committee “tracks” and review all proposals received under their assigned area from the annual Call for Proposals. The goal is to make selections that deliver a first-class educational experience for members. Volunteers who have previously served on this committee may be selected to serve on the executive team or as track team leaders. Committee members attending the in-person conference may serve as session moderators and/or hosts for networking events.

If you are selected for this committee, we will assign you conference tracks that best align with your role and expertise. Tracks may include the following:

• Marketing
• Digital Engagement
• Communications and Public Relations
• Strategic Planning and Business Development
• Innovation and Cross-Disciplinary Solutions
• Other: Physician Strategies, Analytics, Population Health, Career and Leadership Development

Commitment: Significant time commitment from February to May. Attendance at SHSMD Connections 2026. 

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Team players who can commit to the rigorous schedule of this committee. From February to May, committee members will be expected to review proposals by set deadlines, actively participate in conference calls, and spend time following up on proposals and speakers.
• Those who attended SHSMD Connections in the recent past and are planning to attend SHSMD Connections 2026, in Baltimore, MD, September 27–29, 2026.

Digital Engagement Volunteer

Support SHSMD’s strategic initiatives around digital engagement, contribute to new resources or test new approaches. 

Volunteers will either become part of the Conference Planning Committee under the Digital Engagement Track or they will be assigned to the Education Committee where they will assist in planning digital-focused courses such as the social media series, our marketing or digital communications credential. 

Volunteers will also be asked to use their social media skills to promote our conference and all educational events.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Those developing or implementing digital strategies in hospitals/health systems.
• Consultants providing hospitals/health systems with digital expertise.

Education and Editorial Advisory Board

This committee will review the performance of SHSMD's education and content offerings and make recommendations to enrich the society’s content portfolio, leveraging best practices in education and content delivery.

Select committee members will review portions of SHSMD Education Online Courses and related offerings to support member professional development and expansion of knowledge resources. Others will review content prior to member distribution, supporting SHSMD’s growing pool of resources. All committee members will contribute content ideas and work closely with SHSMD’s editorial and education staff. Members will also be asked to help audit courses and promote all online programs through their social media network.

Commitment: Quarterly conference calls, independent review of materials between meetings, and periodic independent review of courses and content materials.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Members representing the different professional disciplines of SHSMD, with varying experiences and roles.
• Professionals with strong content knowledge in health care strategic planning, business development, marketing, public relations, communications, and digital engagement.
• Those with writing and/or editorial experience, including practical digital pieces such as case studies, tools/templates or guides, and/or blogs.
• Industry thought leaders with connections to other expert information sources and contributors.
• Members who have served as faculty or who possess experience in adult education and have a high interest and experience in education best practices.
• Members with a strong overall knowledge of SHSMD publications, content, and educational offerings, including SHSMD Education online courses and webcasts, SHSMD’s Bridging Worlds and SHSMD ADVANCE™, and SHSMD Connections Annual Conference.

Empowerment, Learning, and Mirroring Committee 

This committee supports the advancement of inclusive professional development and educational opportunities within SHSMD. Members will review criteria, applications, and select recipients for the SHSMD Student and Enrichment Program. The committee also contributes to SHSMD’s efforts to foster a welcoming, growth-oriented environment for all members and professionals in the field.

Committee members will explore and share effective practices that promote learning, representation, and empowerment across SHSMD’s initiatives. This includes helping to shape new programs and resources that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of our community.

Mentor Volunteers (Independent):
These individuals will support SHSMD’s mentorship initiative by guiding participants through the program and serving as a resource for professional growth and connection.

Commitment: Independent volunteer work and online meetings approximately three times per year, plus a final debrief call. Volunteers will also conduct a detailed review of applications, scoring criteria, and related materials between meetings.

This opportunity is recommended for:

• Individuals with experience in fostering inclusive learning environments or professional development programs.
• Former recipients of SHSMD enrichment opportunities.
• Members who value confidentiality and thoughtful engagement.

Executive Strategies Task Force (Independent)

This task force provides key input to senior leader SHSMD programming, including recruiting participants and speakers or thought leaders. Volunteers help facilitate senior executive engagement at conferences and online, and contribute to the identification of key topics for the Futurescan publication.

Commitment: One kickoff call in Q1 plus several hours of independent volunteer time approximately 2–3 times in the first half of the year.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Thought leaders and visionaries with a thorough understanding of transformative issues facing SHSMD members.
• Executive-level members with leadership expertise in the strategy disciplines (strategic planning, business development, marketing, and communications).
• Those connected to industry thought leaders who might serve as guest speakers/panelists.
• Members planning to attend SHSMD’s executive events.

Member Community Ambassador (Independent)

As a Member Community Ambassador, you'll be the friendly face guiding fellow members through their questions in the MySHSMD Online Member Community. You'll dive into unanswered inquiries, research solutions, and connect members with the information they need.

Volunteers will:

• Respond to member questions in a timely and informative manner via MySHSMD.
• Conduct research to find the most accurate and helpful answers.
• If an answer isn't readily available, escalate the question to the appropriate expert.
• Foster a positive and supportive community environment.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Members who enjoy helping others.
• A resourceful problem-solver with excellent research skills.
• Members with a passion for clear and concise communication.
• Those who thrive in a collaborative online environment.

Member Engagement Committee

Committee members will welcome and engage new members and work with SHSMD staff to develop member initiatives and engagement ideas. They will assist in planning the 2026 Annual Conference new member orientation (in-person and virtual) and support online member meet-ups and/or ignite MySHSMD discussions.

Commitment: Attend quarterly calls, some independent work between meetings, and attend SHSMD Connections 2026.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Those with a strong overall knowledge of SHSMD offerings.
• Members who have an interest in helping new members navigate their membership.
• Those planning to attend the 2026 Annual Conference in Baltimore, MD.

Micro-Volunteering (Independent)

Based on your background and interests, micro-volunteering affords you the opportunity to be involved with SHSMD projects on a short-term basis. It may include activities like reviewing a new resource, helping plan a new event, leading or commenting on a discussion, or helping others learn.

Including:

• Beta Testers: As SHSMD and the AHA pilot new offerings, technologies, and programs, members’ perspectives will be critical. Volunteer beta testers may be called on throughout the year to help evaluate, test, and/or provide feedback, and even serve as an early adopter for others to follow.
• Member Mentor Volunteers (Independent): These individuals will support SHSMD’s mentorship program, helping to guide others through the process and serve as a mentor resource. Learn more here.

Commitment for Beta Testers: A few hours of review time annually.

Commitment for Member Mentor Volunteers: Commitment to participate in outreach to mentees and promotion of the program.

Recognition and Scholarships Committee

Committee members participate in the review of criteria and applications and the selection of recipients for the SHSMD Rising Star Award and SHSMD Connections conference scholarship.

Commitment: Monthly or bimonthly calls between February and July, plus a final debrief call. Independent, detailed review of applications, reports, résumés, letters of recommendation, scoring criteria, and other materials between calls.

This volunteer opportunity is recommended for:

• Individuals with prior committee experience.
• Members with a commitment to confidentiality.
• Former SHSMD Rising Stars recipients.

Virtual Member Meet-Up Facilitator

A Virtual Member Meet-Up Facilitator is a knowledgeable and engaging SHSMD member, who is responsible for guiding online discussions and fostering peer-to-peer connection among participants within a specific member segment (e.g., Marketing and Digital Engagement, Communications and Public Relations, Strategic Planning and Business Development, Innovation and Cross-Disciplinary Solutions, Career and Leadership Development).

Key volunteer responsibilities include:

• Leading discussions. When a submitted topic lacks a lead expert, the facilitator will step in to guide the conversation based on their expertise.
• Managing small group breakout sessions to encourage deeper discussion and active participation.
• Promoting an inclusive and interactive atmosphere, enabling members to share ideas, discuss challenges, and discover practical strategies relevant to the health care field.

Other volunteer opportunities may be announced throughout the year. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: Volunteers sign a confidentiality agreement and may be asked to sign an intellectual property ownership agreement. SHSMD does not pay travel expenses for volunteer participation.