FAQs for thought leadership and volunteer roles

Each position has different requirements and expectations. To learn more about the details of each IAPP volunteer opportunity, visit our volunteer page.

Working with volunteers helps the IAPP to learn perspectives and receive guidance from professionals across the globe. We pride ourselves in offering a variety of volunteer roles, which are suitable for a range of experience levels. Please look over the roles and expectations of each position to learn more. If you’re not sure which position may be a good fit for you, contact us at engage@iapp.org. Please include your interests, your availability and any questions you may have on a particular role. We would be happy to work together to find the perfect role for you.

Yes, all volunteers need to be IAPP members. All members are encouraged to volunteer. However, the length of membership might be taken into consideration for certain positions. Learn more about member benefits and join the IAPP today.

Length of involvement in the field might affect selection of candidates for certain positions. You are still encouraged to apply. All members are encouraged and invited to apply for any role they are interested in. Please note that length of involvement in the field may affect selection for certain positions, while others are perfectly suited for those new to the profession. Check the requirements and expectations of each opportunity on the volunteer page to learn more.

The length of commitment varies depending on the role. Review the roles and expectations on the volunteer page of the position you are interested in.

Complete an online submission form on the Call for Volunteers page during the submission period, which happens every September.

Yes, if you want to try out a one-time volunteer position to get some experience we have those too! See all volunteer opportunities on the volunteer page.

IAPP conferences offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities. If you are looking to get involved with networking, contact us at engage@iapp.org. If you would like to speak at a conference, or learn which conferences are currently accepting proposals.

You can learn more about IAPP publications and submission guidelines here. Have story ideas or want to write for us? Contact us at publications@iapp.org.

The annual Call for Volunteers opens every September. IAPP members are encouraged to apply for leadership positions including Advisory Board member, KnowledgeNet Chapter Chair and Young Privacy Professional.

Complete an online submission form on the Call for Volunteers page during the submission period.

No, please apply for your top choice. If you are not selected for your top choice, we may contact you to offer options for a different position based on your qualifications.

The length of commitment varies depending on the role. Review the roles and expectations on the volunteer page of the position you are interested in.

All candidates for leadership positions are rigorously reviewed and carefully selected. Following the Call for Volunteers, all applicants for leadership positions will be notified of their status before the end of the year.

Yes, all volunteers need to be IAPP members. All members are encouraged to apply. However, the length of membership might be taken into consideration for certain positions. Learn more about member benefits and join today.

Length of involvement in the field might affect selection of candidates for certain positions. You are still encouraged to apply.

The IAPP has a firm timeline for accepting and reviewing applications for leadership positions in order to give our volunteers the best onboarding experience. We encourage you to submit your application during the next open submission period that takes place every September.

No, members need to log in to their MyIAPP account to complete their own application.

Please check your spam folder for your confirmation email. Your application likely went through, but if you are unsure, please email engage@iapp.org before attempting to submit your application again.

We recommend reviewing the roles and expectations information for each of our open boards to see which scopes of work best match your abilities, background and interests.

No, if you have working knowledge of a region for which you can contribute, although you may not live there, you would certainly be considered for that board.

No, however, there may be an onsite luncheon or advisory board meeting taking place at a conference that would be advantageous for you to attend. We love to connect with our advisory board members at our conferences.

Yes — published articles are not a requirement. Please refer to the roles and expectations documents on the Publications Advisory Board page for more information.

No. Privacy trainers cannot serve on certification boards.

No. If you have recently served on an Exam Development Board, there is a two year waiting period before serving on a Training Board.

Chapter chairs work with their local KnowledgeNet chapter co-chairs to plan quarterly educational and networking activities for members. Chapter chairs serve a two-year term. Learn about roles and expectations for KnowledgeNet chapter chairs.

If your term continues into next year, you do not need to re-apply. Chairs serve a two-year term so if your term is ending this year you will need to re-apply. Please note that we try to bring in new volunteers each year to open opportunities for others and to bring a fresh perspective to the local chapter. If you’re not sure when your term ends please email knowledgenet@iapp.org.

Young privacy professionals work with their local KnowledgeNet Chapter co-chairs to plan networking activities. Applications for young privacy professionals open each fall as part of the IAPP's annual Call for Volunteers. Learn more about the the role and expectations for young privacy professionals.

Young Privacy Professionals are industry professionals with less than 10 years of work experience.