A few of the reps at the 2023 SAQA Conference in Toronto
Regional representatives are the backbone of the organization, working to bring SAQA information and opportunities to their areas with regional exhibits, meetings, activities, and regional communication.
The regional representatives are critical to SAQA’s success. Regional representatives should be friendly, organized, and welcoming to all members, especially to new ones; they are asked to serve for a minimum of two years. As a regional representative, your job is to be a facilitator in your region. You cannot do all this alone, so encourage members to volunteer their talents and consider serving with a Co-representative.
Serving as a regional rep is one of the most rewarding ways to get involved. It’s a chance to build leadership skills, expand your network, and tap into SAQA’s rich resources — all while staying rooted in your creative practice. Every regional event depends on volunteers, and reps play a key role in making those experiences meaningful. You’ll never be asked to take on more than you can handle, and you’ll have steady support from the Rep Coordinator and Resource Team throughout your term.
Why not step into the role of rep and enrich your artistic life at the same time?
Your core responsibilities are simple and manageable:
- Hosting monthly Zoom meetings
- Sending monthly newsletters
- Welcoming new members and encouraging renewals
- Engaging in outreach
Everything beyond that is optional. Co-reps can share tasks, and ask members to pitch in with events, newsletters, or welcoming newcomers. When more people get involved, the whole region becomes stronger and more vibrant. And here’s the truth: a wider network brings opportunities you don’t want to miss. Volunteering opens doors, builds lasting relationships, and supports the organization that supports your art.
Benefits
There are many benefits to being a regional representative, both concrete and intangible
- The opportunity to work with representatives from all regions and share information with them
- Access to many SAQA resources, such as regular rep conference calls, the SAQA Regional Rep Facebook Group, and rep-only events at SAQA conferences
- Discount for SAQA-only conferences
- The opportunity to influence local discussions on art and craft, professionalism, and industry issues
Are you interested in being a Regional Rep for SAQA? Please complete the application form below to get started.
Here’s what a couple of retired reps have said about their experience as regional reps:
Susie Goodman, Indiana region:
SAQA has opened up a whole new avenue for me in my artist’s journey. In my previous career in education, I benefited from networking and learning from and participating in professionally related organizations. The relationships that result from working toward common goals benefit all involved.
The more I learn about SAQA and the more I participate in everything has led me to want to continue working and learning from the diverse personalities and talented artists and to share this knowledge with others. I believe SAQA will continue to help me grow as an artist and I am enthusiastic to share what SAQA can do for others.
Valerie Bledsloe, Washington region:
SAQA thrives because of its volunteers—members like you who give their time and talents to nurture our community. The Regional Representative role is an opportunity to connect with artists, shape programming, and support the mission of SAQA. It is both meaningful and deeply fulfilling, and I encourage anyone who feels called to step forward to take on this role.
Your voice and perspective could bring new energy and vision to our region. Volunteering is the lifeblood of SAQA. Every event we organize, every exhibit we curate, and every connection we make happens because someone steps up to lend a hand.
Thank you again for the privilege of serving in this role. I will cherish the memories, friendships, and inspiration I’ve gained from this incredible community.