Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology

PREAMBLE: 

In July 2004, the Executive Board of the American Anthropological Association appointed a Practicing Advisory Work Group (PAWG) to advise the Executive Board on how the Association might better serve the needs of anthropologists working outside the academy and organizations that employ them. PAWG submitted its findings and recommendations to the Executive Board in November 2006, an proposed that the Executive Board establish a standing committee to address the relationship of the AAA and the discipline to practicing and applied anthropologists, and other anthropologists working in the public interest – on a continuing basis. The Committee on Practicing, Applied and Public Interest Anthropology (CoPAPIA) was launched as a standing committee within the AAA in January 2008. The committee will take an integrative approach across the AAA sections and the subdisciplines of anthropology.

PURPOSE FOR ESTABLISHING THE COMMITTEE:  To explore and engage the range of issues emerging as a result of the increasing numbers of anthropologists in and outside the academy doing practicing, applied, and public interest work, and to help monitor the implementation of PAWG recommendations over time.

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP:

• Six members and a chair
• Three year terms
• Chair elected from within the Committee
• Committee members appointed by the AAA President with a view toward broad representation from AAA sections
• AAA President and President-elect serve as ex-officio members

DURATION OF COMMITTEE: Permanent Committee

COMMITTEE REPORTS TO:  The Executive Board

RESPONSIBILITIES:  In concert with the AAA Executive Board, Sections, and AAA Staff, will help:

• Foster the reciprocal relationship between anthropological theory and practice
• Establish liaisons with appropriate Sections to help serve the interests of practicing, applied, and public interest anthropology. Broadly disseminate information about practicing, applied and public interest anthropology at AAA meetings, in AAA publications, on the AAA website, in Section newsletters, and other media
• Develop recommendations for training and professional development
• Collaborate with a range of AAA sections to encourage and develop sessions to increase the participation of practitioners, practicing and public interest anthropologists in AAA meetings
• Advise staff and Board in the development of specific benefits that will attract greater numbers of practicing, applied and public interest anthropologists to join the Association.

Committee Members

Staff Liaison and Contact Information:

Kathleen Terry-Sharp, Director, Practicing and Applied Programs, American Anthropological Association, 2200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22201, (o) 703.528.1902, (f) 703.528.3546, ksharp@aaanet.org