Call for Council & Committee Members
Serving on an SBM council or committee is one of the most meaningful ways to shape the Society’s work, strengthen our community, and advance behavioral medicine. Beginning in February, there will be a variety of council and committee openings available, allowing members to match with a volunteer group that best aligns with their passions and talents. Most council and committee terms are three-years, with the possibility of renewing for an additional three years. We invite all members in good standing to apply to serve on a council and committee that supports our strategic priorities and creates a lasting impact.
Eligibility, Application, and Selection Process
Eligibility and Expectations
- All SBM members in good standing are encouraged to apply.
- For council roles, prior volunteer experience with SBM is recommended.
- Volunteers must maintain active SBM membership for the duration of their term.
- Members must have the ability to make the necessary time commitment and to attend and actively participate in conference calls.
- Additional prerequisites for each council and committee can be found in the Volunteer Impact Hub.
Committee Volunteer Term & Service Limits
- Members may serve on a council or committee for a maximum of two consecutive 3-year terms (up to 6 years).
- After completing two terms, a three‑year break is required before serving again on the same body.
- Members may serve on a maximum of two councils and/or committees at the same time.
Application Process
Our annual call for council and committee members opens February 2 and closes on March 6. Prior to applying, please:
- Review the council and committee positions on the Volunteer Impact Hub. Click on the council or committee name to view details on responsibilities, qualifications and expectations.
- Ensure your membership dues are paid in full for 2026.
To apply for a council or committee, please submit an interest form through the Volunteer Impact Hub:
- Click on the council or committee position you are most interested in.
- In the charter pop-up box, click on the "start your volunteer journey today" button to take you to the interest form.
- You may apply for up to three positions at a time, but please note the service limits above.
Council & Committee Member Selection
- Council and committee chairs will review all applications and submit their appointments to the Executive Committee for final approval.
- Applicants will be notified in May when the new term starts.
- Following the notification, the council or committee chair will connect with the new member and receive orientation materials.
- The first council or committee call will be utilized in part for the newly appointed member(s) to familiarize themselves with the group and fellow members.
Open Positions
All open positions are listed as featured opportunities on the Volunteer Impact Hub website. SBM is currently accepting applications for the following council and committee positions:
Guide the Organization: Committees (2026-2027)
- Leadership Identification and Inclusion Committee (mid and late-career members needed)
Apply for Guide the Organization Openings
Shape the Science: Committees (2026-2027)
- Annual Meeting Planning Committee (all career levels needed, especially members from the Atlanta Metro Area)
Apply for Shape the Science Openings
Advocate: Councils (2026-2029)
- Advocacy Council (students and late-career members needed)
Train & Mentor: Councils & Committees (2026-2029)
- Professional Advancement Council (all career levels needed)
- Diversity Institute for Emerging Leaders Committee (mid and late-career members needed)
- Early Career Researcher Mentoring Program Committee (late-career members needed)
- Leadership Institute Committee (mid and late-career members needed)
Apply for Train & Mentor Openings
Build Community: Councils & Committees (2026-2029)
- Membership Council (all career levels needed)
- Industry Connections Committee (all career levels needed)
Apply for Build Community Openings
Communicate Science: Committees (2026-2029)
- Public Education Committee (students and late-career members needed)
Apply for Communicate Science Openings
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step in your SBM leadership journey. Your voice, experience, and perspective matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our annual call for new council and committee members opens in early February and closes in early March. SBM members in good standing are invited to submit a volunteer interest form for any of the councils or committees listed on Volunteer Impact Hub at that time. Once applications close, council and committee chairs will review all applications and submit their appointments to the Executive Committee for final approval. Applicants will be notified in May when the new term starts.
Applicants must be an SBM member in good standing and if selected to serve on a council or committee, the member must remain in good standing for the duration of their term. Each volunteer role may have prerequisites for serving or a preferred career level. This information is included on the Volunteer Impact Hub and can be accessed by clicking on individual volunteer opportunities listed.
Councils are tools of the Board of Directors to get the work of the Society done. They are overarching bodies that guide activities in a core area of the Society (policy, membership, scientific education, fundraising, leadership development, publications), and can be given specific charges by the Board.
A committee is a body nested under a council and is another tool of the Board to accomplish a specific recurring task such as industry connections, organizational partnerships, or leadership training that is carried out to meet SBM’s strategic goals and respond to members’ changing needs.
Past volunteer service is recommended for council roles, but committee roles are often a great entry point for members newer to SBM leadership.
Yes, members may apply for multiple councils or committees but can serve on no more than two at a time.
Absolutely. We encourage members to apply in future cycles and explore other volunteer opportunities with SBM throughout the year.