How to be an Active SHSA Member

All members of SHSA are very welcome, even if you do not have time to be highly active. However, everyone is encouraged to consider taking a role in SHSA activities. Here are things you can do (see the rest of the website for more details).

  1. Pay your dues by the expiration date on your mailing label each year or become a Life Member. Membership forms are available in the Kilt & Harp and on the website. Updated membership forms and dues should be sent to the Membership Chair or the Treasurer.
  2. Become a member by 08/31 of the election year if you wish to vote or run for office.
  3. Submit nominations for Board Member and President-Elect candidates by 09/30 of odd-numbered years. You may nominate yourself. Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Election Committee.
  4. If you are running for office, file a biography or candidacy statement, and a statement of "Intent to Serve" with the Election Committee in time for your name to be placed on the November 15 ballot. The Election Committee will post the date in the Election Handbook.
  5. Vote for Board members and a President-Elect by 12/15 of odd-numbered years.
  6. Submit nominations for Officer candidates by 09/30 of even-numbered years. You may nominate yourself. Nominations should be sent to the Chair of the Election Committee.
  7. Vote for Officers by 12/15 of even-numbered years.
  8. Encourage others with an interest in Scottish harp to become members of SHSA.
  9. Participate in SHSA-sponsored harp competitions: compete, encourage your students to compete, becoming a certified judge, judge, and/or organize events. Competition kits may be obtained from the Chair of the Competition Committee.
  10. Help your local Celtic and Scottish associations establish an SHSA-sponsored competition. For example, volunteer to serve on local organizing committees. SHSA will be setting up a panel of experienced competition organizers to serve as a resource for others.
  11. Contribute to the Scholarship Fund.
  12. Alert the Journal and Publicity Committees about items of interest in your region.
  13. Volunteer to write articles or submit music for publication in the Kilt & Harp magazine. See back issues for examples; contact the Chair of the Journal Committee to discuss your ideas.
  14. Hold or play in Scottish harp circles in your area. SHSA will set up a resource panel and guidelines for ideas on how to form a Harp Circle.
  15. Share musical resources with the SHSA membership: send corrections and additions of the Resources lists on the SHSA website to the Chair of the Competition Committee.
  16. If you are interested in serving on an SHSA committee, contact the SHSA President or the Chair of the committee of interest.
  17. Submit items of business to any member of the Executive Committee. Items for consideration at the annual meeting must be received 30 days prior to the meeting.