Join a committee

The Executive Co-Chairs provide guidance and support to the entire organization. They act as liaisons with committee co-chairs, clarify and refine decisions for approval by the Board of Directors, iead Board meetings, hold quarterly co-chair committee meetings, provide support as ex-officio members of all committees, develop fundraising strategies, network with other organizations and consult with advisors.

The Secretary keeps minutes of the Annual Membership and Board of Directors meetings. directs notices to Board members. produces ballots. performs other duties of the office, and provides assistance to the Board of Directors as needed.

As chief financial officer, the Treasurer supervises all of lEATA’s funds and financial activities. The Treasurer oversees and/or designates maintenance of financial records, prepares and files income tax returns, and manages the budget. Working with the board-appointed Finance Committee, the Treasurer develops the budget, collects and refunds committee receipts, and pays operational expenses.

The Governance Committee maintains the structure and communication flow of the organization, suggests revisions to governing documents with the support and guidance of committee members, protects the legal integrity of the association, acts as a neutral mediator of member concerns, hopes, conflicts and alleged violations of the code of ethics, keeps the by-laws alive, oversees the nomination process and creates a feedback process regarding the functioning of the organization.

The Membership and Administrative Committee oversees and handles administrative tasks, including collecting and maintaining membership data and mailing lists, processing new and renewal memberships, and responding to communications regarding membership. The committee is also responsible for membership drives to attract new members.

The Conference Committee coordinates and organizes all aspects of the IEATA® international conferences, and works closely with the Executive Co-Chairs and Board to offer conferences that support IEATA’s goals of building community, promoting professional excellence and expanding awareness of the use of the expressive arts.

The Educational Resources Committee acquires information about training programs throughout the world and makes available current, accurate information without endorsing any specific schools, programs or organizations. They welcome community support and input about programs and schools. If you want to suggest a program or join this committee, please contact the co-chairs.

The Regional Committee supports and helps sustain connections, collaboration and professional development of IEATA® members through its regional groups. We encourage regional members to find ways to strengthen the expressive arts field both in their personal lives and in the world.

The Student and New Professional Committee advocates for the concerns and perspectives of lEATA’s student, intern members and young professionals, encourages participation and collaboration in creating an inclusive and supportive student and young professional community, facilitates a communication network for the expressive arts among students and young professionals from varying backgrounds and ensures student and young professional representation during the decision-making process.

The Artist Committee supports the work of practicing artists by encouraging ongoing connections of artists, expressive arts therapists and facilitators. IEATA® values the contribution of practicing expressive artists who engage in all aspects of expressive arts practices, from inner process to performance.

The Professional Standards – Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT®) Committee is both a support network and registration body for those using the expressive arts in therapy, with the purpose of encouraging the highest standards of professionalism. As a governing body, the committee oversees the screening and application process for qualified candidates as Registered Expressive Arts Therapists (REAT®) through a formal application process and Code of Ethics. Committee members identify criteria for registration procedures, register expressive arts therapists, oversee registration renewals, maintain the Code of Ethics and refer ethics issues to the governance committee. Registrations are renewed every year with the IEATA membership.

The Professional Standards – Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educator (REACE®) Committee identifies and encourages the development of the field of expressive arts consultation and education, co-creating a relevant philosophical understanding of this work and supporting guiding principles that further its development. As a governing body, this committee also oversees the screening and application process for candidates seeking registration as Registered Expressive Arts Consultant/Educators (REACE®). Registrations are renewed every two years. The committee maintains professional Ethical Guidelines and refers ethical issues to the governance committee.

The Public Relations Committee encourages lEATA’s growth and development by handling media and public relations, and supporting membership recruitment and retention efforts. The committee also is responsible for maintaining contacts with other creative arts organizations and developing relationships with other professional organizations and academic institutions.

The Social Action Committee promotes the use of the Expressive Arts to progress social justice and address inequities in the use and availability of mental health interventions and practices to global communities for emotional health and wellness. The committee leverages the IEATA Board and the power of the IEATA membership and provides opportunities to its members to work in their communities to use and promote the expressive arts for social justice and equity.