Committees
IRA members volunteer to serve on committees that provide direction and guidance to the Board of Directors and staff. Committee input is critical in the development and maintenance of our professional programs and services. Members of standing committees, ad hoc committees, and commissions are IRA members and are appointed by the President-elect with the approval of the Board.
IRA’s Board of Directors asks ad hoc committees to respond to pressing issues in the field. These committees prepare reports and white papers, publications, and meeting sessions on topics of particular interest, or advise on administrative issues.
Bylaws and Resolutions: This committee will periodically assess the adequacy of the bylaws of the Association, and will initiate resolutions. It will also serve as the clearinghouse for resolutions initiated by state/provincial councils, national affiliates, and/or local councils.
Citations and Awards: IRA offers numerous citations, awards, and grants that recognize outstanding contributions to literacy education and support educators in their work.
Council & Affiliate Services: This committee is charged with the organization of new councils, securing new members, and making recommendations to the Board.
Government Relations: This committee, working with IRA staff, shall monitor policies, legislation, and related issues in the areas of reading/literacy, and shall develop plans and activities for addressing such issues, and shall keep the general membership informed.
Intellectual Freedom: This committee shall monitor challenges to intellectual freedom, efforts in censorship, and work with other professional groups concerned with intellectual freedom.
International Development Coordinating Committee: These committees shall develop proposals to help the Association further the cause of world literacy, increase international awareness, promote cooperation among all members, and expand international membership in the Association.
Professional Standards and Ethics: This committee shall be responsible for defining, evaluating, and maintaining standards of professional competency in the field of reading. Breaches of the Code of Ethics shall be referred to the committee for an impartial investigation and recommendations shall be made to the Board as necessary.
Annual Convention Program: This committee shall make plans for the Annual Convention and other such meetings as may be authorized by the Board. The President shall be chairperson of the committee and the President-elect shall be co-chairperson.
World Congress Program: This committee shall make plans for the 24th World Congress on Reading.
Publications: This committee shall assist in developing and evaluating the Association's print and nonprint publishing program
Studies and Research Steering Committee: This committee shall be responsible for offering leadership in research activities and the dissemination of research findings in cooperation with other committees of the Association. This committee will also advise the Board on the use of the Elva Knight Research Fund.
Commissions may be authorized from time to time by the Board of Directors and have
specific charges and shall serve for a specified period of time.