Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are the lifeblood of MORS. Our volunteers guide every aspect of the Society’s mission, from governance and professional development to meetings, publications, and community engagement. MORS volunteers serve on the 28-member Board of Directors, participate in the Society’s Board Committees, and lead all Special Meetings, Symposium Working Groups, and Communities of Practice.

Volunteer roles are open to members from across the national security and operations research community, including active-duty military, government civilians, and private-sector professionals. Opportunities span a wide range of responsibilities and time commitments, allowing members to contribute in ways that align with their interests, experience, and availability.

The leadership paths described below are illustrative rather than prescriptive. Many volunteers follow different routes as they develop leadership skills, expand professional networks, and contribute to the Society in meaningful ways. Members interested in volunteering or learning more are encouraged to contact Ms. Katherine Miller at kmiller@mors.org.

Opportunities

Symposium Working Groups

Working Groups are the foundational building blocks of the Society and form the backbone of the annual MORS Symposium. Each Working Group is led by an Advisor, a Chair, and a small number of Co-Chairs.

Many volunteers begin as Co-Chairs, supporting the review of abstracts and acceptance recommendations, contributing to the Working Group’s annual mission statement, and moderating Symposium presentations. Training for Symposium roles begins in the fall preceding each year’s event. After gaining experience, a Co-Chair may assume Chair responsibilities after one or two years.

Communities of Practice

Communities of Practice (CoPs) extend discussions beyond the annual Symposium and Special Meetings through monthly virtual sessions. These communities provide a forum to share best practices, present completed research or analysis, and explore emerging tools, techniques, and methodologies. Sessions typically feature a guest speaker.

Volunteers may initially serve as Deputy Chairs, assisting with presenter scheduling and coordinating speaker requirements. With experience, volunteers may move into CoP Chair roles.

Junior Analyst Program

Participants in the Junior Analyst Program are assigned as non-voting members to one or two of the Society’s Board Committees. This role provides exposure to MORS governance, operational planning, and initiatives designed to evolve the Society’s services. Committee assignments are made each June based on individual interest and availability.

Special Meeting Track Chairs

Special Meetings typically include multiple presentation tracks focused on common analytic themes or product development areas. Track Chairs coordinate the activities of each track, moderate presentations, and manage related responsibilities. After serving as a Track Chair, volunteers may pursue roles of increased responsibility, such as Deputy Meeting Chair.

Volunteers who have served in Working Groups, Communities of Practice, or Special Meeting roles may also seek to serve as Chairs for meetings or assist one of the Society’s many coordinators supporting MORS programs and initiatives.

Board of Directors

The MORS Board of Directors consists of elected members who serve four-year terms. Directors are nominated by current Board members and are drawn from the Society’s active volunteer community. Directors shape and prioritize Society activities, oversee governance, and help guide MORS’ strategic direction.

While serving on the Board, Directors are eligible to run for positions on the Executive Council, including President, Vice President for Finance and Management, Vice President for Professional Development, Vice President for Meeting Operations, and Secretary of the Society.