Getting Involved

Nominate AI Researchers for the Distinguished Speakers Program

Help disseminate AI research by nominating speakers to the ACM Distinguished Speakers Program. Distinguished speakers are invited by ACM Local Chapters to give presentations, with all expenses paid for by ACM. Non US speakers are particularly encouraged. Nominating is simple, go to the Web page, and enter the information.

Organize a Workshop to Increase Diversity

Consider organizing a workshop to increase diversity in your area. There are large segments of the population underrepresented in computer science. SIGAI would like to see activities initiated by members to increase diversity and it is willing to provide some funding. For instance, you could propose at one of the conferences relevant to your community a workshop aimed at increasing participation of women and minorities in your particular area. See for example the CRA-W/CDC Computer Architecture Summer School.

Start a Local ACM/SIGAI Chapter

Consider organizing a local chapter with activities revolving AI, including seminar series and other events. Chapter participation provides a unique combination of social interaction and professional dialogue among peers, in their own geographic area. Chapter members' backgrounds represent all facets of computing, from academia, research, business and industry; it will invariably focus on the kind of information and insight that cannot easily be gathered in any other way. Follow the steps to start a SIGAI chapter.

E-mentoring Opportunity - Just 20 Minutes Per Week

The MentorNet One-on-One Mentoring Programs are a chance to make a big difference in the life of a student in as little as 20 minutes a week.

ACM is now partnering with MentorNet, an organization that promotes e-mentoring relationships between students (proteges) and professionals (mentors). Mentors and students communicate entirely by email, wherever and whenever they choose. The programs have proven effective by providing "real world" information, encouragement, advice, and access to networks for students, and particularly for those underrepresented in engineering and science fields.

MentorNet seeks science and engineering professionals to mentor engineering and science community college, undergraduate, and graduate students, who are interested in pursuing a professional future in the fields of engineering and science.

Since 1998, MentorNet has matched more than 20,000 pairs of proteges and mentors. Over 90% of participants would recommend MentorNet's e-mentoring programs to a friend or colleague. Here is what one ACM mentor says about the program: "I have been a mentor with MentorNet for almost five years now. I have had a variety of mentees from graduate students who are struggling to decide if the PhD is the right thing for them to faculty members wanting to determine if moving up into administrative positions is the right thing for their career. Each of these mentees has brought a fresh set of questions and backgrounds that are unique to them. Each has had different issues that need to be dealt with and challenges that they face. Each of these mentees has challenged me to think about my career path and what things were important for me along the way. I enjoy immensely the feeling that I am providing a sounding board for young professionals as they advance their careers. It is very rewarding to have these mentees come back and say that you have helped them to learn about themselves and their career interests. It is a relatively small time investment for a huge personal reward."

This program is organized by Donna Reese, James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University.

To learn more, go to: MentorNet.