By Tracy Lucht, AJHA President
Grades are posted. Graduates have walked. Gowns have been hung. That can only mean one thing: It’s time to gear up for AJHA’s annual conference. I am eager to see the papers, panel proposals, and research in progress everyone submits by June 1. Don’t forget about grants and awards. The local committee is on their game, and Dave Davies is doing vocal warmups.
Last year’s auction, led by Jon Marshall, was a smashing success and raised a record $2,758 for the Mike Sweeney Travel Stipend. This year, Jon and committee have set a fundraising goal of $3,000. Can we do it? I think we can.
The first step is to donate items or packages. Use this form, which will ask you to describe your item, upload a photo, and suggest a starting bid. You may use your name or remain anonymous. Help us promote the item by telling us what is special about it or why people should bid.
As you start thinking about what to donate, consider packaging smaller items together around a common theme. The hope is the sum will be greater than the parts. The idea is not to spring-clean our shelves or closets but to think about what will excite bidders. I haven’t finalized my package yet, but I have a theme in mind. For larger items, consider how you will get the item to Pittsburgh and how a winning bidder will get it home. AJHA does not ship items (although you could offer to do so as part of your donation). Larger items should be distinctive enough to stand alone.
Over the summer, the auction committee will upload items to Give Butter, the same app we used last year. You’ll be hearing about auction items in the weeks before the conference. The final step is to download the app, if it’s not already on your phone, and bid away. Like last year, a couple of the items will be live-auctioned, but all other bidding will happen on the app.
Bid early, bid often, have fun.
When I am asked about this organization, one thing I always mention is our mentoring and support of emerging scholars. Most of us can personally attest to the value this group has added to our careers. The convention is where the magic happens, and we certainly don’t want graduate students to miss out. Let’s hit that $3,000 goal and show our support.
On other matters:
I want to thank the board and committee chairs who have worked hard this year to move forward with some important messages and initiatives. AJHA issued a statement opposing state legislation that censors the teaching and learning of history. Many of us work at public institutions in states where DEI programs, scholarship, and concepts are under attack. Please know AJHA sees, supports, and values you.
In addition, we hosted a webinar for graduate students on turning a class project or thesis into a conference paper submission, and the public relations committee launched a new social media strategy to increase our visibility. Thanks to all who made these things happen—and to all of you who make this organization so vibrant.
