Here are a few ways that members can maximize the impact they have within their committees.

May 01, 2026

ASTM International’s 146 technical committees are powered by the expertise of their volunteer members. Below are a few ways that members can maximize the impact they have within their committees.

Participate in Committee Meetings

By attending committee meetings, members get to network with their colleagues and better understand the standards-development process. They can vote on ballot items and share their perspective on drafts, while also learning from the perspectives of their industry peers. This give and take of knowledge is crucial to creating robust standards. 

Propose New Standards or Revisions

Members can engage in the process of proposing new standards or revisions by working with subcommittee chairs or staff managers. Whether a new test method, a new safety practice, or a guide for new technology, standards can have a major impact in an industry, and members start the process by proposing new ideas. 

Write Content for the Standards

By volunteering to author a standard, members have a tangible impact on the language and focus of the standard. But this also allows members to bring in other experts and facilitate dialogue between stakeholders, who then provide their input on the standard.

Promote and Recruit

Members can promote the important work of their committee in their professional networks, as well as on their social media accounts. This helps extend the impact of the standards published by the committee, and it may also attract new members. Recruiting new members to the standards-development process brings new perspective and expertise, which strengthens the standards that are produced and increases their impact and orbit. 

Stay Up to Date

By keeping abreast of new technological advancements or other changes in their industry, members can be better positioned to recommend new standards or revisions to current standards. This may include identifying relevant research that can help inform future standards, networking at professional conferences, or speaking with other members. ●

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