AIS Community Proposal Instructions

We are excited that you are considering starting a new chapter, college, or SIG! AIS Communities are a great way for you to connect with local members, share research with like-minded colleagues, gain leadership experience in AIS, and get the most out of your membership in AIS. Below is the necessary information and forms to start a chapter, college, or SIG. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the AIS Membership Director.

Establishing an AIS Chapter, College, or SIG allows you to lead a global network of scholars and practitioners. To ensure every new community is sustainable and provides value, the proposal process follows a structured path from initial planning to official Council approval.

Milestone 1: Preparation & Information Gathering

Before starting the Online Application, gather these essential details.

1. The Founding Team

  • Officers: Names and institution information for at least 10 active AIS members who will serve as the founders.
  • Leadership: A current CV of the member submitting the proposal.

2. Strategy & Identity

  • Background Statement: Define your target audience (Location for Chapters, Professional Interest or Role for Colleges, or Content Area for SIGs).
  • Positioning Statement: Describe how this group relates to existing AIS groups or similar organizations. How will you manage potential overlap and provide a unique value?

3. Governance & Operations

  • Bylaws: Download and adapt the Standard AIS Bylaws Template. While you can add specific sections, the core structure must remain intact to ensure consistency across the association.
  • Proposed Benefits & Services: Detail what members will receive (e.g., newsletters, webinars, awards, or networking events).
  • Financial Planning:
    • Member Dues: Outline the proposed membership cost for your community.
    • Resource Requirements: Identify any anticipated costs or resources needed to launch and maintain the group.

Milestone 2: The submission path

The journey from a proposal to a live community follows a three-step roadmap:

  1. Draft Submission: Submit your draft by the early deadline (see table below). AIS staff will review to verify membership statuses and confirm the application is complete.
  2. VP Review: Once verified, the relevant Vice President (SIGs/Colleges or Chapters) reviews the proposal for strategic alignment and may request minor modifications.
  3. Council Presentation: Finalized proposals are included in the agenda for consideration at the quarterly AIS Council Meeting.

Deadlines for Council Consideration

To ensure your proposal is reviewed at the desired meeting, please adhere to the following schedule:

AIS Council Meeting
Draft Submission Deadline
Final Submission Deadline
March
December 15
February 1
June
March 15
May 1
September
June 15
August 1
December
September 15
November 1

Milestone 3: Launching your community

Once approved by Council, you will be notified and granted access to your AIS Community Site. This platform provides the tools you need to grow your community:

  • Connect: Email your members and manage a real-time roster.
  • Collaborate: Host a dedicated website, forums, and research blogs.
  • Organize: Post calendars, papers, and community resources.

Questions? Please contact the AIS Membership Director for guidance at any stage of the process.