Special Interest Groups (SIGs)— AIHA Policy

Approved March 13, 1997, Revised October 29, 2000

1. AIHA creates and supports special interest groups (SIGs) to benefit the association, its members and the profession.

2. Any member, group of members or committee may petition the president to form a special interest group.  Such petitions shall be in writing through the executive director.

3. The president is empowered to form a SIG on a provisional basis.  Approval of the SIG name, organization and its rules of operation shall be obtained from the board of directors within one year of formation.

4. The Board of Directors is empowered to dissolve a SIG, without cause, by a simple majority vote.

5. At least thirty members must join the SIG at its inception.

6. For the purposes of formation, board coordination, governance, finances and removal, a SIG is considered a special administrative entity within AIHA.

7. Each SIG shall develop an annual business plan and budget for approval by the AIHA Finance Committee and board of directors.

8. SIGs shall conform to, and assist in the implementation of AIHA bylaws, policies and strategic plans.

9. Only members of the national AIHA organization may be members of an AIHA SIG.

10. Each SIG shall have officers, unlimited membership and no time limits on membership.

11. Each independent SIG shall have a board coordinator.

12. The executive director shall support and implement these policies and provide a brief report for annual review by the board.

13. Each SIG shall hold a membership meeting at least once a year, preferably at AIHCE.

14. Each SIG shall provide regular information to their members.

15. No SIG shall be formed which has the same focus as an existing technical committee unless the technical committee is incorporated into the SIG.