Group Structure
The Association's members pursue a variety of professional objectives through voluntary interest groups. Each interest group is responsible for selecting an appropriate designation for itself and for developing its own agenda. An interest group is not required to submit regular reports to the Board of Directors. However, an interest group must secure prior approval from the Board of Directors in order to represent the Association to external groups or persons.

An interest group may be initiated in either of two ways. (a) The First Vice President may designate a member as Coordinator of an interest group and ask her or him to convene a group. (b) Ten or more members may elect a Coordinator and apply to the First Vice President for recognition. Once a group has been formed it is responsible for electing its own Coordinator.

An interest group will retain official recognition so long as (a) the group meets during the annual convention; (b) at least 10 members (identified by name) indicate that they wish to be affiliated with the group. Within 30 days after the conclusion of the annual convention the Coordinator must certify that the group has met the requirements for continued recognition--a written report should be made to the First Vice President and to the Executive Director.

Tenure
Coordinators. A Coordinator will typically serve a one year term of office, ending at the conclusion of the annual convention. A Coordinator may be reelected.

Membership. The number of members in an interest group is neither specified nor limited (beyond the requirement that the group contain at least 10 members). The length of a person's active participation in an interest group is not limited.

Calendar
Interest groups operate from the end of one annual convention to the next.

Meeting at Annual Convention
Interest groups meet during the annual convention and are encouraged to sponsor one or more special sessions to attract persons of similar interest.