Special interest groups are organized around interests allowing members from anywhere to participate. This is different from chapters that have a geographical focus.
The SIA encourages national SIA members to join our special interest groups (SIGs). You must be a member of the national organization in order to join a SIG. You can join any number of SIGs. SIGs may charge dues for full participation in their activities. SIGs can allow non-members to participate in some of their activities.
SIGs are different from Chapters, a long-standing program of the SIA, in several ways:
- SIG are activities of the national organization and are not a separate organization.
- Joining a SIG means that you must also be a member of the national organization.
- SIG membership is managed by the SIA’s membership management system.
- SIG funds are managed by the SIA’s Treasurer.
- The SIA’s Zoom license is available for hosting online meetings.
LIST OF CURRENTLY ACTIVE SIGs:
- Iron and Steel Heritage Forum – https://www.sia-web.org/iron-and-steel-heritage-forum/
HOW TO START A SIG:
One way to get momentum started is to organize online talks on your topic of interest. This does not require a large commitment of time or energy. Talks can be promoted through the SIA’s general email list that goes to most of our members. If you’re not on the list yet, go to https://www.sia-web.org/membership/listserv/ and sign up.
This idea was used by the Iron and Steel Heritage Forum which launched its monthly talks in July 2024, a year before they became an official SIG. After a few months of talks, the audience that has found the talks you’re organized could become the core of a new special interest group.
Our bylaws describe how SIGs are created and operated in Section 10.03:
https://www.sia-web.org/about/bylaws/
Tony Meadow, the chair of the Workgroup for Partners, Alliances and SIGs, is ready to assist if you’d like to think about starting a SIG. You can contact him at tmeadow@ferrumwest.com.