Here is everything you need to know about starting a new IDSA Section.
Don’t worry, this process is simple. There’s just a few steps we need to follow. The value of IDSA exists because thousands of people like you have taken the lead by leveraging the resources of IDSA to share knowledge. IDSA Sections aim to create repositories of knowledge and pathways of connection for members of our community who share common interests or areas of work. Sections are not geo-graphically bound but often partner with IDSA’s Chapters to produce content and host events together.
Benefits of Serving
Bring the vision for your community to life.
Gain leadership experience and advance your career.
Give back to your community and profession.
Gain exposure for yourself and your company.
Recognition from your peers.
Basic Requirements
Sections are required to have a Chair. At least one Vice Chair is recommended. Multiple Vice Chairs are allow.
Section officers are appointed to the role (by the IDSA Board of Directors)
Only Professional and Young Professional members can serve as officers.
All new Sections must receive support from at least 20 voting members of IDSA during the community petition process. If successful, then establishing the new Section can be approved by the Board of Directors.
The makeup of each Section's Board is unique, but we've listed the most common positions and their responsibilities.
Section Chair (required)
- Serves as leader of the Section, establishing and implementing its overall strategy
- Responsible for overall execution of chapter events
- Maintains ultimate responsibility for Section activity
- Manages succession planning efforts, ensuring a pipeline of individuals ‘ready and able’ to lead the Section into the future
Vice Chair (recommended)
- Assists the Chair with all chapter functions
- Assumes the duties of the Chair in their absence
Other
- Other members of your leadership team may be responsible for tasks such as: event planning, content generation, or social media/promotions
Ready to propose a new Section? Here’s what’s next.
To support Section leaders in coordinating activities, we have developed this page of resources, guidelines, and infrastructure protocols. Section leaders are strongly encouraged to read through the information below to support their Section work.
Support Team
Stephan Clambaneva, IDSA
2022-2023 Sections Chair
IDSA has a dedicated team of fill-time employees who support all programming and operations of the organization. This group of talented individuals is committed to ensuring the success of our membership and volunteer leaders.
Executive Director
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Chief Financial Officer
HR Manager & Staff Accountant
Chief Operating Officer
Manager, Conferences & Events
Senior Director of Customer Information Systems
Manager, Membership Recruitment & Retention
Director, Conferences & Events
Senior Manager, Member & Community Recognition
Administrative Coordinator
Senior Manager, Member & Community Engagement
Visual Brand Designer
Section Funding
Sections can now access funding support from IDSA! At the beginning 2023, IDSA’s Board of Directors has set aside funds in the annual budget to support the initiatives of our Sections. The seed money ($X,XXX) available is shared between all Sections and for is meant to support events and activities. The Sections are funded by a portion of each IDSA professional member’s dues.
How can my Section make money? Yes, although its not a fixed requirement. The most common way Sections generate revenue is through registration / ticket sales for events through use of Eventbrite. Sections are advised to offer preferential pricing for events to IDSA members as a benefit.
All revenue generated by a Section is tracked in the general ledger in the same way that all expenses incurred by a Section are tracked. Inquiries about funding may be directed to Korie Twiggs. Section conducting events through Eventbrite or collecting payment through Square (or similar services) are asked to provide login details for their accounts to [email protected], and to include IDSA’s banking information to Eventbrite accounts (contact Korie Twiggs about instructions for doing this) so the reports needed can be generated to substantiate revenue collected and properly assign them to the appropriate Section.
I have a sponsor or donor interested in supporting my event. Awesome! Sections are advised to seek corporate sponsorships and donations to support their activities beyond money and event registration revenue. With sufficient notification, the team at IDSA headquarters may be able to assist in this effort. Contact Korie Twiggs for sponsorship support. Remember, Sections are not permitted to sign contracts with sponsors, these should be reviewed (and signed) by IDSA.
Events
IDSA Sections are required to provide professional development and learning opportunities to their members. This is achieved through virtual events, resources, and other forms of engagement. While it’s at the discretion of leaders to choose the best complement of activities throughout the year for their Section, here are some suggestions.
First, the minimum requirement is for Sections to host two virtual events per year (1-hour webinars) and create four articles / stories (1 per quarter) submitted to IDSA for distribution. We understand that each Section is unique so if you don’t believe you can meet this requirement or have other ideas in mind, like engagement in Section LinkedIn groups, development of resources like whitepapers or sample forms, or collaborating with Professional Chapters, please let Korie Twiggs know so you can determine the best path forward.
What is a SCARF?
SCARF stands for Section and Chapter Activity Request Form. This document helps IDSA track and montior all Chapter events. IDSA uses SCARFs to keep track of Chapter budgets and to help support Chapters hosting successful events.
When to submit a SCARF?
ALWAYS. Before conducting an event or other activity, all Chapters must complete the online form to submit a SCARF. The Chapter will receive a response indicating SCARF approval from Korie Twiggs or Vijay Chakravarthy.
Events & Activities
All IDSA Chapters are required to provide their local members with professional, educational and social opportunities that advance their knowledge of industrial design. It is at the discretion of each Chapter to choose the best complement of events and activities for their community. Click here for examples of Chapter events and activities, and for information about running successful Chapter events.
Does my event need a contract?
Not every Section event or activity will necessitate a contract. In fact, most don’t. However, if you find yourself needing to make formal agreements to receive sponsorship funds or pay for speakers, for example, then a formal contract is needed.
What if my event needs a contract signed?
No problem. We’re here to help! Sections are considered ‘component communities’ of IDSA. Therefore, Section officers are not authorized to sign contracts or otherwise enter into agreements on behalf of IDSA. In the event one is needed, a copy of the contract offered should be submitted to IDSA’s Interim Executive Director, Jerry Layne, for review. IDSA’s Executive Director is the sole authorized signatory of any contract or other agreement between IDSA and an external party(ies). Section officers are advised to allow at least one (1) week for contract review and response.
Do I need insurance for my event?
In most cases, no. IDSA mantains a nationwide insurance policy which covers the majority of our events and Section activities. A Certificate of Insurance can be provided to you for your event upon request. Korie Twiggs can assist.
Representation matters. Holding events where diverse attendees, speakers and organizers not only feel included in the programming but also see in the makeup of the event that they are included is what creates a connection and a reason to return. Review this important resource before planning a Section event.
This Code of Conduct applies to all IDSA Chapter and Section events to include attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and guests. It also pertains to all virtual platforms used during the event.
IDSA Chapter and Section events provide a welcoming environment regardless of gender and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, nationality or religion (or lack there of).
We do not tolerate harassment or inappropriate behavior in any form. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Sexual language or imagery in talks or workshops (unless otherwise approved or is part of the session’s announced subject matter)
- Sexual language and imagery at parties or on social media
- Derogatory comments related to gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion or technology choices
- Deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, or harassing of attendees, speakers or organizers, whether through messaging, comments, images or recordings
- Sustained disruption of talks or other events
Training
The Community Leadership Institute (CLI) is a program developed to provide IDSA’s volunteer leaders (volunteers include Chapter and Section leaders) with practical, professional development training that is relevant to their role as IDSA community leaders, but also in their own personal career growth. Content will include diversity equity and inclusion practices, event planning and project management, member engagement, and getting and attracting sponsors.
The CLI will host four professional development experiences (one per quarter) over the course of the 2023 community program year
Orientation & Training
All Section officers are required to participate in a training session each year, faciliated by the Community Manager. This session will provide the necessary information and resources needed to run a successful Section.
Check-Ins
The Community Manager and Section officers will have a formal check-in each quarter to discuss programming, general questions, feedback, HQ updates, etc.
Slack Channel
A Slack channel will be available for Section officers throughout the year to ask questions, share ideas, and receive notices from IDSA.
IDSA Branding
While unique from community to community, IDSA chapters are a part of a broad, national effort to support, educate, and amplify the work of industrial designers and the ID profession. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of the IDSA brand is vital in ensuring a professional and consistent brand presentation which applies across multiple platforms in both digital and physical channels. IDSA has established logos and naming conventions for Sections use and we must insist that these graphic marks be used in order to maintain a clean brand presence. Below are a few key factors to keep in mind. Questions? Contact Korie Twiggs, Community Manager.
- Download IDSA Brand Guidelines document here (via Dropbox)
- Download IDSA logos here (via Dropbox)
- The IDSA logo should always be displayed in a vertical orientation, with the ‘i’ at the top. Reference the logo on the top of this page.
- Please do not create your own Section IDSA logo. We love the creativity, however this ultimately causes confusion for the IDSA brand.
IDSA Sections aim to create repositories of knowledge and pathways of connection for members of our community who share common interests or areas of work. Sections are not geo-graphically bound but often partner with IDSA’s Chapters to produce content and host events together.
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