Special Interest GroupsHow to Start a Special Interest Group (SIG) A Special Interest Group (SIG) is a subgroup within a larger organization or community that focuses on a specific area of interest, expertise, or activity. These groups are formed to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, networking, and the advancement of shared goals among members with similar interests. SRA supports Special Interest Groups to increase a sense of belonging within the organization and to advance the organization’s strategic plan and mission. SRA SIGs must align with the organization’s core values and with anti-racism, inclusion, and addressing injustice. Examples of Special Interest Groups are those focused on racial-ethnic identification (e.g., Black, Latine, Asian, Indigenous) and other identities (e.g., gender, first-generation). Organizations such as the Society for Research in Child Development and the National Council on Family Relations have similar member groups -- caucuses and focus groups, respectively. SRA Special Interest Groups help to ensure a diverse and inclusive environment. The process of forming a new Special Interest Group (SIG) begins with submitting a formal proposal, described in detail below, to the Board of Directors (BOD). The proposal must be sent to the Executive Director at [email protected] with details about the timeline and review process. All proposals to form a new SIG must conform to the criteria for establishing SIGs. Content of Proposal The detailed proposal must include:
The Cover Letter The cover letter must include:
The Plan for Meeting Minimal Criteria To maintain active status, each SIG must fulfill the following annual requirements: 1. Annual Report Submission Each SIG is required to submit an Annual Report to SRA by a specified deadline. The report should include:
SIGs must organize at least one event per year that aligns with the group's mission and objectives. Events can be held in-person, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Examples include:
The SIG leadership team is required to hold at least one formal meeting per year to discuss group activities, strategic planning, and member engagement. This meeting can be conducted in person or virtually and should involve key leadership roles. Minutes from the meeting should be documented and shared as part of the Annual Report. The Leadership Pool Each SIG must have a coordinating committee comprised of at least four members – two co-chairs, a secretary, and a treasurer. The two Co-Chairs are the Chair and Chair-elect. Additional coordinating committee members may be deemed necessary and, therefore, the responsibilities and need for these roles must be described. This committee is essential for the maintenance and sustainability of the SIG. SIG Petitioners must describe the pool of committed leadership available to establish and maintain the proposed SIG. This description must include the names of individuals willing, if called upon, to serve on the coordinating committee to fulfill required roles and responsibilities. The Review Process by the BOD The BOD will review all SIG proposals. These proposals will be discussed at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The Board of Directors meets approximately 4 times per year. Board of Directors Meetings for 2025 Establishment of a new SIG requires a two-thirds majority vote of those present at a face-to-face meeting or on a conference call. SIG Petitioners will receive decision of the BOD vote within one week of the determination. Feedback on the SIG proposal will be provided to the SIG contact by the Board of Director Liaison, Dawn Witherspoon ([email protected]). Dissolution of Special Interest Groups SRA Special Interest Groups can be dissolved if the SIG violates SRA’s Code of Conduct or fails to demonstrate SRA’s core values (See SRA mission statement and anti-racism principles). The Board of Directors will review any complaints, following our policies and bylaws, and make a determination as to whether dissolution is warranted. If a SIG is found to be in violation, the Board will provide written notice outlining the concerns and allow the SIG leadership an opportunity to respond. In cases where remediation is possible, the SIG may be given a specified period to address the issues. If the concerns are not adequately resolved or if the violations are deemed severe, the Board may proceed with dissolution. A formal vote by the Board of Directors will be required to finalize the decision, and SIG members will be notified of the outcome and any next steps. |