How to Establish an ISA Section

A section is a group of professional members affiliated within a specific geographic area. Each section operates as an official ISA affiliate under a charter agreement that defines the relationship between the Society and the section. Sections exist to support the Society’s mission and vision and are governed by all ISA policies and procedures. They also develop activities in response to local needs.

ISA members can join an existing ISA section, or follow the instructions below to inquire about creating a new local section if one does not already exist in their area.

A section is a group of professional members affiliated within a specific geographic area. Each section operates as an official ISA affiliate under a charter agreement that defines the relationship between the Society and the section. Sections exist to support the Society’s mission and vision and are governed by all ISA policies and procedures. They also develop activities in response to local needs.

ISA members can join an existing ISA section, or follow the instructions below to inquire about creating a new local section if one does not already exist in their area.

Establishment Requirements

ISA sections are local affiliates that support the Society’s mission and serve the needs of members in a specific geographic area. The requirements below explain what is needed to petition for a new section.

Eligibility for Petitioning

  • Automation industry activity in the area
  • At least 30 professional members interested in forming a section
  • Acting officers willing to lead a new section
  • Section operating bylaws in English (any special provisions or modifications to ISA’s recommended regulations requires prior approval)

Petition to Charter

  • The acting officers submit a Petition for Charter to ISA staff at [email protected]
  • The District Chair reviews and submits the petition to the Geographic Assembly
  • The Geographic Assembly reviews and approves the petition for official chartering

Please allow 45 days after the submission deadline for notification.

In Good Standing

Upon charter approval, the section must meet the following requirements annually to remain in good standing:

  • Comply with all policies and procedures set by ISA
  • Maintain at least 30 professional members
  • Have, at a minimum, a president and treasurer in good standing and on record with ISA Headquarters
  • Hold a minimum of three member meetings each year
  • Submit an annual report by the prescribed dates
  • Include “About us” text in HTML area on section page in ISA Connect
  • Have current section bylaws posted in section file library in ISA Connect

Section status will be reviewed quarterly. If one or more of the requirements are not met, a section will be deemed not in good standing. These sections forfeit benefits, including but not limited to royalties, rebates and consideration for Society recognition and awards for sections.

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