A total of 28 IGS Chapters are now operating around the world. The officers of the IGS are frequently contacted by individuals and groups asking for the requirements and procedures to form an IGS Chapter.

The essential requirements to form a chapter of the IGS are:

• The chapter shall represent a single country or a well-defined geographical region.
• A minimum of 20 members who are currently, or are willing to become members of the IGS.
• A set of chapter bylaws that are consistent with the bylaws of the IGS. An example set of bylaws can be obtained from the IGS Secretariat.
• A President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary that are elected by the members.

• A portion of the annual IGS membership dues that are paid by members directly to the IGS can be kept by the chapter to support local chapter activities. The IGS requires non-chapter members to pay $45US per year. As a chapter member, this annual fee is reduced to $30US which is collected by the chapter and remitted to the IGS. (Typically, a chapter charges its members $45US per year and retains $15US to support its activities. However, the portion of the annual membership in excess of $30US is decided by the chapter members.)
• Chapters are advantaged when the IGS decides on the venue for its international conferences that are held every four years.
• Chapters are advantaged when seeking the approval of the IGS to hold IGS regional conferences, local conferences, symposia, workshops and related events under the auspices of the IGS, or with the support of the IGS.

A complete set of guidelines for the formation of an IGS Chapter and operating procedures are available from the IGS Secretariat. Please contact: