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.
Now Available: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Event Toolkit
(originally created for Chapters, this resource is easily adaptable to Sections)
Quick Links for the Basics
Support Team | Training & Communications | Leadership Requirements
Quick Links for Event Programming
Activities & Events | SCARFs | Event Conduct | Finances | Branding
Stephan Clambaneva, IDSA
Section Director | Board of Directors
Korie Twiggs
Community Manager | IDSA Staff
Philip Assante
Membership Manager | IDSA Staff
Training & Communication
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.
Leadership Requirements
Section Officers are appointed positions. Each Section has one Chair, and as many Vice Chairs as needed.
Event Programming
Activities & 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. IDSA offers a number of tools, which officers may use to disseminate and amplify section content (see below):
- Chapter-Section Update: Quarterly e-newsletter with the latest information about IDSA Chapters and Sections.
- Deep Dives: Mini conference with a focus on trending topics, which impact the ID profession.
- Design Bytes: E-Newsletter serving as a monthly-round up of ID trends, news, and inspiration.
- Design Updates: Free, bi-weekly newsletter delivering the latest design news, trends, and information.
- Design Voices: A re-occuring series of one-hour virtual events with top leaders discussing and debating trends and specific practice areas.
- Innovation: IDSA's quarterly magazine, which serves as the voice of the ID profession.
- International Design Conference: IDSA's annual, international design conference featuring professional learning. experiences from influential voices who explore the future of design and other emergent forces impacting ID.
- Member Spotlight: E-feature where members may share accomplishments (e.g., award, program/initiative, podcast, article, or book).
Section Chapter Activity Request Form (SCARF)
What is a SCARF?
SCARF stands for Section and Chapter Activity Request Form. This document helps IDSA track and monitor all Section experiences. IDSA uses SCARFs to help promote events and activities.
When to submit a SCARF?
ALWAYS. Before conducting an event or other activity, all Sections must complete the online form to submit a SCARF. The Section will receive a response from the Community Manager indicating SCARF approval.
Event Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct applies to all IDSA Section events to include attendees, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and guests. It also pertains to all virtual platforms used during the event. IDSA Section events provide a welcoming environment regardless of gender and expression, age, sexual orientation, ability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or nationality.
We do not tolerate harassment or inappropriate behavior in any form. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Sexual language and 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, nationality, class, 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
Branding
Maintaining the integrity of the IDSA brand is vital in ensuring a professional and consistant brand presentation. This applies across multiple platforms in both digital and physical channels. IDSA has an established brand 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:
- Download IDSA Brand Guidelines document here
- 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 utilmately causes confusion for the IDSA brand.
If you have questions or need graphic assets, please contact IDSA's Visual Brand Designer, Carl Guo