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+sectionUpdate: IDSA's quarterly e-newsletter to IDSA Chapter and Section leaders, with the latest information about IDSA Chapters and Sections
• designBytes: IDSA's monthly e-newsletter to IDSA members only, rounding up the latest ID trends, news, and inspiration
• designUpdates: IDSA's bi-weekly e-newsletter to the broader ID community, delivering the latest design news, trends, and information from IDSA
• Deep Dives: Mini conferences with a focus on trending topics that impact the ID profession
• Design Voices: A recurring series of one-hour virtual events that are free for IDSA members, with top design leaders discussing and debating trends and specific practice areas
• International Design Conference: IDSA's annual IDC features professional learning experiences from influential voices worldwide, exploring the future of design and other emergent forces impacting ID
• INNOVATION: IDSA's quarterly magazine, which serves as the voice of the ID profession
• Member Spotlight: A feature exclusively for IDSA members. Members may share accomplishments (for example, an award received, program or initiative launched, podcast, article, or book published) to be promoted by IDSA on social media, IDSA.org, and in the designBytes e-newsletter

Chapter and Section Officers use Eventbrite, a free event management platform to create and promote their events. Eventbrite offers simple, user-friendly steps that make the development process easy. The platform includes a registration tool, which allows officers to know and track participants attending events. Use this link to create your Eventbrite account.

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. 

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​