Introducing a new membership model

The expectations of designers have broadened in recent decades, as have the range of design disciplines and practices. AIGA is committed to representing and supporting the interests of designers as they explore new roles. At the same time, social media and the internet have increased expectations for access to communities and information.

AIGA has always adapted to the interests of the profession, and is now shifting to a model that makes membership more accessible, increasing participation while providing opportunities for those who value AIGA’s role in the advancement of design to make a stronger financial contribution. A larger and more diverse membership makes AIGA’s collective voice stronger and more compelling.

A new member participation model

In order to achieve a more open and inclusive community with a shared interest in design, AIGA is launching a new approach to member participation. Beginning this month, AIGA is shifting from a membership model based on the stage of an individual’s career to one that reflects the member’s interest in and commitment to AIGA and all that it entails: adhering to the profession’s principles, advocacy of the value of design, support for designers’ interests and stimulating conversations critical to design’s future.

We believe that the new model will allow many who have left AIGA membership to return, draw in new supporters who may not be practicing designers and make it possible for every designer to afford to join. We expect practicing designers to join at the Sustaining Member level, equivalent to the historic “professional” member, although we have lowered the cost of every membership level in recognition of the challenging economic environment we are traversing. We hope those who understand the value of having a unified voice to advance the interests of design will join us at even higher contributing levels that are now available.

Our goal is to double membership—to 40,000 members—by 2014.

We are eager to have you join this new AIGA for the next century, as AIGA approaches its centennial. We also hope you will take advantage of this moment to encourage a colleague, client or design enthusiast (or two) to join AIGA and share in shaping design’s future.