I probably shouldn’t admit this, but before I became involved in the governance of the International Statistical Institute (first as a Council member and then a Vice President), I was only vaguely aware that organisations could become members too! I have been an elected member for decades, but I never paid much attention to the wealth of opportunities within the International Statistical Institute, beyond the benefits of my individual membership.
So I suspect that many regular and elected members may not be aware that the International Statistical Institute has various types of organisational memberships, with over 150 organisational members! If your organisation is not one of them already, consider the potential benefits from joining. As noted on the Institutional Membership page.
We count many national statistical offices, regional/international organisations, departments of universities, and central banks among our institutional and corporate members, and statistical societies among our affiliated members.
Current Types of ISI Organisational Memberships
There are three types of organisational memberships, as defined by the ISI Statutes:
• Institutional members include national, regional, and international statistical institutes and agencies.
• Any other organisation may join as corporate member, subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
• Any non-profit organisation, including national or regional statistical societies, may become an affiliated member of the ISI, subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
Benefits of Organisational Memberships
There are lots of benefits to being an organisational member, listed at the institutional membership page. There are financial incentives, such as reduced membership fees for regular members of your organisation, and reduced registration fees for ISI events for two of the organisation’s members.
But the main benefits of organisational memberships come from being part of the broadest and most diverse network of statistical organisations in the world. We have over 150 organisational members, with representation from at least 85 different countries, spanning the globe. Spend some time clicking on the links found in the membership directory, and immerse yourself in a literal world of statistical activity and information!
Organisational members also benefit from publicity and sponsorship of events. The most basic form of publicity includes a link to the organisation’s website from the ISI membership page. But in addition, if your organisation is planning an event, you can request endorsement and/or sponsorship from ISI. The event will be advertised by ISI, with acknowledgment of the endorsement, and ISI members will be encouraged to attend.
On the other side of the proverbial coin, your organisation and its members can both benefit from and contribute to the educational and capacity building activities of ISI, such as online courses, discussion of ethical issues facing statisticians, and the ISI Academy currently in the works.
Plans for Expanding Organisational Membership Opportunities
As great as organisational memberships are now, the Executive Committee has created a task force to study ways in which they can become even more beneficial. Ideas include enhanced networking, more opportunities for publicity and visibility, differing levels of membership, and more. I have been appointed to be the chair of the task force, and we would love to hear from you with feedback, ideas and suggestions! Send me an email, [email protected].
