# About WIAA

Learning, practicing, and evolving the discipline of Information Architecture across global communities

The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) is a volunteer-run nonprofit professional association based in the United States. WIAA supports the global information architecture community through events like World IA Day, educational programs, and resources.

## Our mission

The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) exists to:

* Build and connect a global community of IA advocates and practitioners
* Promote the role of Information Architecture in different fields
* Provide resources for learning and professional development
* Engage IA academics and professionals in research and development

The World Information Architecture Association (WIAA) exists to advance the discipline of Information Architecture (IA). We champion the critical role of IA in creating meaning and understanding in a world of increasing information complexity. Through education, community building, and shared practice, we empower individuals and organizations to create information environments that are easily accessible, understandable, and actionable.

We want a world where people can easily find and use information they need. We believe in making complex information clear. Our goal is to build spaces—both online and in real life—where information makes sense and helps people. We work toward a future where finding information feels easy instead of frustrating, and where everyone can navigate the growing sea of information in their daily lives.

***

## What is information architecture?

> Making the complex clear and the confusing understandable

Information architecture is the practice of organizing and structuring information to make it findable, understandable, and useful. It's like creating a map that helps people find what they need without getting lost. When information is well-organized—on websites, in apps, or even in buildings—people can use it better to navigate complexity and accomplish their goals at ease.

As information continues to grow and change in our world, so does our understanding of information architecture.

[Explore how IA has evolved and why its definition continues to develop](https://www.information-architecture.world/what-is-ia/) → 

***

## Who we are

WIAA is a global community of educators, students, practitioners, and enthusiasts united by a passion for improving how humans interact with information. From coffee shops to university auditoriums across continents, our members are organizing grassroots events and building the future of information architecture one community at a time.

Founded on the principle that information should be structured to meet human needs, WIAA serves as the central hub for advancement, education, and application of information architecture principles worldwide. We believe that thoughtful information architecture is essential to solving many of today's most pressing challenges from improving digital accessibility to combating misinformation.

[Global Board of Directors](/about-the-board) → 

***

## Our impact: How we advance the field

Through our network spanning six continents, WIAA fosters local communities while maintaining global connections. We support the growth of Information Architecture as both an academic discipline and practical craft by:

* Organizing events like World IA Day that bring our community together
* Connecting diverse perspectives across cultures and disciplines
* Supporting educational initiatives, research, and innovation in Information Architecture
* Advocating for human-centered approaches to information design

Whether you're a seasoned professional, a curious student, or simply someone who cares about how information shapes our world, WIAA offers a place to learn, contribute, and grow in your understanding of information architecture.

### Building community and knowledge through global initiatives

<table data-column-title-hidden data-view="cards" data-full-width="false"><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Description</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Link</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>World IA Day</strong></td><td>Community-organized events worldwide to share knowledge and build professional relationships</td><td><a href="/spaces/WfyvOXbZrhAqKTUW8qog">/spaces/WfyvOXbZrhAqKTUW8qog</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>World IA Cafe</strong></td><td>Regular virtual seminars sharing talks and learning opportunities for professionals at all career stages</td><td><a href="/spaces/fvUOB5XGIEhQdeGXRIAD">/spaces/fvUOB5XGIEhQdeGXRIAD</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>State of IA</strong></td><td>Research initiative tracking trends, challenges, and opportunities to understand the evolving landscape of information architecture</td><td><a href="/spaces/EpWW3JxGIhXqUcS8bzuA">/spaces/EpWW3JxGIhXqUcS8bzuA</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Taxonomy Talk</strong></td><td>A Discord community and speaker series exploring real-world taxonomy implementations, best practices, and emerging trends</td><td><a href="/spaces/ocKFKWJqcZdWQqFUHnut">/spaces/ocKFKWJqcZdWQqFUHnut</a></td><td></td></tr><tr><td><strong>IA Content Collection</strong></td><td>A developing collection of presentations, talks, and artifacts from World IA Day, World IA Cafe, and other WIAA events</td><td><a href="/spaces/baSlLofx8dFkZzTEdS1i">/spaces/baSlLofx8dFkZzTEdS1i</a></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Have questions or concerns?**

* Contact the board: [**global@worldiaday.org**](mailto:global@worldiaday.org)
  {% endhint %}


# History

Started in 2012, World IA Day continues to be the flagship global event in the IA community.

### Born in 2012 as part of the IA Institute

World IA Day was first established in 2012 as a one-day annual event held in dozens of locations across the world and hosted by the Information Architecture Institute (IA Institute). It was started by [Abby Covert,](http://abbytheia.com) [Dan Klyn](http://understandinggroup.com/team/dan-klyn/), and the first 14 cities to host World IA Day.

Abby and Dan had a vision to create a one-day celebration focused on advancing the practice and education of information architecture. The key here was to create something that was for the community. Their hope was to empower emerging leaders and further the discourse of a growing and, at the time, contentious discipline.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQjQZDWvPgc>" %}
Watch Abby Covert's greeting for World IA Day 2020
{% endembed %}

### Established in September 2019 as a separate entity

In September 2019, the Board of Directors of the IA Institute [voted unanimously to dissolve the organization](https://mailchi.mp/iainstitute.org/letter-to-members-the-future-of-the-iai-3377425) as a 501(c)(6) professional board of trade. With no fiscal host, World IA Day needed a way to continue to exist. A founding board for World IA Day, Inc. was selected for the sole purpose of establishing a charitable nonprofit organization and to provide fiscal support for the 2020 event to continue.

Shortly after World IA Day, Inc. is designated as a public charity, section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, the founding Board will act in accordance with section 3.2 of the bylaws working in a collaborative and transparent manner to establish [policies and procedures](https://app.gitbook.com/@wiad/s/governance/~/edit/drafts/-LqgVpBiP4lk_owVUCTP/governance/privacy-policy) for all future Board of Director elections and appointments.

### Managing transitions towards a new identity

This transition for World IA Day as its own governing body started with the end of the IA Institute and requires a process of letting go, realigning, and re-identification before World IA Day re-emerges with its new identity.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Have questions or concerns?**

* Contact the board: [**global@worldiaday.org**](mailto:global@worldiaday.org)
  {% endhint %}


# Global Board of Directors

WIAA thrives through the dedication of our globally diverse leadership team. With board members spanning 5 continents, our leadership brings together perspectives from across the Information Architecture community worldwide.

This global, community-driven governance ensures WIAA's initiatives remain relevant and accessible to practitioners across different cultures, contexts, and career stages. Board members often begin their WIAA journey as local World IA Day organizers, bringing valuable insights from their regional communities to our global initiatives.

## Current Global Board

The global board refreshes from year to year.  See [Past Leadership](/past-leadership) for the archive of global board members.

{% content-ref url="/pages/IHfisWQAHpeDydrfwHYC" %}
[2024-2025 Board](/about-the-board/2024-2025-board)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## Join the Board of Directors

We’re always looking for new perspectives and people to join the board!

[Learn about volunteering](https://www.information-architecture.world/volunteer/) →


# Board Nominations

World IA Day is accepting nominations through July 6 for the Global Board of Directors

The nomination process is designed to identify, encourage, and enlist the active participation of dedicated individuals in the Information Architecture community at the leadership level.

{% hint style="success" %}
World IA Day is dedicated to empowering leadership. Getting involved is the first step in being a leader.
{% endhint %}

### Selection criteria

We are looking for people who have the following characteristics:

* has experience of at least one year organizing a World IA Day event
* has diversity indicators, e.g. geographic location, language, gender, ethnicity, experience, socioeconomic
* has skills, talents, and areas of special expertise
* has capacity to contribute time, effort, and/or funds
* has passion for furthering the awareness of information architecture
* has enthusiasm for advancing the mission of World IA Day the organization
* is assertive and positive, conducive to moving forward, getting things done

### Join the executive board

Members of the WIAA Board are nominated from the community. The board defines the strategic vision and establishes the roadmap with local organizers, committee leads, and the community-at-large.

* Director of Publications
* Director of Events
* Director of Social Media


# Board Expectations

What is the role and responsibilities of the Board?

## Expectations of individual board members

Each individual board member is expected to:

* know the organization's mission, policies, programs, and needs
* read and understand the organization's financial statements
* serve as active advocates and ambassadors for World IA Day and engage in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for World IA Day to advance its mission
* leverage connections, networks, and resources to develop collective action to fully achieve World IA Day's mission
* prepare for, attend, and conscientiously participate in board meetings
* participate fully in one or more committees

Adapted from: BoardSource. (2016, May 25). Board Member Job Description. Retrieved from <https://boardsource.org/resources/board-member-job-description/>


# 2024-2025 Board

July 2024 - June 2025, covering WIAD25

## Officers

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Role</th><th>Since</th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Grace Lau</td><td>Co-president</td><td>Sept 2019</td><td><a href="/files/RJm40CvxuI6kPfbdgjjI">/files/RJm40CvxuI6kPfbdgjjI</a></td></tr><tr><td>Xander Roozen</td><td>Co-president</td><td>July 2024</td><td><a href="/files/FYxE72STeaogTUoiN6My">/files/FYxE72STeaogTUoiN6My</a></td></tr><tr><td>Ghada Kandil</td><td>Co-president elect</td><td>July 2024</td><td><a href="/files/yHUG2i9HsggWhcq0GWqn">/files/yHUG2i9HsggWhcq0GWqn</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Regional Directors

| Name              | Role          | Since     |
| ----------------- | ------------- | --------- |
| Andrea Rosenbusch | Europe        | June 2024 |
| Paolo Montevecchi | Europe        | Aug 2020  |
| Xander Roozen     | Europe        | Dec 2022  |
| Ahmad M Alhuwwari | Arabic        | June 2021 |
| Ghada Kandil      | Arabic        | Sept 2020 |
| Joe Elmendorf     | North America | June 2024 |
| Pankaj Shivpuje   | North America | June 2024 |
| Open              | Africa        |           |

## Education

| Name          | Role                           | Since    |
| ------------- | ------------------------------ | -------- |
| Rupa Misra    | Director                       | 2019     |
| Shari Thurow  | Director                       | 2023     |
| Bev Corwin    | Member                         | Aug 2024 |
| Nehar Sultana | World IA Café, Product Manager | 2023     |

## World IA Day Global

| Name        | Role                      | Since     |
| ----------- | ------------------------- | --------- |
| Nada Ashour | Global Executive Producer | May 2024  |
| Jenny Ear   | Global Executive Producer | July 2023 |
| Grace Lau   | Adviser                   |           |
| Andrew Jung | Adviser                   |           |

## Website Steering Committee

| Name              |
| ----------------- |
| Andrea Rosenbusch |
| Paolo Montevecchi |
| Ghada Kandil      |
| Xander Roozen     |
| Grace Lau         |


# Past Leadership

We are grateful for the support and guidance of many exceptional and passionate volunteers over the years.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th>Years active</th><th data-hidden>Role</th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref">LinkedIn</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Luis Alveart Guerrero</td><td>2020 - 2024</td><td></td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alveart/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alveart/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Sam Ashlee</td><td>2021 - 2022</td><td>Director, Accessibility</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-ashlee/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-ashlee/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Wendyl Emma Chan</td><td>2021 - 2022</td><td>Social media</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyl-c-bb3a9978/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyl-c-bb3a9978/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Simon Catford</td><td>2017 - 2018</td><td>Regional director, North America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/catfordo/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/catfordo/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Krispian Emert</td><td>2018 - 2023</td><td>Education</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/krispian/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/krispian/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Amy Espinosa</td><td>2016 - 2019</td><td>Regional director, North America; Co-president; Secretary</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-espinosa-1610b517/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-espinosa-1610b517/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Celeste Espinoza</td><td>2019 - 2020</td><td>Treasurer</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/celemespinoza/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/celemespinoza/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Alysson Franklin</td><td>2020 - 2021</td><td>Regional director, Latin America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssonfranklin/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssonfranklin/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Chériana Griggs</td><td>2017 - 2018</td><td>Social media</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriana/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriana/</a></td></tr><tr><td>José René Gutiérrez</td><td>2017 - 2018</td><td>Regional director, Latin America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josernitos/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/josernitos/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Joy Hong</td><td>2021 - 2023</td><td>Regional director, Asia-Pacific</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-hong-3908a813/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-hong-3908a813/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Vasu Kolla</td><td>2016 - 2017 </td><td>Regional director, Asia-Pacific</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasukolla/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasukolla/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Shashank Manda</td><td>2017 - 2018</td><td>Regional director, Asia-Pacific</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashank-manda-50206745/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shashank-manda-50206745/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Stuart Maxwell</td><td>2016 - 2017</td><td>Regional director, North America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmaxwell/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmaxwell/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Evgeni Minchev</td><td>2015 - 2016</td><td>Regional director, Europe</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/evgeniminchev/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/evgeniminchev/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Eugenio Monforte</td><td>2018 - 2020</td><td>Regional director, Latin America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeniomonforte/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugeniomonforte/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Vanessa Myho</td><td>2019 - 2020</td><td>Social media</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamyho/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessamyho/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Sarah Paxton</td><td>2022 - 2023</td><td>Regional director, Asia-Pacific</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paxtonsarah/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/paxtonsarah/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Sam Raddatz</td><td>2015 - 2016</td><td>Global Executive Producer</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samraddatz/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/samraddatz/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Alannah Rosa</td><td>2019 - 2021</td><td>Regional director, Asia-Pacific</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Effie Sharon Sinena</td><td>2021 - 2022</td><td>Global Executive Producer</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/eslsinena/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/eslsinena/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Asha Singh</td><td>2021 - 2023</td><td>Regional director, North America; Director of Development</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/asharsingh/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/asharsingh/</a></td></tr><tr><td>Mark Wolfe</td><td>2020 - 2022</td><td>Regional director, North America</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswolfe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswolfe/</a></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>


# 2023-2024 Board

July 2023 - June 2024, covering WIAD24

| Name              | Role                           |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Grace Lau         | Co-President                   |
| Andrea Rosenbusch | Co-President                   |
| Jenn Mazza        | Director, Sponsorship          |
| Andrew Jung       | Director, Community and Events |
| Rupa Misra        | Co-Director, Education         |
| Shari Thurow      | Co-Director, Eduction          |

### Regional Directors

| Name                  | Role                                    |           |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------- | --------- |
| Ahmad M Alhuwwari     | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa | June 2021 |
| Ghada Kandil          | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa | Sept 2020 |
| Luis Alveart Guerrero | Regional Director, Latin America        | Aug 2020  |
| Paolo Montevecchi     | Regional Director, Europe               | Aug 2020  |
| Xander Roozen         | Regional Director, Europe               | Dec 2022  |

### WIAD24 Committee

| Name      | Role                               |
| --------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Grace Lau | Interim, Global Executive Producer |
| Jenny Ear | Assistant                          |
|           |                                    |


# 2022-2023 Board

July 2022 - June 2023, covering WIAD23

| Name              | Role                           |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------ |
| Grace Lau         | Co-President                   |
| Andrea Rosenbusch | Co-President                   |
| Jenn Mazza        | Director, Sponsorship          |
| Andrew Jung       | Director, Community and Events |
| Rupa Misra        | Co-Director, Education         |

### Regional Directors

| Name                  | Role                                    |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Ahmad M Alhuwwari     | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa |
| Ghada Kandil          | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa |
| Luis Alveart Guerrero | Regional Director, Latin America        |
| Paolo Montevecchi     | Regional Director, Europe               |
| Sarah Paxton          | Regional Director, Asia-Pacific         |

### WIAD23

| Name      | Role                               |
| --------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Grace Lau | Interim, Global Executive Producer |


# 2021-2022 Board

July 2021 - June 2022, covering WIAD22

| Name                | Role                                         |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Grace Lau           | Co-President                                 |
| Andrea Rosenbusch   | Co-President                                 |
| Asha Singh          | <p>Director, Development</p><p>Treasurer</p> |
| Andrew Jung         | Director, Community and Events               |
| Krispian Emert      | Co-Director, Education                       |
| Rupa Misra          | Co-Director, Education                       |
| Sam Ashlee          | Director, Accessibility                      |
| Wendyl Chan         | Director, Social Media                       |
| Effie Sharon Sinena | Global Executive Producer                    |

### Regional Directors

| Name                  | Role                                    |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
| Ahmad M Alhuwwari     | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa |
| Alysson Franklin      | Regional Director, Latin America        |
| Ghada Kandil          | Regional Director, Middle East & Africa |
| Luis Alveart Guerrero | Regional Director, Latin America        |
| Joy Hong              | Regional Director, Asia-Pacific         |
| Mark Wolfe            | Regional Director, North America        |
| Paolo Montevecchi     | Regional Director, Europe               |


# 2020-2021 Board

July 2020 - June 2021, covering WIAD21

| Name              | Role                                                        |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Grace Lau         | <p>Co-President</p><p>Acting Treasurer (as of Feb 2021)</p> |
| Andrea Rosenbusch | Co-President                                                |
| Celeste Espinoza  | Treasurer (Abdicated as of Feb 2021)                        |
| Anita Cheng       | Director of Operations                                      |
| Krispian Emert    | Director, Education                                         |
| Andrew Jung       | Global Executive Producer                                   |

### Regional Directors

| Name | Role |
| ---- | ---- |
|      |      |
|      |      |
|      |      |


# 2019-2020 Board

Sept 2019-June 2020

| Name             | Role                              | Term                |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ------------------- |
| Grace Lau        | President                         |                     |
| Amy Espinosa     | Treasurer                         | Dec 2019            |
| Celeste Espinoza | Treasurer                         | Dec 2019 - Feb 2021 |
| Anita Cheng      | Secretary, Director of Operations |                     |
| Andrew Jung      | Global Executive Producer         |                     |
| Vanessa Myho     | Director, Social Media            | 2019-2020           |


# Bylaws

Accepted as of 2019-11-06

## **Article 1. Name, Location and Historical Record.** <a href="#article-1.-name-location-and-historical-record" id="article-1.-name-location-and-historical-record"></a>

### **1.1 Name.** <a href="#id-1.1-name" id="id-1.1-name"></a>

The name of the corporation is World IA Day, Inc.

### **1.2 Location.** <a href="#id-1.2-location" id="id-1.2-location"></a>

World IA Day, Inc. (World IA Day) is a US tax-exempt nonprofit public charity (501(c)(3)) incorporated in the State of Florida. The principal office of the World IA Day is located in Tampa, Florida, USA. World IA Day may have such other offices and chapters as the Board of Directors may determine or as the affairs of World IA Day may require.

### **1.3 Historical Record.** <a href="#id-1.3-historical-record" id="id-1.3-historical-record"></a>

World IA Day was first established in 2012 as a one-day annual event held in dozens of locations across the world and hosted by the Information Architecture Institute (IA Institute). In September 2019, the Board of Directors of the IA Institute voted unanimously to dissolve the organization as a 501(c)(6) professional board of trade. With no fiscal host, World IA Day needed a way to continue to exist. A founding board for World IA Day, Inc. was established for the sole purpose of forming a nonprofit organization and to provide fiscal support for the 2020 event to continue.&#x20;

## **Article 2. Purposes and Goals** <a href="#article-2.-purposes-and-goals" id="article-2.-purposes-and-goals"></a>

### **2.1 Purposes.** <a href="#id-2.1-purposes" id="id-2.1-purposes"></a>

2.1.1 To receive and administer funds and to operate exclusively for purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or comparable provisions of subsequent legislation (the “Code”), and in particular to empower individuals and local communities to shape the global practice of information architecture.

2.1.2 To acquire, own, dispose of, and deal with real and personal property and interests therein and to apply gifts, grants, scholarships, bequests and devises and their proceeds thereof in furtherance of the purposes of the corporation.

2.1.3 To do all such things and to perform all such acts to accomplish its purposes as the Board of Directors may determine to be appropriate and as are not forbidden by section 501(c)(3) of the Code, with all the power conferred on nonprofit corporations under the laws of the State of Florida.\\

### **2.2. Goals.** <a href="#id-2.2.-goals" id="id-2.2.-goals"></a>

**The goals of World IA Day include:**

2.2.1 To build communities of practice within a global network by fostering participation from those who may benefit from a better understanding of information architecture, so they may bring knowledge of the practice to their local communities.

2.2.2 To grow awareness of the discipline; sharing our thoughts, ideas, and working within a framework of openness and organizational transparency while promoting social responsibility among practitioners.

2.2.3 To seek opportunities to learn from those outside of the field and build bridges to related disciplines and organizations through research, education, advocacy, and community service.

2.2.4 To preserve content created by communities of practice, making it freely available to the public in as many languages as possible.

2.2.5 To provide such services to the community as are approved by the Board of Directors while inviting conversation around the work we are doing.

## Article 3. Restrictions and Non-Discrimination <a href="#article-3.-restrictions-and-non-discrimination" id="article-3.-restrictions-and-non-discrimination"></a>

### **3.1 Nonprofit Operation.** <a href="#id-3.1-nonprofit-operation" id="id-3.1-nonprofit-operation"></a>

The corporation shall be operated exclusively for purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the Code as a nonprofit corporation. No Director of the corporation shall have any title to or interest in the corporate property or earnings in the Director’s individual or private capacity, and no part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of any Director, Officer, or any individual.\\

### **3.2 Nondiscrimination.** <a href="#id-3.2-nondiscrimination" id="id-3.2-nondiscrimination"></a>

The Event Organizers, Directors, Officers, Committee Members and Employees of World IA Day shall be selected in a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.\\

### **3.3 Elections and Appointments.** <a href="#id-3.3-elections-and-appointments" id="id-3.3-elections-and-appointments"></a>

Shortly after World IA Day, Inc. is designated as a public charity, section 501(c)(3) of the Code, the founding Board will act in accordance with section 3.2 working in a collaborative and transparent manner to establish policies and procedures for all future Board of Director elections and appointments. Policies and procedures established for Board elections and appointments will be distributed through this guide.

### **3.4 Rights reserved.** <a href="#id-3.4-rights-reserved" id="id-3.4-rights-reserved"></a>

World IA Day reserves the right, in its sole discretion to:

(a) cancel, terminate, modify, extend or suspend the participation of any community member should the member be found in violation of community standards, be affiliated with fraud or other cause to corrupt or affect the administration, security, or for any other reason World IA Day deems necessary; or

\*\*(\*\*b) disqualify any community member it finds to be tampering with the entry process or operation of World IA Day; or

(c) refuse event participation or entry to any person for any reason World IA Day deems necessary and upholding World IA Day policies and procedures as defined in the [Organizer Guidebook](https://worldiaday.gitbook.io/organizer-guide/).

### **3.5 Dissolution.** <a href="#id-3.5-dissolution" id="id-3.5-dissolution"></a>

Upon dissolution of the corporation or the winding up of its affairs, the assets of World IA Day shall be distributed exclusively to organizations which would then qualify under the provisions of Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and its Regulations as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended.\\

## **Article 4. Finances** <a href="#article-4.-finances" id="article-4.-finances"></a>

### **4.1 Approved Depository.** <a href="#id-4.1-approved-depository" id="id-4.1-approved-depository"></a>

The Treasurer shall deposit all funds of World IA Day in a federally insured financial institution designated by the Board of Directors.

## **4.2 Fiscal Year.** <a href="#id-4.2-fiscal-year" id="id-4.2-fiscal-year"></a>

The fiscal year of World IA Day shall extend from July 1st to June 30th.

### **4.3 Budget.** <a href="#id-4.3-budget" id="id-4.3-budget"></a>

At the end of each fiscal year, the Board shall prepare or cause to be prepared a budget of estimated income and expenditures for the following year, which, having been agreed to by the Board, shall stand as the limit of expenditures for the respective purposes unless otherwise ordered by action of the Board.&#x20;

### **4.4 Bill Payments.** <a href="#id-4.4-bill-payments" id="id-4.4-bill-payments"></a>

All bills shall be paid by check or online payment by the Treasurer or another authorized officer. Bills over $1,500 USD must first have specific authorization by the Board. Written requests for expenditures of $1,500 USD or more, if not specified in the approved budget, must be approved by the Board and made public.

### **4.5 Account Reviews.** <a href="#id-4.5-account-reviews" id="id-4.5-account-reviews"></a>

Audit procedures by a certified public accountant or other qualified person shall be made at the Board’s discretion as needed. This review is to be determined upon presentation of the year-end financial statement. An annual financial statement of World IA Day shall be provided publicly.

## **Article 5. Rules and Records** <a href="#article-5.-rules-and-records" id="article-5.-rules-and-records"></a>

### **5.1 Rules and Guidelines.** <a href="#id-5.1-rules-and-guidelines" id="id-5.1-rules-and-guidelines"></a>

The Board of Directors may establish rules and guidelines that are consistent with these Bylaws for the policies, procedures, and programs of World IA Day.

### **5.2 Books and Records.** <a href="#id-5.2-books-and-records" id="id-5.2-books-and-records"></a>

World IA Day will maintain correct and complete books and records of account of the activities and transactions including: a copy of World IA Day’s application for tax-exempt status, copies of the IRS information return, and a copy of its Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and all amendments thereto. All books and records of World IA Day may be inspected by any Director or his or her agent or attorney for any proper purpose at any reasonable time.

## Article 6. Board of Directors <a href="#article-6.-board-of-directors" id="article-6.-board-of-directors"></a>

The responsibility of the founding board is to set up the organization as a nonprofit entity, establishing a set of guidelines and community standards, and lay the foundation for an operational framework that enables flexibility for the organization to grow while implementing a level of governance to promote responsible business decisions and fiscal transparency.

### 6.1 Composition of the Board. <a href="#id-6.1-composition-of-the-board" id="id-6.1-composition-of-the-board"></a>

The founding Board of Directors for World IA Day, Inc. consists of three (3) Officers: President, Director of Development (Treasurer) and Director of Operations (Secretary). Subsequent boards will be selected by a process established by the World IA Day community.

#### **6.1.1 President (Officer).**

It shall be the duty of the President to preside at meetings of the World IA Day and the Board and to perform other duties as ordinarily pertains to the office of President and as contained in the current World IA Day Board of Directors Guide.

#### **6.1.2 Treasurer (Officer).**

It shall be the duty of the Director of Development to serve as a Board Director and as the Board representative on the Governance Committee and Finance Committee, also performing such other duties as required by the President.

#### **6.1.3 Director of Operations (Officer).**

It shall be the duty of the Director of Operations to serve as a Board Director and as the Board representative on the Governance Committee, also performing such other duties as required by the President.

## **Article 7. Indemnification** <a href="#article-7.-indemnification" id="article-7.-indemnification"></a>

### **7.1 Indemnification.** <a href="#id-7.1-indemnification" id="id-7.1-indemnification"></a>

World IA Day shall indemnify each person who is or was a Director, Officer, or Committee Member and each person who serves or has served at the request of World IA Day as a Director, Officer, partner, employee or agent of any other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Florida as they may be in effect from time to time. The corporation may, to the Extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification to any employee, non-director volunteer, or agent of World IA Day to the fullest extent provided under the laws of the State of Florida as they may be in effect from time to time.

### **7.2 Insurance.** <a href="#id-7.2-insurance" id="id-7.2-insurance"></a>

World IA Day may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any such person against any liability asserted against and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the preceding two sentences.

## **Article 8. Amendments and Interpretation** <a href="#article-8.-amendments-and-interpretation" id="article-8.-amendments-and-interpretation"></a>

### **8.1 Amendments to Bylaws.** <a href="#id-8.1-amendments-to-bylaws" id="id-8.1-amendments-to-bylaws"></a>

These Bylaws may be amended by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board of Directors then in office. No amendment inconsistent with the Articles of Incorporation shall be effective prior to amendment of the Articles of Incorporation.

### **8.2 Interpretation of Bylaws.** <a href="#id-8.2-interpretation-of-bylaws" id="id-8.2-interpretation-of-bylaws"></a>

In the event of any ambiguity or dispute in the interpretation of these Bylaws, such ambiguity or dispute shall be resolved by majority vote of the Board of Directors.


# Regional Directors & Local Affiliates

Regional directors help support local organizers of the annual WIAD events. They are nominated from the community and volunteer to keep conversations in the local communities active.

* Latin America (LATAM) - 2
* Europe - 2
* Middle East and Africa (MEA) - 2
* North America (NORAM) - 2
* Asia Pacific (APAC) - 2


# Regional Director Responsibilities

The primary role of a World IA Day Regional Director is to serve as a regional contact working in conjunction with the relevant [Directors at large ](/about-the-board)and the [Content committee](/committees/publications-comms) to better serve the region. The Regional Director provides localized advice and feedback on:

* information dissemination
* local networking and educational opportunities
* conduct community outreach with local affiliates (organizers)
* sharing of World IA Day global policies and materials for sponsorship, mentorship at regional meetings, if applicable
* share updates about the region with the World IA Day Board of Directors
* as needed, recruit mentors from local organizations and universities to volunteer their time in helping local event teams and/or mentor
* devise effective tools and methodologies to engage communities within their region

Other responsibilities include:

* building an environment of advocacy for not only the World IA Day community within their region but information architecture as a field/discipline, in general
* identification and outreach to new local affiliates (organizers) to encourage information architecture-relevant events and programming throughout the year
* encouraging and cultivating leadership at the local affiliate level, as well as opportunities in the regional and global organization
* identification of organizations with whom World IA Day may consider future collaborations and partnerships and potentially serve as a liaison contact to initiate discussions

### Benefits and support

* Join a global network of regional directors all over the world
* Network, learn, and exchange ideas with other regional directors
* Receive online support via our World IA Day communities on Discord, etc
* View data for all local organizers, speakers, teams within your region
* Gain access to our resources and guides -- or help us build them

### Time commitment and learning more

The Regional Director serves for 2 years. This role is volunteer-based. Names of the Regional Director will be included on the World IA Day website and affiliated tools in recognition of their contributions to World IA Day and its activities.

The usual time commitment varies throughout the year but can be up to 6 hours per week, October through May

## [I want to nominate myself or someone I know.](https://bit.ly/wiad21-board)

Application to nominate: <https://bit.ly/wiad21-board>


# Community Advisors

Advisors guide World IA Day through mentoring as we define our goals and move towards achieving them in an effort to support our locations and grow information architecture communities around the world.

**Abby Covert -** [@abby\_the\_ia](https://twitter.com/abby_the_ia)

Abby prides herself on being an active organizer and mentor within the design community. She holds credit for inventing World Information Architecture Day.

**Dan Klyn** - [@danklyn](https://twitter.com/danklyn)

Dan was the president of the IA Institute from 2016-2018. He holds credit as co-founder of World Information Architecture Day and as the co-founder of an information architecture consulting company called The Understanding Group (TUG).

Other community advisors include: Peter Morville, Andrew Hinton, Russ Unger, Adam Polansky


# Committees

How can you get involved? How would you advance to leadership roles at World IA Day?

Besides getting involved at the local level and organizing World IA Day events, you can also get involved by showing initiative and leadership at one of the various World IA Day committees

## **What are committees?**

Committees:

* **may be permanent** -- e.g. Events. Committees tend to be created by those with high context but low capacity for action (such as officers or directors) as committee chairs and recruit contributors who are able to volunteer/act as stewards.
* **may be temporary** -- "task force" committees for certain purpose- may be subcommittees. For instance, a task force may be created to handle a certain/specific CoC incident

Chair commitments last about a year with the ability to advance to the Board.

![Tenative organizational model](/files/-MCGPmT7dbHk27welXyE)

## What committees can I join?

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Warning: This is experimental territory.** Expect this to be updated frequently.
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th>Name</th><th>Description</th><th data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Community &#x26; Events</strong></td><td>World IA Day, World IA Cafe, Taxonomy Talk and other community initiatives</td><td><a href="https://guides.worldiaday.org/community-and-events/">https://guides.worldiaday.org/community-and-events/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Finance &#x26; Development</strong></td><td>Sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising</td><td><a href="/spaces/uxsQLUNG3zCU4h6BFiGs/pages/CvBMp9I8R03OF2r62X54">/spaces/uxsQLUNG3zCU4h6BFiGs/pages/CvBMp9I8R03OF2r62X54</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Publications &#x26; Communications</strong></td><td>Newsletter, social media, website, Discord</td><td><a href="/pages/-LsuQ2mLOHx8TeCSB6o3">/pages/-LsuQ2mLOHx8TeCSB6o3</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Safety &#x26; Conduct</strong></td><td></td><td><a href="/spaces/3ka6x1krjGKqyLTQOVdO/pages/LhAY0RZ203v373wftasP">/spaces/3ka6x1krjGKqyLTQOVdO/pages/LhAY0RZ203v373wftasP</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Education</strong></td><td>Certificate program, Mentorship program</td><td><a href="/pages/-MCGFs6hkcbn7wCQiSRZ">/pages/-MCGFs6hkcbn7wCQiSRZ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Governance</strong></td><td></td><td><a href="/pages/-LtxKFTb00o6qpP4fU71">/pages/-LtxKFTb00o6qpP4fU71</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


# Publications & Communications

Manages WIAA's digital presence and member engagement through the website, blog, social media channels, and online communities.

The WIAA Publications & Communications Committee serves as the vital interface between the organization and its members, as well as the broader IA community and related professional fields. We create and curate valuable content, facilitate knowledge sharing, and connect information architecture practitioners worldwide. Join us to help shape the voice of our organization and advance the field of information architecture.

### Core Responsibilities

1. **Knowledge Dissemination**
   * Publishing thought leadership content on information architecture best practices
   * Documenting emerging trends, methodologies, and frameworks in IA
   * Sharing case studies and practical applications of IA principles
   * Creating educational resources for practitioners at various career stages
2. **Digital Presence Management**
   * Developing and maintaining the WIAA website as a central resource hub
   * Ensuring the website itself exemplifies excellent information architecture
   * Organizing content taxonomies and navigation systems that model best practices
   * Creating accessible, findable, and usable digital experiences
3. **Community Building**
   * Managing Discord and other online communities where IA practitioners can connect
   * Facilitating knowledge exchange between members with different specializations
   * Creating spaces for mentorship and professional development
   * Fostering international collaboration across geographical boundaries
4. **Content Strategy**
   * Developing an editorial calendar aligned with WIAA's mission and objectives
   * Coordinating blog content from committee members and guest contributors
   * Ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and messaging across all channels
   * Balancing technical content with more accessible material for newcomers
5. **Outreach and Advocacy**
   * Promoting the value of information architecture to related disciplines
   * Building connections with UX, content strategy, and design communities
   * Representing WIAA's perspective on industry developments
   * Amplifying members' contributions to the field

### What do we expect from members of the Publications & Communications committee?

* **Contribute Content**: Write articles, blog posts, or social media content that provides value to the IA community.
* **Regular Participation**: Attend scheduled committee meetings and actively participate in online discussions.
* **Content Review**: Help review and provide feedback on content created by other committee members.
* **Channel Management**: Take responsibility for specific communication channels (website, blog, social media, or Discord) on a rotating basis.
* **Community Engagement**: Respond to member questions and comments across platforms, fostering meaningful discussions.
* **Content Planning**: Collaborate on editorial calendars and communication strategies.
* **Cross-Committee Liaison**: Work with other WIAA committees to effectively communicate their initiatives.

Committee members typically commit to:

* Monthly or quarterly meetings (1-2 hours each)
* 2-5 hours per month for various committee activities
* Possible attendance at key WIAA events

## Task Forces

* [Website](/committees/publications-comms/website)
* [Editorial & Content](/committees/publications-comms/editorial-and-content)
* [Social Media](/committees/publications-comms/social-media)
* [Online Community](/committees/publications-comms/online-community)
* [Archives](/committees/publications-comms/archives)
* [Resource Hub](/committees/publications-comms/resource-hub) - Includes content collection, resource library, and more

### How can you join or contribute to the Publications & Communications committee?

Contact the committee chair or volunteer liaison and fill out the [volunteer application form](https://forms.worldiaday.org/volunteer-signup).

## Committee Members

| Role         | Name |
| ------------ | ---- |
| Lead         |      |
| Member       |      |
| Social media |      |
| Newsletters  |      |


# Website

The Website Task Force within WIAA's Publications & Communications Committee is responsible for managing and evolving the association's primary digital presence, ensuring it serves as both a showcase for information architecture excellence and a valuable resource hub for the community-at-large.

### Core Responsibilities

* **IA Excellence**: Design and maintain an exemplary information architecture for the WIAA website that demonstrates best practices in the field.
* **Content Management**: Regularly update website content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and freshness across all sections.
* **User Experience**: Continuously improve site navigation, search functionality, and overall usability based on member feedback and usage analytics.
* **Technical Maintenance**: Handle technical aspects including hosting, security updates, plugin management, and performance optimization.
* **Accessibility**: Ensure the website meets or exceeds accessibility standards, making WIAA content available to all users regardless of ability.
* **Responsive Design**: Maintain optimal user experience across devices, from desktop to mobile platforms.
* **Member Features**: Implement and maintain member-specific functionality such as profiles, directories, or exclusive content areas.
* **Analytics & Insights**: Monitor website performance metrics and user behavior to inform ongoing improvements.
* **Cross-Platform Integration**: Create seamless connections between the website and other WIAA digital channels (social media, Discord, etc.).
* **Visual Identity**: Maintain consistent branding and visual design that reflects WIAA's professional identity.

The Website Task Force essentially serves as the architect and caretaker of WIAA's digital home, creating a space that not only provides practical value to members but also stands as a living demonstration of effective information architecture principles. As the most visible and permanent representation of WIAA online, the website requires dedicated attention to ensure it embodies the organization's expertise and values.


# Editorial & Content

The Editorial & Content Task Force within WIAA's Publications & Communications Committee is responsible for developing, curating, and managing high-quality written content that educates, inspires, and strengthens the information architecture community.

### Core Responsibilities

* **Content Strategy**: Develop a cohesive editorial vision that aligns with WIAA's mission and serves the needs of members at different career stages.
* **Blog Management**: Oversee the WIAA blog, including topic planning, author recruitment, editing, publishing, and promotion.
* **Article Development**: Create substantive content that explores IA principles, methodologies, case studies, and emerging trends in the field.
* **Editorial Calendar**: Maintain a structured schedule of content releases across platforms to ensure consistent publication.
* **Quality Assurance**: Review and edit all content to maintain high standards of clarity, accuracy, and relevance to the IA community.
* **Guest Contributor Program**: Recruit and guide external experts to share diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge.
* **Style Guide Management**: Develop and maintain content guidelines that ensure consistency in voice, terminology, and formatting.
* **Content Repurposing**: Adapt existing content for different platforms and formats to maximize reach and utility.
* **Educational Resources**: Create practical resources like guides, templates, and reference materials that help practitioners apply IA principles.
* **Cross-Committee Content**: Work with other WIAA committees to develop content that communicates their initiatives and expertise.

The Editorial & Content Task Force essentially serves as WIAA's publishing team, creating the substantive materials that document the evolving discipline of information architecture, share best practices, and build the organization's intellectual foundation. Their work goes beyond communication to actively contribute to the knowledge base of the field and provide lasting value to WIAA members and the broader IA community.


# Social Media

The Social Media Task Force within WIAA's Publications & Communications Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining the association's presence across digital platforms to amplify WIAA's voice, expand its reach, and engage with the broader information architecture community.

### Core Responsibilities

* **Platform Management**: Maintain active and professional presence on relevant social media channels where IA professionals and adjacent disciplines gather.
* **Content Creation**: Develop platform-specific content that showcases WIAA's expertise, highlights member achievements, and promotes IA best practices.
* **Community Engagement**: Respond to comments, questions, and mentions across platforms to foster two-way communication with followers and the wider community.
* **Advocacy**: Promote information architecture principles and practices to related fields and potential practitioners through accessible, engaging content.
* **Event Promotion**: Create buzz around WIAA events, webinars, publications, and initiatives to drive participation and membership.
* **Trend Monitoring**: Stay attuned to industry conversations and relevant trending topics to ensure WIAA remains current and contributes meaningfully to important discussions.
* **Visual Asset Development**: Create graphics, short videos, and other visual content optimized for different social platforms.
* **Audience Growth**: Implement strategies to expand WIAA's following and reach new audiences interested in information architecture.
* **Analytics & Reporting**: Track performance metrics across platforms to refine strategies and demonstrate the impact of social media efforts.
* **Cross-Committee Amplification**: Collaborate with other WIAA committees to effectively promote their work and initiatives through social channels.

The Social Media Task Force essentially serves as WIAA's public voice, translating complex IA concepts into engaging content that builds awareness of the field, attracts new practitioners, and positions WIAA as a thought leader in the information architecture community.

### Platforms we're on:&#x20;

* LinkedIn
  * Page
  * Group
* Instagram
* YouTube
* Bluesky
* Twitter — phased out in 2024
* Facebook — phased out in 2023
*


# Online Community

The Online Community Task Force within WIAA's Publications & Communications Committee focuses on building and nurturing vibrant digital spaces where information architecture professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow together.

### Core Responsibilities

* **Community Building**: Create and maintain welcoming online spaces (particularly Discord) where IA practitioners can form meaningful connections across geographical boundaries.
* **Engagement Facilitation**: Develop strategies to encourage active participation, including discussion prompts, AMAs, themed conversations, and virtual events.
* **Moderation**: Establish and enforce community guidelines that promote respectful, inclusive, and productive interactions among members.
* **Onboarding**: Design processes to welcome new members, help them navigate community resources, and integrate them into the existing community.
* **Knowledge Exchange**: Create structured opportunities for members to share expertise, ask questions, and collaborate on challenges they face in their work.
* **Professional Development**: Organize mentorship programs, skill-sharing initiatives, and career development discussions within the online community.
* **Cross-Platform Integration**: Ensure cohesion between Discord and other WIAA platforms, directing members to relevant resources across the organization.
* **Feedback Collection**: Gather insights from community members about their needs and preferences to continuously improve the online experience.
* **Special Interest Facilitation**: Support the formation and growth of sub-communities focused on specific aspects of information architecture.
* **Metrics and Reporting**: Track engagement metrics and community health indicators to assess effectiveness and guide strategic decisions.

The Online Community Task Force essentially serves as the digital equivalent of hosts at a professional gathering—creating spaces where meaningful connections happen, ensuring everyone feels welcome, and fostering the conversations that advance both individual careers and the discipline as a whole.

* LinkedIn group moderation and management
* Discord channel moderation and management
* Discussion facilitation and prompts
* Community support and onboarding
* Community guidelines enforcement
* Special interest group coordination

Note that Slack is no longer active as of July 2020


# Archives

Preserves the organization's institutional memory and document the evolution of information architecture as a discipline

The Archives Task Force within the WIAA Publications & Communications Committee would be responsible for preserving and organizing the association's historical knowledge and content. This task force plays a crucial role in maintaining the institutional memory of WIAA and documenting the evolution of information architecture as a discipline, creating a valuable resource for both current members and future practitioners.

### Core Responsibilities

* **Content Preservation**: Systematically archive important WIAA publications, presentations, webinars, and other digital assets to ensure long-term accessibility.
* **Knowledge Management**: Develop and maintain a searchable repository of past articles, blog posts, talks, and significant discussions from online communities.
* **Metadata Strategy**: Create consistent tagging and categorization systems to make archived materials easily discoverable.
* **Historical Documentation**: Record key milestones, events, and developments in the organization's history and the broader field of information architecture. This includes the IAI archive.
* **Content Curation**: Identify valuable historical content that could be repurposed or highlighted in current communications.
* **Legacy Platform Migration**: Ensure content from previous websites, forums, or platforms is properly preserved during digital transitions.
* **Case Study Collection**: Gather and organize case studies and project examples that demonstrate IA principles and evolution over time.
* **Oral History**: Conduct and preserve interviews with influential members and pioneers in the information architecture field.
* **Research Support**: Provide historical materials to support current research, publications, or educational initiatives.
* **Digital Preservation Standards**: Implement best practices for long-term digital preservation to ensure content remains accessible despite changing technologies.


# Resource Hub

Develops and organizes a comprehensive repository of IA resources, tools, templates, and educational materials.

The Resource Hub Task Force within WIAA's Publications & Communications Committee is responsible for creating, curating, and maintaining a comprehensive collection of information architecture resources that serve practitioners at all career stages.

### Core Responsibilities

* **Content Curation**: Identify, evaluate, and organize valuable IA resources including articles, tools, templates, frameworks, and educational materials.
* **Taxonomy Development**: Create and refine a robust classification system that makes resources easily discoverable through multiple access points.
* **Quality Control**: Establish criteria for resource inclusion and regularly review existing materials to ensure continued relevance and accuracy.
* **User Research**: Understand member needs and information-seeking behaviors to optimize resource organization and presentation.
* **Contribution System**: Develop processes for members to contribute resources while maintaining quality standards.
* **Resource Development**: Identify gaps in available materials and commission or create new resources to address these needs.
* **Cross-Discipline Integration**: Include relevant resources from related fields such as architecture, cognitive psychology, UX design, content strategy, and user research.
* **Discoverability**: Work with the Website Task Force to implement effective search and browse functionality for the resource collection.
* **Context & Guidance**: Provide introductory materials and learning paths to help users navigate resources based on their needs and experience levels.
* **Metrics & Usage**: Track resource utilization to understand which materials provide the most value and identify areas for expansion.

This task force serves as WIAA's knowledge curators, creating a valuable member benefit that supports professional development and elevates practice throughout the IA community. By centralizing this responsibility, WIAA can build a cohesive, comprehensive collection that becomes an authoritative repository of information architecture knowledge.


# Governance

We believe the way forward is to establish a governance committee to support sound decision making and adherence to our mission. This committee will be called on to uncover blindspots, ensure adherence to sound business practices, and hold the board responsible for their promise to move us closer to our mission.

* Determine rules for members, organizers, events
* Review committee charters and organization bylaws and make recommendations for any changes in order to correct inconsistencies and bring documents and practices in line with organization mission and values.

### What do we expect from members of the governance committee?

* Be a supportive partner in defining organizational governance, including its structure, culture, processes, and practices.
* Review budgets, bylaws, and code of conduct
* Oversee endeavors of other subcommittees to make sure the initiatives align with the organizational mission
* Contribute at a minimum of 3 hours a month to attend quarterly meetings and contribute to discussions

### How is one invited to the governance committee?

We look for those who are:

* active in the community. For instance, they have given back to the community as a speaker, mentor, volunteer, researcher, and/or organizer
* have a passion for advancing the field of information architecture
* have some experience with business or nonprofit operations

## Committee Members

| Role            | Name      |
| --------------- | --------- |
| Lead, Officer   | Grace Lau |
| Member, Officer |           |
| Member, Officer |           |
| Member          |           |
| Member          |           |
| Member          |           |
|                 |           |

## Questions

* **Should all officers be part of the Governance Committee?** Yes, the "minimally viable board" is an essential part of the governance committee.
* **How can someone be recruited?** Mostly invited and we take nominations.


# Education

The Education Committee identifies emerging trends and knowledge gaps within the field of information architecture, develops responsive educational programming, and ensures the delivery of learning experiences across various formats. Committee members collaborate to establish educational standards, evaluate program effectiveness, and align learning initiatives with the association's strategic goals.

### What do we expect from members of the Education committee?

* **Attend Regular Meetings**: Participate in scheduled committee meetings to discuss educational initiatives, review progress, and make decisions
* **Program Planning**: Help develop annual educational calendars and curriculum roadmaps
* **Content Review**: Evaluate proposed educational materials and programs for relevance, accuracy, and quality
* **Needs Assessment**: Gather and analyze data about community educational needs and preferences
* **Subject Matter Expertise**: Contribute knowledge in specialized areas relevant to the association's field
* **Resource Development**: Help create or review educational materials, handouts, and resources

Committee members typically commit to:

* Monthly or quarterly meetings (1-2 hours each)
* 2-5 hours per month for various committee activities
* Possible attendance at key WIAA events

### How can you join or contribute to the Education committee?

Contact the committee chair or volunteer liaison and fill out the [volunteer application form](https://forms.worldiaday.org/volunteer-signup).

## Questions

Contact: <education@worldiaday.org>

## Committee Members

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th>Year active</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">LinkedIn</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Rupa Misra</strong></td><td>2020-present</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupamisra/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupamisra/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Shari Thurow</strong></td><td>2022-present</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-thurow/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-thurow/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Bev Corwin</strong></td><td>2023-present</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevcorwin/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bevcorwin/</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Noreen Whysel</strong></td><td>2023-present</td><td><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwhysel/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/nwhysel/</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


# Mentorship

Mission

## Committee Members

| Role        | Name |
| ----------- | ---- |
| Chair       |      |
| Chair-elect |      |
| Member      |      |


# Past Members

Previously:&#x20;

* Krispian Emert, 2019-2022


# Special Projects

* [Community Research](https://worldiaday.org/projects/community-research)
* [WIAD Content Collection](https://worldiaday.org/projects/wiad-content-collection)
* [State of Information Architecture](https://worldiaday.org/projects/state-of-ia)


# Research

For strategic projects/outreach

* Webinars
* Resource library

## Task Forces

* Specific webinar
* State of IA (job skills, demographics, etc)