Special Interest Groups

AER’s Interest Groups provide members with a collaborative forum to promote the mission and goals of the organization. These groups serve as spaces to assess and discuss key issues, share expertise, make recommendations to the Board, and support professional development and continuing education opportunities.

All AER members are welcome to join any Interest Group. Specific participation guidelines or restrictions, if any, will be outlined in AER’s Policy and Procedure Manual and approved by the Board. Each group may also establish membership dues, subject to Board approval and detailed in the Policy and Procedure Manual.

Leadership within each Interest Group is member-driven. Groups elect a chairperson-elect, secretary, and any additional officers as determined by majority vote. Leadership follows a clear succession plan: the chairperson-elect advances to chairperson, and the current chairperson transitions into the role of past chairperson. The chair is responsible for reporting to the Board and ensuring alignment with AER’s governance standards.

Interest Groups operate with accountability and structure. Each group is required to develop and submit an annual budget for Board approval, as well as maintain its own Policy and Procedure Manual. These manuals, guided by AER Bylaws, will be filed with the AER office and made accessible on the AER website.