According to the International Constitution, a Member Society (MS) is composed of at least 5 members permanently resident within that country or region. While formation of National Member Societies (NMS) is encouraged, if there are insufficient interested parties within the country, formation of a Regional Member Society is an alternative.
If the Member Society consists of at least five members, it is entitled to apply to the Executive Board for representation on the International Committee. Member Societies with 100-200 members are entitled to two representatives, those with 201-300 members are entitled to three, and those with more than 301 members are entitled to four representatives on the International Committee. One obvious benefit in a Member Society, therefore, is that you have representation within the governing structure of the Society and a voice in its affairs. Moreover, by providing an organised forum within your own country for a multi-disciplinary group with similar interests, you may stimulate a wide variety of activities. This has happened in all of our Member Societies to a greater or lesser extent.
The first stage might be to attempt to arrange a meeting of all those interested in this venture, inviting non-members who might be attracted to joining ISPO when they see the possibility of a national or regional focus. Such a meeting might be arranged alongside some other event in your country, such as a meeting of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rehabilitation Medicine Specialists, Prosthetists, Orthotists, Therapists, or a similar event. If, for one reason or another, a meeting is not practicable, or would lead to a long delay, you might also consider doing this by correspondence. You might then form an Interim Committee to handle the details of the establishment of a Member Society.
You must take into account any legal requirements which may exist in your country in relation to societies and, for example, the handling of financial matters. A constitution must be drafted which is compatible with the International Constitution. The ISPO Office will help you with this by providing a constitution template; you may accept this or suggest amendments.
To remain in good standing, each member society must forward membership fees to the ISPO Office (at least) once per year. Details regarding the membership structure and protocols are attached. Member Societies are permitted to charge members a higher fee than the international fee, the difference being used by the National Member Society for its own operation.
The next stage would be to send to the ISPO Secretary the following:
(i) Confirmation that the ISPO Constitution or an amended version is acceptable to you;
(ii) English language translation of the MS Constitution;
(iii) A list of names, addresses, telephone, fax, e-mail of your Office Bearers - normally Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer;
(iv) Name and address of the MS contact person (this would normally be the Secretary of your Member Society).
Once this stage has been satisfactorily completed, the ISPO Secretary will present your proposal to the Executive Board for its approval.
John W. Michael
ISPO Secretary
