Special Interest Groups

 1. Mission Alignment

• The SIG must support the association’s overall mission and strategic goals.
• The focus should enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, education, research, and/or advocacy within urogynecology and related areas.

2. Defined Scope and Objectives

The proposed SIG must have a clear:

• Topic area (e.g., pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, surgical innovations, pelvic floor imaging).
• Target audience (e.g., urogynecologists, nurse practitioners, pelvic floor physical therapists).
• Objectives, such as:
  • Advancing clinical best practices
  • Promoting research and publications
  • Hosting interactive discussions or journal clubs
  • Supporting early-career professionals

3. Minimum Membership Interest

• An initial threshold number of interested members (10) must express intent to join.
• A formal interest petition or survey may be required to demonstrate need and viability.
• An annual review of the number of members participating will be conducted for all SIGs.  The minimum threshold number of participating members after one year of existence and each year after is 10 members. 

4. Leadership Commitment

• At least two volunteer leaders must be identified to encourage member engagement and the fulfillment of the SIGs objectives.
• Volunteer leaders must appoint a replacement if they are no longer willing or able to serve as lead and report to AUGS staff. 

5. Application Requirements

A formal application or proposal must include:

• Title of SIG
• Description of SIG, including purpose
• Names of two volunteer leaders who are willing to monitor discussions in the group and post content
• Agreement that content will be posted in the AUGS online community at least quarterly

6. Approval Process

• Proposals will be reviewed by the Membership Committee.
• Approval is contingent on alignment with association goals, resource availability, and strategic fit.

7. Annual Review

Once approved, the SIG must submit an annual report summarizing activity, engagement metrics, and outcomes. The report will be included in the October Board of Directors meeting.

Support for SIGs

Special Interest Groups are designed to be member-led initiatives that foster peer-to-peer connection, collaboration, and shared learning. To maintain their grassroots and member-driven nature, AUGS will not provide financial support for SIG activities (including but limited to AudioVisual, speaker travel or registration for SIG meetings, food and beverage), nor will staff be assigned to manage or attend SIG meetings. Members are encouraged to take ownership of these groups, ensuring they remain community-driven spaces that reflect the interests of their participants.