On 18 August 2010 the Board of Directors established a new category of membership in the Federation, that of Affiliate Organizations. The purpose of this action was to provide a mechanism for organizations to be become affiliated with the Federation that are not large national or regional groups, or that do not encompass in their mission the full range of subjects and methodologies that support the science of mammalogy.

The policy statements below describe the nature and function of such affiliated groups. Those interested in exploring this membership option should contact any member of the Board of Directors.

1. NATURE OF AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS.

This category of membership is for mammalogical organizations that are too small or too narrowly focused to qualify for regular membership in the Federation. Such groups, however, must bring to the Federation some particular expertise in mammalogy that would potentially enrich the Federation through close collaboration. The affiliated groups would also benefit from the contacts and interactions made possible through affiliation with IFM, and through their participation in the International Mammalogical Congresses.

2. APPLICATION PROCESS.

Application for membership as an Affiliate Organization must be made to the Board of Directors, usually through the Secretary. The application should explain how the proposed collaboration would be mutually beneficial to both parties, and provide evidence that the applicant organization is likely to persist in its present form for a reasonable length of years.

3. STRUCTURAL CONNECTIONS.

Affiliate Organizations must designate a contact person who will be the primary communication link for the organization. This contact arrangement can be changed at any time by notifying the Secretary of the Federation, although it would be preferable not to make changes within the month preceding a Congress. These contact persons will not be members of the Board of Directors, but will be welcome as guests at any meetings of the Board. When appropriate, contact persons may serve as members of Federation committees, and they may also nominate persons to be members of any committee by contacting the relevant Committee Chair and/or the President. Affiliate Organizations will be listed on the Federation website along with contact information.

4. DISSOLUTION OF MEMBERSHIP.

If at some point the collaboration between the Affiliated Organization and the Federation becomes unproductive, the membership can be rescinded by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

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CURRENT AFFILIATE ORGANIZATION MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION

• Small Carnivore Specialist Group, Species Survival Commission (IUCN) – Contact person: Jerrold L. Belant; jbelant@CFR.msstate.edu
  Dated admitted to membership: 15 September 2010