IANDS Group Affiliation Policy

Version 1.1 - June 14, 2010

One of the stated purposes of the International Association for Near-Death Experiences (IANDS) is to support near-death experiencers (NDErs). The IANDS Bylaws state that one of its purposes is "To serve as a fraternal organization for those who have experienced such phenomena" (Article II, Purposes).

Another, related, purpose of IANDS is to "Encourage the exchange of ideas and the communication of findings about near-death and related experiences" (Bylaws Article II, Purposes). Supporting this purpose, an IANDS membership brochure states that IANDS is "To serve as a contact point and community for people with particular interest in near-death and related experiences."

IANDS Affiliated Groups (Groups) are one of the major means by which these two IANDS purposes are carried out. Groups serve near-death experiencers by providing understanding and information to those who have had such experiences. Groups also offer education and discussion of near-death and related experiences to the general public in a supportive, accessible setting.

IANDS Affiliated Groups may be formed to serve specific communities interested in near-death and related experiences. An Affiliated Group may be geographically based, such as a country, city or regional Group, or may serve an Internet or telephone connected community. The governance, control, bank accounts, and finances of Affiliated Groups shall be separate and distinct from those of IANDS itself.

Any IANDS member may form an IANDS Affiliated Group and may obtain support in doing so from an IANDS Board member assigned to Groups. When an IANDS member proposes to form a Group in their community, they may contact the office to obtain the documents available to help start-up Groups, including IANDS Policies for Affiliated Groups, and to get contact information for the Board member(s) assigned to Groups.

The following are requirements for all Groups who wish affiliation with IANDS:

•1.      The leader(s) of IANDS Affiliated Groups shall be members of IANDS.

•2.      A proposed Group shall apply for affiliation status with IANDS in writing (may be by email), supplying IANDS with the name of the Group, the leader's name, address, telephone number and email address. Groups shall keep IANDS informed of any changes in their contact information or of termination of the Group or of its affiliation status.

•3.      The Group shall agree to operate in harmony with the mission and purposes of IANDS, to focus primarily on the NDE and similar experiences, and to follow IANDS Policies for Affiliated Groups.

•4.      The Group shall agree to be open to people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and views and to not proselytize any single interpretation of near-death experiences or point of view.

•5.      The Group shall agree not to engage in legislative (lobbying) or political activities using the IANDS name (as this would jeopardize the IANDS tax exempt status) and shall agree not to otherwise bring harm to IANDS, its name, or its Groups.

•6.      The Group shall make every effort to assure that all people will be safe at their meetings, and therefore shall agree not to offer instruction in any procedure that mimics the NDE or any of its aspects during their meetings.

•7.      To be designated as an "IANDS Affiliate Group" in good standing, a group will submit the group affiliation fee of $50 with a completed group organizational request form pledging adherence to IANDS policies as described herein. 

•8.      Thereafter, by October first of each year the group shall maintain affiliation status in good standing by submitting the affiliation renewal fee of $50 accompanied by an annual group status report including up-to-date group leadership and contact information.

Upon approval of an affiliation request by a new group, IANDS will:

•1.      Grant affiliation, in writing, to the Group.

•2.      Provide a start-up packet to the leader(s), list the Group on the IANDS web site, and provide mentoring for new Group leaders, if desired.

•3.      Invite the Group leader(s) to take part in annual Leaders Seminars, monthly conference calls, and periodic selection of a Board Member at Large for Groups (BMLG), if and when such are conducted.

•4.      Provide back issues of Vital Signs, other printed brochures and pamphlets, if desired by the Group, as long as supplies last, as samples for Group attendees.

•5.      Group leaders and their representatives are invited to join the IANDS Group Leaders Network website to share with and gain experience from existing groups participating in this online tool sponsored by IANDS.

While it is understood that IANDS Affiliated Groups are separate financial entities from IANDS, Groups are encouraged to contribute a portion of their proceeds to IANDS for the operating expenses of the international offices and for IANDS program outreach, including that outreach which supports Groups.  Periodic donations are welcomed in any amount.

In addition, Groups are encouraged to provide information to their attendees on how to join IANDS and how to take advantage of other IANDS programs, including the annual conference and the web site.