Special interest groups (SIGs)—also known as professional interest groups or components—are communities within a larger organization, created around a shared interest in specific areas of knowledge, learning, technology, or other characteristics of membership. SIGs offer additional benefits for association members, such as access to subject-specific information and resources, educational opportunities, networking with like-minded peers, and volunteer leadership opportunities.

SIG programs differ from a traditional chapter structure, usually based on geographic location, by bringing together subsections of members based on their individual interests and focuses. This makes SIGs helpful for large, broad organizations whose members may represent or work in a variety of specializations.

But as industries and contexts evolve, the question arises: Are SIGs still relevant?

Special Interest Group Benefits

"As a member of associations with SIGs, I couldn't do without them—[SIGs include] people I can contact who understand what I'm dealing with, without lots of explanation," says Carolyn Thompson, president of Training Systems, Inc., a consultancy that leads association trainings. She adds that listservers from such components, networks, or groups are particularly helpful for sharing ideas and quick responses from others with similar interests or concerns.

While in some organizations SIGs are independent of the national organization, at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, they are a large and relevant part of the parent group. The SIG program formed from grassroots interests, diverse needs, and the initiative of ASHA members in practice areas and settings in and across the discipline of communication sciences and disorders (CSD). The SIG program has nearly doubled in size to 19 groups since its inception in the late 1980s.

To maintain and enhance the success of a SIG, the proper leadership needs to be in place to help the group adapt to changes in structure, programs, operations, and resource availability as needs change and SIGs grow.

SIGs are dedicated to the professional concerns of members and the association as a whole. These groups serve as a resource to the association for the purpose of carrying out activities and programs designed to address the specific needs of the CSD discipline and its clients—people with communication and related disorders, including swallowing and balance.

In various communications channels, new and existing members are informed of the opportunity to join a SIG as an ASHA member benefit. SIGs publish an online, peer-reviewed newsletter; provide continuing education opportunities, leadership development, and networking opportunities; and conduct affiliate (i.e., members) meetings. They also identify issues that need to be considered by ASHA, then work with other groups to create distinct resources or activities—like convention sessions, products, and web chats—uniquely offered by the SIGs that are tied to those issues while complementing the association's activities. Each SIG has its own coordinating committee responsible for planning and coordinating these activities and supporting their members.

Special Interest Group Challenges

With so many benefits, is there ever a point at which SIGs become irrelevant?

"An anemic group can drag things down if it is not producing, lacks goals, or has inactive or weak leadership," says Jennifer Ian, MBA, CAE, director of member services and chapter relations at the American Thoracic Society. "It may require staff leadership to bring it up again."

SIGs may experience growing pains as they develop. To maintain and enhance the success of a SIG, the proper leadership needs to be in place to help the group adapt to changes in structure, programs, operations, and resource availability as needs change and SIGs grow. A struggling group may need to implement a new strategic plan, maintain open lines of communication, and keep the group moving forward. This action could require staff intervention or help from higher leadership, like a board liaison.

Special interest groups can provide a wealth of benefits to both members and the organization. Effective SIGs strengthen an organization while providing additional opportunities for education, leadership, and networking with like-minded members who share a passion for the cause. The key to keeping SIGs effective is strong leadership, sufficient resources, and integration within the organization to maintain their member value.