http://www.aarweb.org/About_AAR/Related_Organizations/rsopolicy.asp
AAR Policy Statement on Related Scholarly Organizations
The American Academy of Religion (AAR) welcomes opportunities to cooperate with organizations that have similar missions. Such organizations may apply for formal recognition as Related Scholarly Organizations (RSOs). A full list of current RSOs is available on the Related Scholarly Organizations page.Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, an organization should have these characteristics:
- Be independent, not-for-profit, formally organized, and at least two years old;
- Have a national or international constituency;
- Have a majority of members who are professional scholars or teachers;
- Evince interest in the study of religion;
- Support free inquiry and critical examination;
- Act in a manner consistent with AAR policies on nondiscrimination, harassment, and professional standards.
Benefits Exchange: In a spirit of cooperation and reciprocity, AAR offers the following benefits to RSOs:
- Recognition as an RSO on the AAR website and a link to the RSO's website.
- Recognition of the RSO in the AAR Annual Meeting Program Book front matter, including a brief description of the association (250 words or fewer).
- Discounted rates for meeting space at the AAR Annual Meeting and for AAR membership-list rental.
- A headquarters hotel room hold for one leader from each RSO.
- Listing of the RSO’s program within the AAR’s program in the Program Book, rather than simply with other additional meetings.
Application Process: To be accepted as an RSO, an organization submits a request to the AAR Executive Director. Once the dossier is complete, the request for RSO status is considered by the Board of Directors. The Board meets twice annually, in the spring and immediately before the November Annual Meeting. Petitions are considered only annually, at the spring meeting of the AAR Board. Requests must be received by March 1, addressed to:
Executive Director
AAR Executive Office
825 Houston Mill RD NE STE 300
Atlanta, GA 30329-4205
USA
The Executive Director will inform the petitioner of the Board's decisions by May 30 that same year. The petition needs to include the following:
- A copy of the organization's governing documents (e.g., constitution and bylaws);
- A list of elected officers, their titles, and their institutional affiliations;
- A copy of an issue of the organization's journal, newsletter, program book, or similar publications;
- A one-page description of the organization that addresses RSO eligibility criteria.
RSO status remains effective only so long as the organization continues to meet eligibility criteria; the AAR Board may accordingly rescind RSO status at any time.
