IACAET Membership Policy

International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET)

Membership Policy

Version 1.0
July, 2026

1. Purpose

The Membership Policy establishes the principles, eligibility, rights, responsibilities, and administrative procedures governing membership in the International Association for Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (IACAET).

Membership provides individuals and organizations with the opportunity to participate in an international professional community dedicated to advancing creative arts in education, therapy, arts in health, somatic and embodied practices, and related interdisciplinary fields.

This Policy supports transparent, fair, and inclusive membership administration while promoting meaningful international collaboration, professional development, ethical practice, and intercultural dialogue.

2. Membership Principles

IACAET membership is guided by the following principles:

• international collaboration and dialogue;
• inclusiveness, diversity, and equity;
• professionalism and ethical conduct;
• respect for cultural and disciplinary diversity;
• transparency and accountability;
• lifelong learning and professional development; and
• shared responsibility for advancing the mission and values of the Association.

Membership in IACAET is voluntary and does not in itself constitute professional certification, registration, licensure, or credentialing.

3. Membership Categories

IACAET currently offers the following membership categories:

Individual Membership
Available to individuals who support the mission and objectives of IACAET.

Organizational Membership
Available to organizations, institutions, universities, professional associations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other organizations that support the mission and objectives of IACAET.

The Board of Directors may establish additional membership categories or classifications as the Association develops.

4. Eligibility

Applicants should:

• support the mission, vision, and values of IACAET;
• agree to comply with the IACAET Member Code of Conduct and other applicable Association policies;
• provide accurate application information; and
• pay the applicable membership fee.

IACAET welcomes members from diverse professional backgrounds, cultures, countries, and disciplines that contribute to the advancement of creative arts in education, therapy, health, community development, research, and related fields.

Membership is open regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political belief, or cultural background.

5. Application and Admission

Applications shall normally be submitted through the official IACAET membership system.

Applicants may be required to provide information including:

• name and contact information;
• country and affiliation;
• professional background;
• areas of interest; and
• any other information reasonably required to administer membership.

Membership becomes effective upon approval of the application and payment of the applicable membership fee.

IACAET reserves the right to request additional information where necessary.

The Association may decline an application where it reasonably determines that membership would be inconsistent with the mission, values, or policies of IACAET.

6. Membership Fees and Renewal

Membership is subject to payment of the applicable membership fee.

IACAET currently maintains Standard and Reduced membership fee categories. Current membership fees, eligibility criteria, and membership benefits are determined by the Board of Directors and published on the official IACAET website.

All individuals serving in the Executive Committee, Standing Committees, Regional Networks, Task Forces, Working Groups, and other official volunteer leadership roles are normally expected to maintain active Individual Membership.

Recognizing the diverse economic circumstances of its international community, IACAET seeks to ensure that financial considerations do not become a barrier to participation. Members experiencing financial hardship may confidentially request additional fee assistance, which may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Executive Committee or its delegated authority.

Membership is normally valid for one year from the date of activation and may be renewed upon payment of the applicable renewal fee.

Members are responsible for ensuring that their contact information remains current.

Failure to renew membership may result in the expiration of membership benefits.

7. Rights and Benefits

Members may be eligible to:

• participate in IACAET conferences, webinars, educational activities, and professional events;
• receive Association news, announcements, and member communications;
• participate in committees, working groups, task forces, and volunteer initiatives where appropriate;
• contribute to the international professional dialogue promoted by IACAET;
• engage with Creative Arts in Education and Therapy (CAET), the Association’s official scholarly journal, and related research and publication initiatives;
• access member benefits made available by the Association from time to time; and
• use their IACAET membership in accordance with Association policies.

Certain benefits may vary according to membership category or other eligibility requirements established by IACAET.

8. Responsibilities of Members

Members are expected to:

• uphold the mission, vision, and values of IACAET;
• comply with the IACAET Member Code of Conduct and other applicable Association policies;
• provide accurate and up-to-date membership information;
• maintain respectful and professional conduct in Association activities;
• contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and culturally respectful professional community;
• use IACAET membership responsibly and honestly; and
• pay membership fees when due.

9. Suspension and Termination of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated where a member:

• fails to comply with the IACAET Member Code of Conduct or other applicable Association policies;
• engages in conduct that seriously harms the reputation, interests, or integrity of IACAET;
• provides materially false or misleading information in connection with membership;
• fails to pay membership fees after reasonable notice; or
• voluntarily resigns from membership.

Before suspension or termination, the Association will normally provide the member with an opportunity to respond, unless immediate action is considered necessary to protect the Association, its members, or the public.

The Board of Directors or its delegated authority shall make the final decision regarding suspension or termination.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

IACAET is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its members.

Personal information will be collected, used, stored, and processed in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection legislation and the Association’s Privacy Policy.

Membership information will be used only for legitimate organizational purposes.

11. Relationship with Other Policies

This Membership Policy should be read together with:

• IACAET Governance and Organizational Structure;
• IACAET Leadership Roles and Terms of Reference;
• IACAET Member Code of Conduct;
• IACAET Privacy Policy; and
• other policies adopted by the Board of Directors.

Where inconsistencies arise, the Governance Framework and decisions of the Board of Directors shall prevail.

12. Review and Amendment

This Membership Policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure that it continues to support the mission and development of IACAET.

The Board of Directors may amend this Policy from time to time following appropriate consultation and organizational review.