Membership

There are many reasons to join your professional association. However, here are probably the top three:

1. Well-trodden path
   We think its easier to navigate the field using a path that previous professionals have trod and that most professionals are using. It helps you better see and take part in all the issues at stake and where the field is going on things like climate change, equitable pay, and workplace diversity. Being a part of a professional community is also reassuring to clients and prospective employers who may not be familiar with field but will recognize a professional body when they see it.
   
   
2. Allyship at its best
   We always advocate for professionalism in the field. When members need a helping hand or, conversely, act in ways that are detrimental to the profession, we have the means to either bridge that gap or work out those differences. We are dedicated to helping our members learn, grow, contribute, create, and thrive throughout their careers. If you are new to the field, we foster a welcoming, accessible, respectful, and active community within the profession. You are guaranteed to meet interesting colleagues along the way.
   
   
3. Strength in numbers
   We realize that not every member agrees with everything we do or how we do it or each other for that matter, but we believe that conservation professionals are stronger advocates for themselves and the field when they come together to use their collective voice, especially that includes underrepresented or marginalized people. We embrace diversity in our membership, our partners, our initiatives, the objects and sites members preserve, and the collections and clients members serve.

We welcome anyone who has a an interest in the field of conservation, regardless of where they are from or located, as a member. We have members from all over the world, Seattle to Singapore.

Membership is also open to anyone without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ethnic or national origin.

Are you a....

• Student the undergraduate or graduate level? Or are you unemployed or underemployed but looking to get into the field? Join as a Student.
• Professional in the field of cultural heritage conservation one or two years after graduation? Join as a Post Graduate.
• Conservator, conservation scientist, collection manager, registrar, curator, librarian, archivist, art handler, mount maker, conservation supplier or service provider, or professional in a field related to cultural heritage conservation? Join as a Member.
• Conservator, conservation scientist, or preservation professional and want to distinguish yourself in the field? Join as a Member now to take advantage of member benefits immediately and then apply to be Professional Member.
• Staff person at a library, archive, or other type of large institution and want to subscribe to our journal? Join as an Institutional Member.
• Non-professional who may not work in the field but still wants to support our mission? Join as a Friend of Conservation!

The amounts above do not reflect discounts based on calendar, location, or work status. We offer a 30% discount on regular membership for those with an annual salary/income of $40,000 and under.

• These groups focus on particular area of expertise or professional interest within the organization.
• They have their own dedicated online community, publish bi-monthly columns in our newsletter, conduct sessions at our annual meeting, and publish periodically.
• You can add them when you first join or later by going to the Manage Membership page of your profile.
• They are free for students and post-graduate members.
• *You can support the work of our free networks by adding them to your membership. Group membership is not required to participate or access their resources, as those are available to all paid AIC members.

Calendar

Because our annual conference is major benefit of membership, we discount dues by roughly 30% for the remainder of the year for anyone who joins after July 1. After Sept 1, we extend the expiration date of new members to the next year.

Location

• Because equity, inclusion, and access are part of our core values as an organization, we discount dues for online memberships for members in parts of the world that have a Gross National Income Per Capita significantly lower than countries in North America or Western Europe. 
  
  
• We calculate the discount automatically based on the preferred address provided and according to categories determined by the World Bank.
  
  
  • 25% off for those in Category 2
  • 50% off for those in Category 3
  • 75% off for those in Category 4
    

• If you do not know to which category your country belongs, download the list below.
  

 Country Categories - Gross National Income

Work Status

If you are an existing member but you no longer work in the field full-time, you are eligible for a 50% discount. Update the work status field to "Retired" in your profile to automatically receive the discount.

Income-Based Discount

If your annual salary or income is US$40,000 or less, you can select a reduced price package when joining or renewing as a Member or Professional Member.

• Our terms are January 1st to December 31st of the same year.
• After July 1, we discount dues, because our annual conference (usually held in May) has passed.
• After September 1, we will automatically set your expiration date for December 31 of the following year, giving you up to four months of membership for free!

Give the gift of membership to an existing member or someone just getting into the field! Contact us to set up.