Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

ACBS is now accepting applications for official Chapters & Special Interest Groups

Chapters
Affiliated chapters are membership organizations associated with ACBS through their interest in the dissemination and growth of ACBS values. Advancing the values of ACBS has become an international effort as witnessed by the countries represented by our members. Chapters provide an excellent way for members to become involved at the local and regional level. Chapters are distinct from Special Interests groups (SIGS). Chapters are established within regions, countries, or localities, or within language communities, while Special Interest Groups are defined by specific topical areas. Given their purpose, Chapters are more formal entities than SIGs.

Please consult the ACBS Chapter Handbook & Sample By-Laws (attached below) to learn how to form your Chapter. Then you may complete the online Chapter Application.

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
SIGs provide an excellent way for members to become involved based on their specific interests. Special Interest Groups are distinct from Chapters. Chapters are established within regions, countries, or localities, or within language communities, while Special Interest Groups are defined by specific topical areas. Given their purpose, SIGs are less formal entities than Chapters.

Please consult the ACBS SIG Handbook (attached below) to learn how to form your SIG. Then you may complete the online SIG Application.

Things to remember...

• Creating accepting, active, values-based groups within ACBS
  When you start a group, be mindful of the possibility that there may be others who could feel left out or threatened if they are unaware of it in the early stages. Please be sensitive to that subtle human problem -- inclusion is a value in the ACBS community. If you are interested in a specific Chapter or SIG you may know who might be expected to be involved at the ground floor. Reach out to them. Err on the side of inclusion -- for example, you might first circulate the idea for such a Chapter or SIG on the main listserves. Be especially mindful of the need for democratic and open processes in choosing leadership as the group forms. If there are "competing groups" in a particular country or problem area, try to get them all involved in the process. If we are to create open values-based groups, the very process of creating them needs to fit that purpose.
• Please read the attached Handbooks thoroughly before contacting the ACBS about your chapter/sig.
• Don't forget to send your signature page to the ACBS office (via mail or email) after you've submitted your application.
• The handbook attachments below are only visible to logged-in, current ACBS members.

As of Summer 2010 there are national or international chapters in Austalia/New Zealand; Italy; Spain; and the UK.

Finally...
We would like to thank the international committee, coordinated by the lovely Robyn Walser, for their hard work toward making ACBS Chapters & SIGs possible.