Bylaws

The International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE)


Original: Sep 2020
Revised: July 2021
Adopted: August 2021
Revised: December 2022
Adopted: January 2023
Revised: August 2025
Adopted: September 2025

Article I: Purpose

The International Association for Intelligence Education (hereinafter referred to as IAFIE, IAFIE Global or the Association) advances research, knowledge, education, and professional development for national security, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence.  IAFIE is organized exclusively for educational and charitable purposes as required for tax-exempt organizations under section 501(c) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future tax code.  While founded under U.S. law, the Association also seeks to remain mindful of applicable legal and regulatory requirements where its members and chapters operate.  (IAFIE was originally established as the International Association for Intelligence Studies but has formally changed its name.)
   

Article II: Activities

To fulfill this purpose, IAFIE engages in a range of lawful educational and charitable activities, including the following:

  1. Provides a forum for communication and exchange of ideas and information for those interested in and concerned with Intelligence Studies and intelligence education, including by convening conferences or holding webinars or other events.
  2. Advances intelligence educational practices by setting standards, building resources, and sharing knowledge relating to intelligence.
  3. Fosters relationships and cultivates cooperation among intelligence professionals and educators in academia, governments, and the private sector.
  4. Develops, disseminates, and promotes theories, curricula, methodologies, techniques, and best practices in intelligence education.
  5. Partners with other intelligence professional and educational organizations and academic centers of excellence.
       

Article III: Membership and Voting Rights

IAFIE members are natural persons who support the Association’s purpose and desire to participate in its activities.  Persons may become members as individuals or through partner organizations (see below). 

Membership comprises the following categories:

  1. Annual member;
  2. Lifetime member;
  3. Honorary member; and
  4. Student member.

The Board of Directors shall establish and revise, as appropriate, the dues for annual and lifetime membership.  Honorary membership is awarded as part of IAFIE’s awards or by Board decision;  honorary members are lifetime members but are exempt from paying dues.  The term for annual and student membership will be one (1) year.  Eligibility for student membership requires enrollment in a course of study in intelligence or a related field at an accredited postsecondary school or academic institution; the board shall establish and revise, as appropriate, the dues and terms of student membership.

Annual, lifetime, and honorary members in good standing – including being current on their dues, where required – may vote in elections for the IAFIE Board of Directors, stand for election to the Board, and vote on Amendments to these Bylaws.
   

Article IV: Affiliate Organizations

Certain categories of organizations which support the Association’s purpose and desire to participate in its activities may become affiliate organizations.  Affiliate organizations in good standing may each identify five (5) individuals for membership without separate payment of dues.  These members shall have all the rights and privileges of other members, including to vote in elections for the IAFIE Board of Directors and standing for election to the Board. 

Affiliate organizations comprise the following categories:

  1. Accredited educational Institutions, which may be Universities, Colleges, Community Colleges, or government organizations serving national security practitioners; the individuals identified for membership shall be on the institution’s faculty or staff.
  2. Not-for-profit Organizations, which may be public charities, foundations, social advocacy groups, professional associations, or trade groups; the individuals identified for membership shall be in the organization’s leadership, board, or staff.
  3. Corporations and other for-profit entities with a business purpose or role related to intelligence, which may be small businesses (defined as fewer than 100 employees) or larger enterprises; the individuals identified for membership shall be in the corporation’s leadership or board or employees of the organization.

The Board of Directors shall establish and revise, as appropriate, the annual rates of support for the various categories and sizes of affiliate organizations.
   

Article V: Chapters

IAFIE members may form chapters.  Such chapters are subgroups of IAFIE comprising at least 10 members in good standing, though a group may petition the Board for relief from the requirement for 10 members.  All chapter members must be IAFIE members.  A chapter may be established upon petition to the Board through the Membership Committee, which shall establish and maintain criteria and procedures for such applications.  Once approved by the Membership Committee, a chapter application must be presented to the Board by the Membership Committee for approval by majority vote.  The Board may also terminate a chapter as a result of inactivity, lack of membership, or actions inconsistent with these bylaws.

Chapters must adhere to these bylaws and may not undertake any activities inconsistent with IAFIE’s U.S. tax-exempt status.  Chapters are also expected to comply with all relevant laws in the jurisdiction(s) where they operate.

Chapters may determine their own organizational structure.  The minimum requirements are to document membership and elect a leader from among the chapter’s members.

Chapters may convene conferences or hold webinars or other events.  Each chapter shall work with the IAFIE Programs Director on the scheduling of conferences and other major events.  Each chapter shall also work with the Communications Director to communicate such events to the broader IAFIE membership where appropriate.

A chapter may seek and use IAFIE funds for specific purposes.  The Board may allocate funding to a chapter for specific purposes, either by approving the annual budget or by a separate decision.  A chapter may also seek sponsorships, grants, or donations and spend them for specific purposes consistent with these bylaws, IAFIE’s U.S. tax-exempt status, and all relevant laws.  Chapter funds may be held and managed by the IAFIE Treasurer on behalf of the Chapter.  Each chapter shall report to the IAFIE Treasurer on all income, including in-kind contributions, and expenditures, as required by the IAFIE Treasurer.  Chapters must submit annual reports of their activities to the Vice President for Membership.  Failure to meet these reporting requirements may lead to dissolution of the Chapter by the Board.
   

Article VI: Student Chapters and Student Members

Groups of enrolled graduate or undergraduate students who support the Association’s purpose and desire to participate in its activities may form Student Chapters.  Each Student Chapter will comprise enrolled graduate or undergraduate students at one or more accredited educational institutions with relevant courses of study.  Faculty at each institution who are or may become IAFIE members are encouraged to serve as Advisors to meet educational institution requirements and provide guidance to the students.

A Student Chapter may be established upon petition to the Board through the Membership Committee, which shall establish and maintain criteria and procedures for such applications.  Once approved by the Membership Committee, a chapter application must be presented to the Board by the Membership Committee for approval by majority vote.  The Board may also terminate a chapter as a result of inactivity, lack of membership, or actions inconsistent with these bylaws.

Student Chapters must adhere to these bylaws and may not undertake any activities inconsistent with IAFIE’s U.S. tax-exempt status.  They must also adhere to all relevant laws in the jurisdiction(s) where they operate.

The Board shall establish and revise, as appropriate, the dues for student membership at a rate lower than that for annual membership.  Student Members shall have full, member-level access to IAFIE materials and qualify for member registration rates for IAFIE conferences and other events.  However, Student Members are not entitled to vote for IAFIE Board members, and they may not stand for election to the Board.  Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing students from becoming annual or lifetime members of IAFIE upon payment of the respective dues.

Student chapters may hold events such as webinars or opportunities to hear from intelligence-related faculty or practitioners.  Each chapter shall work with the Communications Director to communicate such events to the broader IAFIE membership where appropriate.
   

Article VII: Individual, Corporate, and Foundation Sponsors

IAFIE may accept and solicit financial support for its operations and activities from individuals, corporations, and foundations.  The IAFIE Board may designate levels of corporate sponsorship of the organization or of its programs or events, providing due recognition unless the donor wishes to make an anonymous contribution.  Any member of the Board employed by the U.S. Government or another organization which restricts fundraising activities will not participate in soliciting, collecting, or recognizing contributions.
   

Article VIII: Board of Directors

Decision authority for IAFIE resides in a Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the Board) elected from and by IAFIE members and comprising all IAFIE Officers and Directors, as detailed below.  All members of the Board elected or appointed under Article X below may vote on any matters that come before the Board.

The Board shall conduct meetings and make decisions in accordance with the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order to ensure that meetings are efficient, democratic, and respectful of all members.  In the event a specific provision of Robert’s Rules of Order is inconsistent with these Bylaws, the Bylaws shall prevail.

The Board shall meet at least every quarter. Special meetings may be called at the request of four (4) voting members of the Board.  The Board may not conduct business without the presence of the President or the Vice President acting in the President’s stead.  In exigent circumstances, the President (or Vice President acting in the President’s staid) may convene the Officers as an Executive Committee, which – if it meets the requirements of a quorum of the Board – may make such decisions as necessary on behalf of the Board; provided, that the President, Vice President, or Secretary shall immediately inform the full Board of any such decisions, which are subject to reversal by a vote of the full Board.

The Board may conduct its business by video conference or teleconference.  The Board may also propose motions and conduct votes by electronic communications, such as E-mail or other collaborative tools; this may be useful in making decisions which should not wait for the next Board meeting or to complete such routine decisions as approval of the minutes.  The role of the President or Vice President as presiding officer remains in effect for virtual meetings, motions, or votes.  Such virtual decisions require a majority of elected members of the Board, since there is no better way to ascertain whether a quorum of members has considered a matter before the Board.

The President (or Vice President presiding in the President’s stead) may invite other IAFIE members, such as the immediate past President and Vice President, to attend Board meetings where they may be able to contribute relevant information or make proposals for Board consideration; such other attendees shall be entitled to speak only as and when recognized by the President (or Vice President presiding in the President’s stead) and shall not be entitled to vote on any matter.

Where a Board Member has either a conflict of interest on any Board matter, that Member is to declare that conflict and stand aside for any vote on that matter.  A record of an abstention due to a conflict of interest shall be recorded in the Meeting Minutes.  A deliberate failure to declare a conflict of interest constitutes a breach of the Standard of Conduct in Article XV below.

The authorities and responsibilities of the Board include the following:

  1. Ensure that the IAFIE General Meeting is held and fulfills the requirements set out below.
  2. Recognize outstanding service, leadership, and research of members of the Association in accordance with IAFIE professional standards.
  3. Ensure effective communication with IAFIE members regarding matters of importance and all upcoming conferences and events.
  4. Cooperate and/or collaborate with agencies, organizations, other academic disciplines on international intelligence research and education efforts.
  5. Remain cognizant and up to date on trends in intelligence research and education and reflect such in annual reviews of intelligence education practices or standards.
  6. Support professional development of IAFIE members.
  7. Support recruitment, conferences, events, and activities.
  8. Approve IAFIE publications, including periodically reviewing its website to ensure that it is current and accurate and reflects the Board’s intent.
  9. Promote intelligence and intelligence related research as well as the scholarship of teaching and learning to advance intelligence education.
  10. Oversee and review the activities of IAFIE Standing Committees as well as all other ad hoc committees and task forces.
  11. Identify requirements for staff and hire and oversee their work.
  12. Identify requirements for IAFIE to acquire goods or services and oversee purchase requests.
  13. Authorize the expenditure or distribution of IAFIE funds for specific purposes and limits, generally through approval of an annual budget or amendments thereto.
  14. Act for the members on their behalf between the Annual General Meetings; and
  15. Exercise all powers not reserved for others elsewhere in these Bylaws.
       

Article IX: Officers and Directors

IAFIE shall have the following Officers, with the duties and responsibilities specified (or additional duties as assigned by the President with the Board’s concurrence), who are elected or appointed from and by IAFIE members as described below; together, they comprise the Executive Committee.  Officers shall serve a term of two years, or for the remainder of a two-year term, and may stand for reelection without limitation.  An officer may resign by written notice to the President.

A.      President:

  1. Presides at all regular and special meetings, including meetings of the Board, the Annual General Meeting, and the annual conference;
  2. Calls special meetings when needed to discuss urgent Association business;
  3. Represents the organization to the general public and to other organizations;
  4. Appoints ad hoc committees and task forces as agreed by the Board to conduct activities and business of the Association;
  5. Fills vacancies on the Board in accordance with the Bylaws; and
  6. Prepares and forwards annual Association programmatic, management, and other recommendations to the full membership. Supports and oversees the Treasurer to develop an annual budget in accordance with the strategic plan and submit to the Board of Directors for approval.

B.      Vice President (VP): 

  1. Supports the President and serves in the absence, disability, or resignation of the President;
  2. Identifies and develops opportunities to enhance efficiency and to support the Association’s strategic plan; and
  3. Performs duties assigned by the President.

C.      Vice President (VP) of Membership:

  1. Chairs the standing membership committee;
  2. Supports the chapters, holding regular meetings with their leaders;
  3. Reports to the IAFIE Board at each regular meeting; and
  4. Identifies and develops opportunities to grow the Association and to support the Association’s strategic plan.

D.      Treasurer:

  1. Proposes and monitors the IAFIE budget for Board approval;
  2. Pays all expenses authorized by the Board;
  3. Works with the chair of the membership committee to ensure collection of all dues and fees;
  4. Manages funds allocated to or held for chapters;
  5. Reports to the Board at each regular meeting and to the annual membership meeting;
  6. Identifies and develops opportunities to enhance efficiency and to support the Association’s strategic plan; and
  7. Develops standard operating guidelines, in accordance with a template provided by the Governance Director with the guidance of the Governance Committee, to provide transparency in operations and reporting requirements.

E.      Secretary:

  1. Keeps and distributes the minutes of all Board of Directors and Association membership meetings;
  2. Ensure compliance with all Association record-keeping and reporting requirements under relevant laws and regulations;
  3. Works with the Governance Chair to manage elections; and
  4. Identifies and develops opportunities to improve record-keeping and transparency and to support the Association’s strategic plan.

IAFIE shall also have the following additional Directors, who may serve on the Board and carry out the duties and responsibilities specified (or additional duties as assigned by the President with the Board’s concurrence).  These Directors are also elected or appointed from and by IAFIE members as described below.  Directors shall serve a term of two years, or for the remainder of a two-year term, and may stand for reelection without limitation.  An director may resign by written notice to the President.  Any IAFIE member elected to Chair one of the Standing Committees (as set out below) may, in that person’s sole discretion, request to serve as Chair without also serving as a Director on the Board; in which case, such person may attend Board meetings but may not make or second motions or vote, and the quorum requirement will be appropriately reduced.

F.      Communications Director (Chair of the Communications Committee):

  1. Chairs the standing Communications Committee;
  2. Develops and implements a communications strategy for the organization; and
  3. Coordinates with chapters to ensure consistent messaging and to keep IAFIE members informed of conferences and other events.

G.      Programs Director (Chair of the Programs Committee):

  1. Chairs the standing Programs Committee;
  2. Develops and implements a strategy to expand IAFIE programs to provide benefit to members and affiliates; and
  3. Works with the Communications Director to ensure that IAFIE members are informed of programs and activities.

H.      Educational Practices Director (Chair of the Educational Practices Committee):

  1. Chairs the standing Educational Practices Committee (EPC);
  2. With the advice of the EPC, makes recommendations to the Board on developing, disseminating, and promoting theories, curricula, methodologies, techniques, and best practices for intelligence education;
  3. Leads EPC development of educational standards for academic degree programs and course certification; and
  4. Documents all certifications and works with the Communications Director to make these certifications available to IAFIE members and the public.

I.      Governance Director (Chair of the Governance Committee):

  1. Chairs the standing Governance Committee;
  2. Leads Governance Committee consideration of recommendation and proposals to revisions to these Bylaws and, with the advice of the committee, proposes Bylaws Amendments for consideration by the Board;
  3. Works with other IAFIE officers and regional and student groups to develop chapter bylaws and Standard Operating Guidelines for standing committees;
  4. Advocates in Board meetings for compliance with these Bylaws, first, and Roberts Rules of Order, second;
  5. Directs annual establishment of a Nominations Committee to identify qualified candidates for IAFIE Officer and Director positions; and
  6. Ensures compliance with all Association record-keeping and reporting requirements under relevant laws and regulations and, as applicable, other national or local requirements.
       

Article X: Election and Appointment of Officers

IAFIE will hold member elections for all Officer and Director positions every other year, in odd years.  All IAFIE honorary, lifetime, and annual members in good standing who have been IAFIE members for more than one year are eligible to stand for election.  All IAFIE honorary, lifetime, and annual members are eligible and encouraged to vote.

In each election year, the Governance Director shall establish procedures for the election.  This shall include the establishment of a Nominating Committee to encourage and receive nominations, including self-nominations, by IAFIE members for each Officer or Director position.  Elections may be carried out by ballot either in person (including at the Annual General Meeting), by email, the web, or by other means, including other electronic balloting methods.  Election as an officer or director requires the votes of a plurality of eligible members voting in an election.

In the event of a vacancy for any officer or director position, the President may:

EITHER
Appoint a replacement, subject to approval of a majority of members of the Board;
OR
Direct the Governance Director to conduct a special election to fill the vacancy.
   

Article XI: Committees of the Board

The Board shall have Standing Committees to conduct the business of the association and may also establish ad hoc Committees for specific purposes for a limited period of time.  The Standing Committees conduct the business of the Association advise the Board on issues and opportunities specific to each committee’s remit as well as on policy initiatives as directed by the Board.  Each Standing Committee shall be chaired by a member of the Board or other IAFIE member, as specified within these bylaws, elected or appointed to that role.  Should a vacancy arise in a Board position that chairs a committee, the President may either may either appoint a chair to carry out the duties on a temporary basis, subject to approval by the Board, until the next general election or direct the Governance Director to identify a slate of eligible candidates who are interested and qualified in order to hold a special election from among the IAFIE membership.  Committees shall comprise members of the Board as well as other IAFIE members in good standing interested in participating in advancing the purposes of a particular committee.  Each Standing Committee shall develop standard operating guidelines, in accordance with a template provided by the Governance Director with the guidance of the governance committee, to provide transparency in their operations and decision processes.

The Standing Committees and their responsibilities are as follows:

  1. Communications Committee.  The Communications Committee is responsible for the supervision, maintenance, and updating of the Association website, newsletter, social media presence, experiential vignettes, conference, and events information. The Committee shall advise the Board of Directors and assist in communications within the Association. The Committee shall advise and make recommendations to the Board on the recognition of outstanding contributions of research, leadership, and service to intelligence education. The Communications Committee will act as the liaison between the Association and other professional organizations and centers of excellence.
  2. Programs Committee.  The Program Committee shall be primarily responsible for planning the annual conference and for identifying subsequent annual conference venues. In addition, the Programs Committee shall work with IAFIE members and Chapters to develop recommendations to the Board for other special events, webinars, study groups, specialty interest groups, etc. that promote the Association’s stated mission.
  3. Educational Practices Committee.  The EPC shall advise and make recommendations to the Board on developing, disseminating, and promoting the theories, curricula, methodologies, techniques, and best practices for intelligence education. The EPC will also set education standards for academic degree programs and support accreditation efforts. The EPC will also be responsible for maintaining the course certification program. The EPC will also inform the Board and the Association of existing or future intelligence education research directions and opportunities for Association members.
  4. Membership Committee. The Vice President for Membership shall chair the Membership Committee. The Membership Committee shall consist of the Vice President, Communications Chair, Programs Chair, Secretary, and at least one IAFIE member not on the Board.  The Membership Committee shall be responsible for encouraging and acquiring members in al IAFIE membership categories.
    The Membership Committee will also be responsible for designing and maintaining application requirements, structures, and processes for all membership categories.
    The Membership Committee shall work with the Treasurer to suggest appropriate dues levels for all membership categories to the Board for approval.
  5. Governance Committee.  The GC shall be responsible for maintaining alignment of the operations of the Association with the Bylaws, annually reviewing the Bylaws for such alignment, and reporting suggested revisions to the Board.
    The GC shall also recommend action to the Board for structural changes to ensure the Association and all Board operations follow its Bylaws, legal and fiduciary duties, and obligations.
    The GC will also work with the Board to establish a slate of candidates for each biannual election and any special elections as directed by the Board or the President as vacancies or Association needs arise.
    The GC will also work with each standing Committee to establish a set of Standard Operating Guidelines. SOGs (or their revision) are reviewed and revised as necessary each year by the standing committee. SOGs are delivered to the Board for purposes of discussion and information (not for a vote).
  6. Committee Recommendations
    All recommendations, questions or concerns of a standing committee, ad hoc committee or task force may be placed on a Board meeting agenda by contacting the President (or Vice President, if required) or Secretary in advance of a board meeting, or in the Board consideration of the meeting agenda.
       

Article XII: Meetings

The Board shall convene an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to serve its members. The date and place will be determined by the Board of Directors but will normally occur just before/after the annual conference and may be held in person and/or online.  At the AGM, the Board will provide a summary of major Board activities including a report of the current financial status of the Association by the Treasurer or designee, an update on standing committee activities by all officers or their representatives, and a report on major aspirations, goals or initiatives of the Association by the President or designee. The President may also use the AGM to seek advice from the members regarding IAFIE activities.

Notice of the AGM shall be sent to all members at least 120 days before said meeting or shall be identified in the announcement(s) for the annual conference where the AGM to be held in concert with the annual conference.

The Board of Directors shall determine the AGM agenda in advance.

Voting on issues may be accomplished either online, via fax, by mail, or in person at the AGM. Voting during the AGM on non-election matters shall be conducted by the President or Vice President.

The Board may also convene a Special General Meeting, which may be in person or virtual.  Any IAFIE member in good standing may request the convening of a Special General Meeting.  The Board will consider such a request without delay with the recommendation of the Governance Director.

   

Article XIII: Finances

  1. Financial Reports
    The Treasurer, in conjunction with the President, shall prepare a proposed budget for the Association and present it to the Board for review and approval prior to the annual general meeting (AGM; see Article VI A 1). The budget as approved by the Board shall be presented by the Treasurer to the membership at the AGM along with an income statement for the previous year.
  2. Revenues
    1. Dues. Acting on suggestions from the Membership Committee, the Board of Directors shall determine and approve membership dues levels and other fees annually.
    2. Other Revenues. The Board of Directors is empowered to solicit revenue sources other than dues such as institutional support from foundations, individuals, businesses, conferences, special events, webinars, and other meeting revenues.
  3. Fiscal Year
    The fiscal year of the Association shall be January 1 to December 31.
  4. Audit
    The Board may decide to perform an audit of the financial accounts of the Association for any fiscal year by appointing an independent auditor.
  5. Compliance
    As an association incorporated in the U.S., IAFIE’s financial management follows U.S. laws and practices.  Chapters in other jurisdictions are expected to align their financial practices to comply with both these requirements and applicable local standards.
       

Article XIV: Limitations

This Association shall be non-profit, non-partisan, and apolitical. The Association shall work only toward the objectives stated in Article II of these Bylaws. The Association will take no partisan action or commit its members to any position except those pertaining to intelligence education.
      

Article XV: Standard of Conduct and Removal of Officers or Members

IAFIE will hold officers and members accountable for their conduct within and on behalf of the Association.  This includes compliance with these Bylaws.  This also includes treating all individuals with dignity and respect, without personal attacks, offensive language, or discriminatory or harassing conduct.

The Board of Directors may vote to remove officers or suspend or expel members for failure to conduct themselves by these standards.  The Board may provide written warning before suspending or expelling an officer or member.  Any removal from office, suspension, or expulsion shall be communicated in writing.  Any member removed from office, suspended, or expelled may appeal once to the Board; the Board’s decision on the appeal will be final.
   

Article XVI: Amendments

IAFIE Board members and IAFIE members may recommend revisions of these Bylaws; all such recommendations shall be considered by the Governance Committee.  The Governance Director, with the advice of the Governance Committee, may propose Amendments to these Bylaws to the Board, which shall consider and revise and/or endorse them by majority vote.  Amendments to these Bylaws endorsed by the Board shall be presented to annual, lifetime, and honorary members in good standing for approval.  The Secretary and Communications Director will disseminate the proposed Amendments to the IAFIE membership without delay.  Amendments so proposed may be adopted by majority vote or acclamation at the Annual General Meeting; alternatively, the President may choose to submit the Amendments for approval by an electronic vote, which shall require the affirmative votes of a majority of those responding by a deadline established by the Board.
   

Article XVII: Dissolution

The Association may only be dissolved by members eligible to vote according to Article III at an Annual General Meeting held solely for the purpose of determining the question of dissolving the Association. The vote is affirmative with a 3/4 majority of votes cast.

Upon an affirmative vote to dissolve the Association, the Board must determine the disposition of all IAFIE assets and liabilities.