Membership Categories

The IOA Bylaws have established the following classifications of members:

Member

Any individual who agrees to support and advance the mission of the IOA and its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics may be a member.

Members are entitled to vote on all matters presented to the Association, provided that they are current in their dues and other obligations to the Association. 

Group Member

A Group Membership is available for four or more individuals from the same organization who agree to support and advance the mission of the IOA and its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.

Group Members are entitled to vote on all matters presented to the Association, provided that they are current in their dues and other obligations to the Association. 


Student Affiliate Member

A student who agrees to support and advance the mission of the IOA and its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics may become a Student Affiliate Member.

Student Affiliate Members are not entitled to vote on matters presented to the Association.

Retired Member

A Retired Member is a person who has retired from the practice of ombudsmanry with a minimum of two years of service and was a Member of IOA at the time of retirement. Retired Members are entitled to vote on all matters presented to the Association, provided that they are current in their dues and other obligations to the Association.

Distinguished Emeritus

The Association may recognize certain Retired Members who have served the Association and/or profession with distinction with the honorary title of Distinguished Emeritus. The Board will accept nominations from members and select recipients for the Distinguished Emeritus title.

Retired Members honored with the title of Distinguished Emeritus maintain all the rights of the International Ombuds Association but are not required to pay dues to the Association. 

Join Now